The Wayne & Garfield County Insider August 28, 2025
BLM Transfers
600 Public Acres to Utah Division of State Parks
SALT LAKE CITY -
On August 19, the Bureau of Land Management and State of Utah announced transfer of six hundred and eighteen acres of small, isolated BLM parcels within Antelope Island State Park and adjacent to Wasatch Mountain State Park to the state. Transferring these lands will consolidate ownership and improve the visitor experience through more consistent management.
“This land transfer reflects our commitment to efficient land management,” said BLM West Desert District Manager Michael D. Gates. “By consolidating land ownership, we’re creating a better experience for the public.”
As part of Public Law 118-181, the Utah State Parks Adjustment
Land Transfer Cont'd on A2
Ian Marynowski
ANTIMONY - In late December of 2024, a mining prospector from South Dakota made a thirteenhour drive to a remote town in southern Utah. “I just saw it on the map and
Ron Rogers
The Escalante Canyons Art Festival (ECAF) will celebrate its 21st year in the breathtaking red rock scenery of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from September 19 to 28, 2025.
ESCALANTE - The Escalante Canyons Art Festival (ECAF) will celebrate its 21st year in the breathtaking red rock scenery of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from September 19 to 28, 2025.
This year’s lineup is as diverse as the landscape, featuring art demos and classes about art in its many forms. Visual art classes include woodcut printmaking, simplified watercolor plein air, paint-
ing shapes and shadows in the shifting sun, on-site oil painting, composing a Southwestern landscape, and nature-inspired abstracts.
Competition winners will garner $10,000 in award money in six categories: plein air, studio work, junior, miniature, abstract, and nocturne.
Additionally, artists who write can participate
ECAF Cont'd on B2
figured it couldn’t be that easy, but it seems like it might be one of the better reserves in the U.S.” said Cody Schad, the South Dakotan miner. What he saw on the map was the word
Utah Division of Water Resources Seeking Public Input for 2026 State Water Plan
SALT LAKE CITY -
The Utah Division of Water Resources is developing the 2026 State Water Plan—a strategic blueprint for managing Utah’s water future— and is seeking input from the public.
“Updating the State Water Plan is a key step in preparing for Utah’s water future,” said Candice Hasenyager, Director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. “These Water Talks will help ensure the plan reflects both local issues and statewide priorities.”
To gather public input, the division is launching Water Talks Cont'd on B2
‘Antimony.’ Those claims have since been transferred to Australian mining corporation Trigg Minerals, who are exploring the potential for new mining operations and currently hold
all of the more-than 300 claims in the region. For those who live in, or are familiar with Gar-
Antimony Cont'd on B3
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met Monday, August 18, opening with a report from Executive Director of the R6 Regional Council Travis Kyhl. Kyhl reviewed the agency’s programs and budget, noting the council manages more than fifty across the six-county region, including senior nutrition, housing, and economic development. He emphasized the value of the Community Advisor Program, highlighting Brock Jackson’s work in Wayne County. “In my eighteen-year career, this is the most important work our AOG has ever done,” Kyhl said. Commissioner Blackburn agreed. “It makes a huge difference, honestly.” Blackburn said.
Wayne Commission Cont'd on B4
PANGUITCH - In the town of Panguitch, Utah, a food trailer is capturing attention and satisfying appetites with its heartfelt, authentic flavors. Let’s Taco Bout It—owned and
Let’s Taco Bout It Cont'd on B2
operated by Stephanie Johnson, a single mother hailing from Las Vegas—has rapidly gained popularity among locals. Alongside her son, Mario, Johnson delights customers with authentic tacos, mulitas, quesadillas, and other delicious items—all made from scratch and with a
Jaynie Connor
Stephanie Johnson and her son, Mario, run Let’s Taco Bout It—a food trailer in Panguitch that focuses
Chamberlain
Courtesy Robert Bryant
Trump Has Pledged to ‘Lead a Movement to Get Rid of’ Voting by Mail. Will Utah Be a Target? High-ranking Utah Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Henderson and senator who sponsored state’s last major election bill, say states have the right to control their own elections by
Katie McKellar | Utah News Dispatch
UTAH - President
Donald Trump last week vowed to “lead a movement to get rid of” voting by mail ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“WE WILL BEGIN THIS EFFORT, WHICH WILL BE STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE DEMOCRATS BECAUSE THEY CHEAT AT LEVELS NEVER SEEN BEFORE, by signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections,” the president said in a post on Truth Social on Monday, August 18.
Trump, who has long opposed voting by mail, continued to claim, without evidence, that it’s fraught with fraud.
Utah has been the only red state among eight that have conducted universal by-mail elections, including six Democratic strongholds and one swing state—a fact that some conservatives here have balked at, while others have defended the state’s by-mail system as a popular, convenient and safe voting method.
After Trump’s post, Utah’s top election official, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, a Republican, issued a short statement on social media without addressing the president directly.
“The constitutional right of individual states to choose the manner in which they conduct secure elections is a fundamental strength of our system,” Henderson said.
The president, however, asserted that states should do what the federal government wants.
“Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes,” Trump said. “They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do.”
Another highranking Republican and member of GOP legislative leadership—Senate Majority Assistant Whip Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork—disagrees.
McKell told Utah News Dispatch in an in-
terview Tuesday, August 19, that, like Henderson said, states have the right to choose how to administer their elections, and that he’d push back on an effort to completely undo voting by mail.
“In Utah, we’re in a good place. I think there’s strong support for vote by mail. There’s also strong support for security,” McKell said.
He added that’s “the needle we tried to thread” earlier this year when the 2025 Utah Legislature passed a bill that he sponsored to require voter ID and eventually phase out automatic voting by mail in this state by 2026. The aim of that bill, he said, was to preserve voting by mail as an option for Utah voters while also adding a new layer of security.
Even though local polls have shown a vast majority of Utahns remain confident in their elections, Gallup polling shows trust nationally has decreased especially among a faction of Republican voters since 2006 as elections have become more polarized. After Trump lost the 2020 election, he ramped up rhetoric to cast doubt on election security and voting by mail.
Asked about Trump’s comments, McKell reiterated it’s a matter of states rights.
“It is a federalism issue,” he said. “If it’s not enumerated in the (U.S.) Constitution, it’s reserved for the states. That’s article 10. I think states have the right to dictate how they run their elections.”
McKell also defended Utah’s track record as a state that has used voting by mail for years, starting with optional pilot programs that counties opted into before moving to universal voting by mail.
“In the state of Utah, Republicans have done really well with vote by mail. We elect Republicans,” he said, also noting that Trump in 2024 won the red state handily. “There’s generally broad support for vote by mail, especially among rural voters and elderly voters in Utah.”
He added that “it’s OK if there’s some tension between the federal government and state government,” but he argued the Constitution clearly reserves elections for states to control and administer.
Pressed on how he’d respond to pressure from the Trump administration to get rid of voting by mail, McKell said, “I would resist a movement that didn’t originate in the state,” adding that he responds to his constituents, not the federal government.
“If there’s a movement to change vote by mail, it needs to come from—it must come from—the state,” he said. “It’s a state issue. The states need to be in control of their own elections. Right now, I don’t feel like there’s a reason to eliminate vote by mail. I think we do a good job.”
Not all Republicans in Utah embrace voting by mail, however. Earlier this year, McKell’s bill was the result of a compromise between the House and Sen-
Land Transfer:
ate to more drastically restrict the state’s universal vote-by-mail system.
Asked whether Trump’s comments could further inflame skepticism around the security of voting by mail in Utah, McKell said it’s nothing new. “We saw these comments before, and even going into the last legislative session, there were folks that opposed vote by mail.”
But McKell said multiple state audits “have shown that our elections are safe and secure,” while legislators have also made efforts to continually improve the system where issues have cropped up, like in voter roll maintenance.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s comments could fan some Republican lawmakers’ appetite to go after voting by mail during their next general session in January, but McKell said typically every year there’s a slew of election bills for legislators to sort through.
Asked whether he plans to make any tweaks to his 2025 bill, McKell said he’s still talking with clerks about any possible changes.
“I feel like we did strike a really appropriate balance, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look at ways to make it better,” he said, adding that he doesn’t have any specific proposals yet, “but that could change as we get closer to the legislative session.”
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on August 20, 2025.
On August 19, the Bureau of Land Management and State of Utah announced transfer of six hundred and eighteen acres of small, isolated BLM parcels within Antelope Island State Park and adjacent to Wasatch Mountain State Park to the state. Transferring these lands will consolidate ownership and improve the visitor experience through more consistent management.
Land Transfer Cont'd from A1
Act, the BLM will transfer three hundred and twentynine acres to Antelope Island State Park and two hundred and eighty-nine acres to Wasatch Mountain State Park. The land will be owned and managed by the Utah Department of Natu-
ral Resources’ Division of State Parks.
For more information, please contact BLM Realty Specialist Brendan Willig at bwillig@blm.gov. —Bureau of Land Management
“Federal and state collaboration ensures our public lands are protected and the public is served,” said Utah State Parks Director Scott Strong. “Public lands are for everyone, and we invite everyone to make lifelong memories experiencing Utah’s incredible state parks. We will continue to ensure these lands are maintained for the enjoyment and preservation of this and future generations.”
Spenser Heaps Utah News Dispatch
Eva Przybyla, front, and Nicholas Wells process ballots at the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
News from Wayne County
School Daze
by Adus F. Dorsey
After the fair came to an abrupt halt on Saturday night, many of the kids in the stands had their smiles turned upside down when they realized that, come bright and early Monday morning, they were going back to the classroom, where they were going to be expected to remember all their ABCs or college level calculus even though they hadn’t even cracked a book since May.
WAYNE CO. - The 2025 Wayne County Fair wrapped up on Saturday, August 16, with a raucous round of fireworks that some compared to the 1992 closing ceremony at the Barcelona Olympics. Well, that analogy might be a bit of a stretch, given that there was some suspicion as to what was in all of those styrofoam cups and water bottles at the rodeo. Either way, the 2025 Wayne County World’s Fair was fun and filled with good friends and good memories. Some folks even walked away with some unanticipated chickens and pigs, one of which is still running loose in Hanksville and is yet to be located.
After the fair came to an abrupt halt on Saturday night, many of the kids in the stands had their smiles turned upside down when they realized that, come bright and early Monday morning, they were going back to the classroom, where they were going to be expected to remember all their ABCs or college level calculus even though they hadn’t even cracked a book since May.
Unlike days of yore, school days back in the day were a lot different when the privilege of attending classes was a luxury.
It is written that pioneer communities in early 1900 Wayne County tried to offer schooling for local youth as soon as possible. Sometimes classes were held in private homes until the first public building could be erected. A simple wooden structure usually served as a combination church, school, and community center. Later, the residents of most communities built a separate church meetinghouse and a school. The school year was short because children on farms and ranches worked alongside their parents to help the family survive. What is equally important is that there was seldom much money in small towns to do more than offer a teacher board and room and a few dollars pay to buy a few supplies. Maintaining a school in each small town remained a challenge to taxpayers and school officials in Wayne County well into the twentieth century.
The biennial reports that Wayne County school superintendents sent to state officials in the early twentieth century paint a
dismal picture of underpaid and often poorly trained teachers, decrepit and possibly dangerous facilities, lack of educational materials and supplies, and a shorter than normal school year.
Superintendent J.A. Robison's 1900-1902 report shows his frustration with the depth of the problem. He did not mince words: "The highest salary that has been paid to teachers during the past two years amounted to $350 per year. The consequence is that as soon as a good teacher can get employment elsewhere, he leaves the county, and his place has to be filled by an inexperienced teacher."
Schools offered two tenweek terms, for a total of five months of school per year—one of the shortest school years in the state. Only two local districts, Fremont and Loa, owned their own school buildings. Other districts still used the old multipurpose buildings—reported now to be in "poor condition"—erected by LDS church members in the early settlement period. The buildings were also poorly maintained: "The teacher often goes to school and finds the floor un-swept, no fires built and no wood chopped," according to the report. In some "remote" schools, Robison wrote that the teacher or students did all the janitorial work. Almost every school had "a number of so-called educational maps, charts, etc." that, in Robison's opinion, were "generally not of any use whatsoever." The county's twelve local school districts operated on a total budget of about $4,000 a year—more than half of which came from the state school fund. Some school districts could pay teachers only $35 to $40 per tenweek term.
In about the year 1910, the people of Wayne County began to seriously consider the possibility of establishing a high school. Mosiah Hall, State High School Inspector said a high school might be organized with fifty students,
but that it would not be economical to maintain one for less than eighty. A survey of the communities indicated that the requirement for students could be met. The next question to be considered was the location of the school. The residents of Wayne County were divided on this issue. Those in the lower part of the county favored Thurber as a central location, while the people of Loa thought the school should be located there because the town was larger.
In June 1913, the proposition of whether a high school should be established and where was put to a vote. The result of the ballots indicated that a majority of the people favored the establishment of a school in the town of Thurber. Thurber school precinct had recently finished the construction of a rock building in 1952, for elementary grades, and the people of Thurber suggested this for the use of the high school. It had two large rooms and one small one on the ground floor and an amusement hall on the upper floor and a stage along the south side. The challenge was that in order to open a school, it would be necessary to secure qualified teachers.
Anne Snow, Superintendent of Wayne District, was charged with the search for teachers and, subsequently, went to Salt Lake City to find some.
On the recommendation of Inspector Hall, two teachers were hired, Horace H. Higgs and Bess L. Montgomery. Since practically all students would be doing first year high school work, two teachers were sufficient.
Today, Wayne County students enjoy a new high school, and, soon, a new elementary school in Bicknell.
The big yellow school buses are on the move, the bell has rung, and class is in session.
References; Wayne School District records, Salt Lake Tribune, Memories of Yesteryear, Wayne County
Adus F. Dorsey II
Wills, Trusts, and More
Your estate plan is only as effective as the people you choose to help you carry it out. Choose wisely and organize your financial information in ways that make carrying out your plans as easy as possible.
Think about it. You maintain a massive amount of information about your life in your head, in your desk, in your file cabinet, and in your computer. Now suppose that you were unable to tell people where everything was kept. Would they be able to find information quickly about your life, homeowners, or health insurance? Your mutual funds? Your pension? Your credit cards? Your estate planning documents?
We have prepared a tool to help you keep track of all of your assets, liabilities, and other important information. This tool is an estate planning binder. By you updating the binder regularly, you
Recordkeeping
by Jeffery J. McKenna
will make a dramatic difference in helping others settle your affairs if you become incapacitated or if you were to suddenly die. The binder will also help you when you need this information —whether you are filing a tax return, making an insurance claim, or even sending out change-of-address notices after a move.
Documents that are difficult or impossible to replace should be stored where the danger of destruction by fire or other accidental means is minimal. A fireproof safe might be a worthwhile investment, keeping in mind that there may be a delay in gaining access to a safe-deposit box. Some items on the list, such as your will, should be kept in more than one location. For example, the original might be kept in your safe-deposit box, and a copy with a loved one.
Recordkeeping can simplify so many things for your loved ones, should they need to assist you in organizing your affairs should you become ill, or take over your affairs should you die. It is a valuable tool in keeping track of your own affairs, especially should memory fade in your older years.
Because it is such an important help and valuable timesaving tool, the Law Office of Barney, McKenna & Olmstead provides a comprehensive Estate Planning Recordkeeper for all clients that do an estate plan. In it you can log your important information, then provide copies to trusted family members, or keep it in a known location in case it is ever needed
When needed an estate planning binder is an invaluable help and blessed gift to those you love.
Now with Richfield and Panguitch offices to serve clients in and around the surrounding counties.
Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 25 years. He is licensed and serves clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna and Olmstead.
If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, please feel free to contact him at 435 628-1711 or jeff@bmo.law or visit the firm’s website at www.bmolawfirm.com. He would enjoy hearing from you.
country roads
by Lynn Griffin
The Lost Tourist
A tourist in London decides to skip his tour group and explore the city on his own.
He wanders around, seeing the sights, and occasionally checking his map to get back on track.
After some time, he realizes he is lost. Fortunately, he spots a cab and hails its.
He instructs the driver to take him to the most popular tourist spot.
The cabbie turns around and says, "No problem, mate. Here we are!"
Speeding Driver
A man is speeding down a highway when he gets pulled over by a cop.
The officer comes up to the car and says, "Do you have any idea how fast you were going?"
The man replies, "I'm sorry officer. I was rushing to a lecture about the negative impacts of alcohol abuse and the importance of staying within the law."
Intrigued, the officer asked, "Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?"
The man smirks and says, "My wife."
PUNishment
Some aquatic mammals at the zoo escaped. It was otter chaos!
THEME: Meet Me In...
ACROSS
1. Manual calculator, pl.
6. Beach Boys: "____ Only Knows"
9. Army beds
13. Pressed ham and cheese sandwich 14. Part of spch 15. Popular Latin dance
16. Influencer's creation
17. Hula dancer's flowers
18. Birdlike
19. *Meet me here, under the arch
21. *Meet me at the Top of the Rock
23. Comic book expression for alarm
24. Press backward arrow key
25. "Hand" with claws
28. Spreadsheet software command
30. Day off, backwards
35. Bug-eyed
37. "Cheers" regular
39. Coupe alternative
40. Be dependent
41. Damage one's reputation
43. Slightly (2 words)
44. Prefix for below
46. Shade of beige
47. Java neighbor
48. War mounts
50. Rope fiber
52. "____ Now or Never"
53. Leave at the altar
55. Flapper's feathers
57. *Meet me at the London Bridge
61. *The Black Eyed Peas: "Meet Me ____" 65. *Meet me in ____ Mara, Kenya
66. Undergarment 68. *Meet me in Australia to see this bear 69. Done to printer cartridge 70. Corn unit 71. Poet W. H. ____ of "Funeral Blues"
The Smart Parrot
A lady was walking past a pet store when a parrot said, "Hey, lady! You're really ugly!"
The lady was furious and continued on her way.
On the way home, she passed by the pet store again, and the parrot once more said,"Hey, lady! You're really ugly!"
She was incredibly ticked now, so she went into the store and said that she would sue the store and kill the bird.
The store manager apologized profusely and promised he would make sure that the parrot didn't say it again. The next day, she deliberately passed the store to test the parrot.
"Hey, lady," it squawked.
"Yes," she paused.
"You know," the parrot said.
Strong solution of sodium
Like gelled hair
Parts of a play
Actor Reynolds of "Smokey and the Bandit"
Cain's victim
Paddler's vessel
Endows or empowers
"Buffalo ____, won't you come out tonight..."
Keats' poem
Jinn or genie
Guinea pig or capybara
Mixture
Went to bid farewell
Obituaries
Eunice Burr
PANGUITCH - Eunice Burr, born Nov. 18th, 1945, passed away Aug. 13th, 2025, at 3:20 p.m. She is survived by her husband, Lester Burr; brother, Sonny Pain; grandchildren, Becky Chiesa, Connie Vandervort, John Burr, Saphira Burr, Zephery Burr, Duke Burr, Joshua Beck, Jaxson Beck, Jillian Beck; daughter-in-law, Di Beck; stepsons, Jerome Burr, DeWan Burr, and Jason Nelson. She was a very loving person in the time that I knew her; she was always taking the role of mother and grandmother to most of the people that she met. When she had the opportunity, she would do something kind as long as she was able to get away with it and no one knew. I had the pleasure of helping Lester take care in her last days, and she was trying to take care of us all the way up to the end.
Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Panguitch Cemetery, 1000 East 300 South in Panguitch.
A viewing was held prior to services from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. at the Panguitch Cemetery.
Services provided by Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti.
It looks like the monsoons are here at last, and it is still August. The weather people say it is going to rain all this week, and we sure can use the moisture. This weekend is the last three-day holiday this summer, and it is my favorite holiday, which is Labor Day. The Senior Pro Rodeo will be at the Triple C Arena for all three days. Come on down and watch how the pros do their stuff. Some of the riders are homegrown and will entertain you.
I think that Pat and I will be going over to Parowan to watch their county fair parade. They also have a car show, with a lot of beautiful works of art sitting in a big oblong circle. These car shows keep getting bigger each year, and having a vintage car is big with the retired set. Next weekend, on the 5th and 6th, will be our car show, and I bet there will be over a one hundred cars this year.
Well I got trumped again. I ordered some items out of a catalog the other day, and when I heard the bill, I thought it was a bit high. But using my computer tonight, I found the
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
bill, and beyond the tax, there was a $49.00 tariff cost for shipping. So much for ordering out of a catalog anymore. Last month, the tariff revenues climbed to $28 billion, which is an increase of 273% over last year. Meanwhile, the monthly budget deficit came in at $291 billion. This will be added on to the national debt. The second season is
just around the corner, if we are going to have one. It starts the week after Labor Day and has been a time when there have been many Europeans and Asian tourists. I hardly saw any hotels with "No Vacancy" sign out this last summer. I was told by some business owners that business has been down 30%. We do have one of our old motels undergoing a face lift,
and it seems that the new owners are overhauling the whole place. The summer is almost over, and, weatherwise, it couldn’t have been better in Panguitch. The nights were cool, and the day temps were never any warmer than the low 90s.
Check your catalog totals before you buy. Mack O.
Lake Powell Low Water Updates: Wahweap Main Launch Ramp Inoperable, Rainbow Bridge Dock Moves
GLEN CANYON
NATIONAL RECRE-
ATION AREA - Low water levels are prompting two important changes for visitors:
• Wahweap Main Launch Ramp has been inoperable since Monday, August 18. All other Wahweap services and Wahweap Main courtesy dock remains open. Rainbow Bridge dock has been moved to deeper water as of Monday, August 25. This change means easy dock-to-trail access to Rainbow Bridge will
not be available until water levels rise again.
Restrooms at the dock will remain open.
The National Park Service is closely monitoring conditions and will continue to provide updates as lake levels change.
Plan Ahead: Boaters are responsible for knowing the minimum water depth required for their vessel and trailer. Before visiting, check the park website and social media channels for the most current ramp and dock status.
About the National Park Service
Obituaries
Wayne K. Turner
1976 - 2025
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at http://www. nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/ natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/ nationalparkservice.
—National Park Service
ROOSEVELT - Wayne Kerry Turner, age 49, passed away August 19, 2025, at his home in Roosevelt. He was born January 21, 1976, in Richfield, Utah, a son of James Kerry and Corinne Peterson Turner. He was welcomed home to Loa, Utah, by his older brothers and partners in crime, J.D. and Rob and later welcomed his best friends Kimberly, Tara, and Dustin. He loved growing up in Loa, riding his bike through the streets of his small town with his best buddy Justin Giles. It was the perfect place to roam, explore, and find mischief, which he found plenty of. He loved living next door to his Grandpa and Grandma Turner and spent much time in their home. He graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1994. He was proud to be a Wayne County Badger where he made many friends, cherished memories, and again made too much mischief.
Wayne was a blue collar man, through and through. A desk job would have never been for him. He worked for Hales Sand & Gravel paving & building roads with his best friend and brother J.D. He loved working at Hales and grew many wonderful friendships there, but particularly with Jeremy Frischknecht, who became one of his lifelong best friends. However, Wayne's true love was driving trucks. He loved the sounds, smells, freedom, and joy he found while driving. His love for driving started young as he rode next to his father James, who took him everywhere across the United States in an 18 wheeler. Wayne would eventually operate his own small trucking company, Turner Transport, Inc. for over 15 years, supplying jobs for others, supporting his family, creating many numerous friendships, and living his dream of running his own business. His business started in Salina, Utah working for DP Curtis, whom he loved and appreciated for helping his business dreams come true. His business led him to Roosevelt, Utah to be closer to his brother Rob, who he adored, admired, and respected. Eventually, he longed to be home with his family more and closed his business doors. He loved being home every night while working for Maverik, Rhinehart and currently Big Star.
While working for Hales Sand & Gravel, Wayne met the love of his life, Terra Gleave, while paving parking lots at Ruby’s Inn in Bryce, Utah. When asked, he said he instantly fell in love with her when she peeled into the parking lot of the Bryce Canyon Car Care Center in her silver Dodge, music blaring with Brittany Frischknecht in tow. Love grew fast between the two of them. Together they built a beautiful life welcoming three beautiful red-headed, big personality children: Jaxlen, Stetsyn, and Arby Jo. In addition, two beautiful angel babies, Kingston and Willis Dean were added to their beautiful eternal family. Wayne’s world revolved around Terra and his children. They were his true North and where his heart lived and loved. Wayne was their biggest cheerleader and strongest critic. He worked tirelessly to provide, love, and care for them both monetarily, physically, and emotionally. He truly was THE BEST dad and husband. He even became an Instant Pot Chef, which he hated, while Terra was in nursing school so he could take responsibilities from Terra while she was in school. Wayne was a wonderful brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. Wayne had many nieces and nephews, whom he adored. He had a special spot in his heart for each and every one of them. He was especially honored to have his niece Bailey Sorensen live in his home with his family and he cherished the time he got to share with her. He considered his brother-in-law Arby “his big kid” and loved and cherished him and the relationship they had.
Wayne was a quiet teddy bear with RBF. He could be difficult to get to know but once you did, you were friends for life. Wayne carried many things in his heart, and while tough on the outside, he was a peacemaker and protector, who was very gentle, sensitive and kind. He had difficulty expressing and working through many things. Mental health is real. Please remember that if this could happen to Wayne Turner, anyone could be susceptible. Please take care of your mental health.
He is survived by his loving wife, Terra; his children: Jaxlen, Stetsyn and Arby Jo, all of Roosevelt; siblings: Rob (Alison) Turner of Roosevelt; Tara (Kolby) Colledge of Highland; Shana (Robert) Young of Salina; Neil (Kristi) Bagley of Enterprise; siblings-in-law: Stanton (Charolette) Gleave, Jan (Melissa) Gleave, and Arby Gleave, all of Kingston; Kaelyn (Glen) Partridge of Panguitch; Kym Reid, Monica (Jerry) Taylor, all of Escalante; Melonie (Albert) Sivils of LaVerkin.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Corinne Turner; his Grandpa Willis and Grandma Luana Turner; his parents-in-law: Jack and Betty Kae Gleave; his siblings: James Dean (J.D.) Turner, Kimberly Bagley, Dustin Turner; his two sons: Kingston Wayne Turner and Willis Dean Turner; and a brother-in-law: Danny Reid.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12 Noon in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Cove 1st LDS Ward Chapel, 50 South Skyline Drive in Roosevelt, Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. or at the funeral home in Richfield Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services.
Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Wayne's obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.
Burial will be in the Widtsoe Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com
Out and About for the Summer
Photo Gallery: Nearly 80 Vehicles Delight Spectators at
2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In
by Jaynie Connor
& Car Show
Spectators gather around a small aircraft on display at the 2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In and Car Show. Approximately eighty cars were on display at the show at the Bryce Canyon Airport on August 23. Spectator vehicles lined the road all the way up to the airport, as visitors from near and far came to enjoy the event. The show featured a wide variety of colorful and unique cars, along with food trucks, a raffle, and event merchandise. The Tropic 6th graders also hosted a fundraising booth, selling BBQ lunches to help support their upcoming Washington, D.C. field trip.
by Mack Oetting
The Cats had another great week. The baseball team beat Wayne on the 10 run rule, which ends a game early if one team has a ten or more run lead after a certain number of innings, and Quad Veater and Hudson Burningham both had home runs. Against Bryce Valley, the Cats had a much closer game, but came away with a 6-5 victory. This week on the 27th, Pinnacle will be here, and the Valley game on the 29th will be an away game. The Cats have come away winners on all of their games, except for the one on opening week. Next week, they will have a game on the 30th against Altamont.
The Lady Cats continue their roll on 2A teams by beating South Sevier in
an away game last week. The big test will have been last Tuesday against North Sevier—last year’s 2A state champions. On the 27th, they finally had a 1A game against Milford. Next week, Escalante will be here on September 3rd, and the next night will be against Gunnison, which is another 2A team. So far the ladies have beaten three of the four 2A teams they have faced. The cross country team has their first meet down in Valley on the 28th. This should be a great meet to see how well both of the teams are doing. The football team had a practice game against Water Canyon and did a lot better and will keep doing that for the season. They have a game on the 29th at Monticello.
My daughter, Kelly, went and watched the 5th and 6th graders play football against North Servier. They won 38-0, and it was a great game.
The 7th and 8th graders also had a great game, with a score of 32-0.
Jaynie Connor
Jaynie Connor
A bright yellow, vintage Ford Mustang sits beside a cool blue, vintage Volkswagen Bus at the 2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In and Car Show at the Bryce Canyon Airport on August 23.
Jaynie Connor
A dark green vintage Mini Cooper turned heads at the 2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In and Car Show at the Bryce Canyon Airport on August 23 due to its small size and gorgeous interior.
Jaynie Connor
Mike Bradley's 1956 Buick Special caught spectators' eyes with its bright yellow paint job and collection of minions across the back seat at the 2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In and Car Show at the Bryce Canyon Airport on August 23.
Jaynie Connor
A 1930 Ford Hemi Coupe owned by Tim McNees on display in front of the historic Bryce Canyon Airport hangar during the 2025 Bryce Canyon Fly-In and Car Show on August 23.
Let’s Taco Bout It: When you get to cook for people who enjoy your food as much as you love cooking it, that's an awesome feeling. It keeps me going. I'm so lucky to have repeat customers in the area; there's no bigger compliment than that.
—Stephanie Johnson, Let’s Taco Bout It
genuine love for food and Mexican culture. Together, this dynamic duo is not only nourishing the community but also fostering connections, one taco at a time.
Let’s Taco Bout It is a bright red food trailer commonly found at events in and around Garfield County, including the Garfield County Fair and the Hatch Farmers Market on Saturdays. The mother and son duo have resided in Garfield County for quite some time. “My family and I are originally from Las Vegas, but we have lived in Panguitch for over ten years. It is our home. I couldn't ask for a better place to share my love of food. The community support here is amazing,” said Johnson.
Johnson loves cooking for family, for friends, for strangers, and really for whoever is hungry. This love of cooking is what led her to opening this business.
“I love cooking. Making fresh homemade food I can share with our community was a perfect match for me for my dream to come true. It's more than just selling tacos, it's bringing a piece of my heritage to this community,” said Johnson.
She works side by side with her thirteen year old son, Mario, and cherishes every second they get to spend together.
“He is my number one supporter. We are building great memories while he is learning the value of hard work. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else,” she said.
Let’s Taco Bout It serves authentic, homemade Mexican food with love and a smile. The menu includes tacos (including a jalapeño taco), quesadillas, and burritos with meat options of carnita, carne asada, or chicken. One of the crowd favorites—and Johnson’s most sought-after dish— is her “Fiesta Loaded Nachos.” These delicious nachos are piled high with meat, queso fresco, crispy chips, beans, nacho cheese, grilled jalapeños, avocado, onions, cilantro, Mexican crema, and a drizzle of chipotle sauce. Johnson makes
sure the loaded nachos live up to their name. “Our nachos are very filling, and I make sure the toppings are spread out corner to corner,” she said. In the summer, she has fun lemonade drink options, such as Hoodoo Hotties, which feature fruity habanero flavors, and creamy lemonades mixed with fun fruit flavors. She also offers water, glass bottle Mexican CocaCola, and Jarritos for drink options. Jarritos is a popular brand of Mexican soft drink known for its bright colors, fruity flavors, and nostalgic charm.
Johnson also recommends customers try her new menu item, mulitas. A mulita is a classic Mexican dish that can be likened to a fusion of a taco and a quesadilla. This delightful treat is generally made by placing cheese and your choice of meat between two corn or flour tortillas. The tortillas are then grilled until the cheese is melted and the exterior turns crispy and golden, resulting in a delicious, handheld meal. At its core, a mulita is a hearty, pressed tortilla “sandwich” that highlights the depth and authenticity of Mexican street food. “The corn tortillas bring a bit of sweetness, then you get fried cheese on each side of the tortillas with carne that you can sink your teeth into...You can't go wrong choosing these,” said Johnson.
Johnson says that running a food truck in a rural area can have its ups and downs. “Although we love where we live, I'd say not having access to everything we like to cook [can be an issue]. We do a lot of traveling getting chiles, spices, and groceries that aren't available here or in Cedar City," said Johnson.
Though there are challenges, she says that the support here in the area makes it all worth it. “When you get to cook for people who enjoy your food as
Water Talks: Water Talks will take place in each of Utah’s major river basins, providing residents a chance to share concerns, learn about regional water issues, and contribute directly to the planning process.
a series of in-person (and some virtual) community events called Water Talks to be held across the state this August through October. These interactive meetings are designed to engage Utahns in conversations about current water challenges, local needs and future priorities. The State Water Plan identifies current water use and projected future demand across the state. It provides recommendations
ECAF:
much as you love cooking it, that's an awesome feeling. It keeps me going. I'm so lucky to have repeat customers in the area; there's no bigger compliment than that,” said Johnson.
Johnson loves the community of Panguitch and feels blessed to have made her home here. “I'll put it this way, without this community, I wouldn't be where I am. I can't thank this community enough. They have helped me win.” She continued, “Even our town’s restaurant owners— the Kings, the Medinas, the Perkins, and the Stewarts— have all helped and support us. I also want to say thanks to Jason at Orton Tire who gave us a parking spot and took a chance on us in the beginning," said Johnson.
According to Johnson, her dream is to make Let’s Taco Bout It her one and only full-time job. "Meanwhile, I am hoping to introduce new dishes on Saturdays. It will be the one day I get to make something that you won't find on our regular menu,” said Johnson. She is also planning to introduce family meal deal packs this year, providing a convenient dinner option for those who aren't in the mood to cook dinner on certain evenings.
“Customers are going to taste the love and time I put in marinating meats, making homemade salsa, and the authentic spices used. This is truly authentic, fresh, and homemade with love. It's my passion,” said Johnson.
Let’s Taco Bout It can be rented for your next party, meeting, or big gathering—indoor or outdoor. They offer catering at about $15.00 a plate, based on current market pricing for meats, and are willing to travel. Customers can reach Johnson with any questions about the business or catering on the truck's Facebook page (facebook.com/sjtaco) or their Instagram (@LetsTacoBoutItLLC).
for policy, funding and implementation to help both governmental and private institutions manage water effectively. The plan is built on extensive data gathering, modeling and close collaboration with a diverse and balanced group of stakeholders at both the state and local levels, including: • agriculture and other water-dependent businesses; • conservation organizations; • recreation groups; government entities; • academia;
• and the public. Water Talks will take place in each of Utah’s major river basins, providing residents a chance to share concerns, learn about regional water issues, and contribute directly to the planning process. All Utahns are encouraged to attend and help shape a more resilient water future.
For more information and to find a Water Talk near you, visit StateWaterPlan.utah.gov.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
Diversity and variety define this setting, as well as this year’s eclectic mix of celebrating art in its many forms. We look forward to mingling with you in this awe-inspiring setting.
Heritage and modern quilts will be on display as textile arts.
in three classes about storytelling in this scenic setting. Artists as naturalists will be instructed on how to identify clouds, medicinal plants, bats, and conifers in discussions led by professional herbalists and rangers. Daily excursions into the stunning public lands of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument will provide opportunities to learn and paint.
Dwight and Jalene Vance, this year’s featured local artists, will showcase their extensive collection of award-winning wood carvings, including Santas, scenery, fish, characters, and spoons.
Performance artists will share their musical talents, ranging from jazz to Norwegian instrumental melodies, folk, rock, and bluegrass selections, and a wide variety in between. There will be a diverse range of musical styles to inspire and entertain.
Performance artists will not be the only ones entertaining. Four women, each demonstrating a different technique, will wow their audience by painting the same landscape using entirely different plein air methods: a watercolorist, a pastelist, an oil painter using a brush, and an oil painter using a palette
knife.
Whether you want to participate as an artist, writer, naturalist, or vendor, if you wish to be inspired by visual arts or performance arts, whether you will come to browse or purchase, you will find something to uplift your spirit.
Diversity and variety define this setting, as well as this year’s eclectic mix of celebrating art in its many forms. We look forward to mingling with you in this awe-inspiring setting.
For more information and to register, visit escalantecanyonsartfestival. org.
—Escalante Canyons Art Festival
ECAF Cont'd from A1
Water Talks Cont'd from A1
Jaynie Connor
Let’s Taco Bout It is a bright red food trailer commonly found at events in and around Garfield County, including the Garfield County Fair and the Hatch Farmers Market on Saturdays. It is run by mother-son duo Stephanie and Mario Johnson, who are originally from Las Vegas but have now called Panguitch home for ten years.
Let’s Taco Bout It Cont'd from A1
Antimony: Our property values will probably skyrocket initially. But if they contaminate the ground, the air or the water, then my place won’t be worth a red cent anymore. But I think this mine is going to happen; there’s no way around it. Between this administration's disregard for the environment and the fact that antimony is in everything, it’s going to happen.
Cont'd from A1
field County, Utah, Antimony represents the small town—with a population of about 120 people—on the west side of Boulder mountain, near Otter Creek reservoir. Schad, however, recognized the name of a mineral which has, as of late, become very valuable to the United States.
Antimony, represented on the periodic table as Sb 51, is a versatile metalloid that is used as a non-reactive hardener in alloys, most commonly with lead in batteries and ammunition, as well as being used in flame retardant and solar panels.
Roughly 90 percent of the U.S. supply of Antimony came from China until December of 2024, when the foreign superpower banned the export of the precious metal to the U.S. following restrictions on sharing U.S. semiconductor technology imposed by the Biden administration. Due to the importance of the mineral for weapons and energy production, as well as the ongoing trade war with China, the value of U.S. produced antimony has skyrocketed.
In comes the small town of Antimony. Originally named Coyote, the community was renamed for the mineral in 1921 following an increase in mining activity during the First World War. The Emma-Albion mine was one of the largest producers and was most active between the First and Second World Wars. Production ceased in the 1960s due to the introduction of foreign supplies of the mineral. Mining continued into the early 60s before coming to a close. Antimony Canyon and the Marysvale Volcanic field, which separate the Basin and Range country from the Colorado Plateau, have long been known to hold a relatively rare deposit of antimony. The site had been surveyed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1941 to help determine the quality of the reserve.
“It’s all happening very fast now,” said Rob-
—Robert Bryant, a resident of Antimony
ert Bryant, a resident of the town. Bryant explained that it has barely been six months since Trigg Minerals first acquired unpatented lode mining claims on local Forest Service land and that they plan to begin operations by late 2026.
The topic was brought to the attention of the county commissioners who briefly addressed the subject during their July 28, 2025, regular meeting. “Probably the hottest topic in this county is Antimony; there have been a lot of rumors flying around about it,” said Commissioner Leland Pollock. “We are a very pro-mining county, if it’s done correctly and doesn’t cause environmental damage.” The commission, however, seemed to remain unclear as to the exact role that Trigg Minerals would be playing in the development of the mine.
“We’re going to get to the bottom of this,” continued Pollock. “They are going to send a representative out to tell us exactly what is going on.” On Aug. 4, Andre Booyzen, a representative of Trigg Minerals, met in person with members of Garfield County and then held an open house with the community of Antimony on Aug. 5. Garfield County Public Works Director David Dodds was in the first, smaller meeting and explained that Trigg plans to move their company to the United States and conduct mining operations themselves. “It was great to meet in a small group, just four of us, and learn about it,” said Dodds. “They will likely be surface mining as the material is relatively shallow but may also do some underground. They will also be processing on site, but will take it out of the county to smelter. We just don’t have the local infrastructure to support a smelter.
“They are just starting exploration though and still need to finish drilling and sampling and then create a mine plan, do an environmental assessment, obtain permits and all that. So we haven’t had much discussion on how we would facilitate the mine other than that they would try to handle the road
maintenance or pay us to do it,” explained Dodds.
Booyzen said that Trigg hoped to start operations in two to three years, which Dodd’s feels is optimistic. During the public meeting held on Aug. 5, however, Booyzen acknowledged that what is normally a five or six year process will be sped up by taking advantage of the Trump administration’s 2015 FAST-41 bill, which fast tracks the development of "critical resources" by focusing federal agencies attention on those specific projects.
“Trigg promised that they have great standards and would do everything possible to limit toxins in the air or water. They promised to not block the road through the canyon either,” said Bryant “But I’m still skeptical; it felt like they were just telling us what we wanted to hear.” Bryant and others at the meeting did not feel confident in Booyzen’s answers, especially towards questions regarding potential lead or arsenic poisoning.
“I’d say that maybe 70 percent of the people in the room were still for it,” said Bryant. “I understand. They said it will be at least a fifteen to twenty year project, maybe more if they keep finding deeper layers of antimony or find gold. It will help the economy here; we’ll get restaurants and maybe even a grocery store.”
Trigg expects to create about 200-300 jobs with the mine and says they are willing to train local residents to fill those roles where able. Housing in the immediate area may be limited, however, as there is not much available property nor an abundance of additional water meters.
“Our property values will probably skyrocket initially,” said Bryant. “But if they contaminate the ground, the air or the water, then my place won’t be worth a red cent anymore. But I think this mine is going to happen; there’s no way around it. Between this administration's disregard for the environment and the fact that antimony is in everything, it’s going to happen.”
Low Spring Runoff and Extremely Dry Summer Results in Utah Reservoir Levels Showing 'Drastic Decline'
SALT LAKE CITY -
Utah’s reservoir levels are showing a drastic decline. Since June 1, the state has drawn down reservoirs at a rate more than double the normal rate. This is due to increased demand, lower-than-normal spring runoff and an extremely dry summer.
“Reservoirs are our first line of defense against drought and are vital for our communities and ecosystems,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “The rapid decline we’re seeing is a clear signal that we must be more vigilant and use less water.”
While current state-
wide reservoir storage sits at 67%, it is only slightly above the normal level of 65% for this time of year and significantly lower than the 83% reported last year at this time. According to the USGS, Great Salt Lake peaked in mid-April at an elevation of 4193.6 and is now at 4191.6 feet.
“A hot summer and increased demand have contributed to low reservoir levels and the decline of Great Salt Lake,” Hasenyager said. “We will continue to see these critical water bodies decline until temperatures cool and the irrigation season ends in October.”
In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes
from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor watersaving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
SkyWatcher Leo T
Antarctica, Psyche, and Comet
SPACE - As we take a look around our world, we can see that every day is amazing. By looking at the sky as it evolves, you can make all sorts of discoveries. Way out there, you can see Arcturus, high and orange in the west, and perhaps that nova will go off up above as you're watching and exploring.
Under Antarctica’s ice, a hidden world beneath is coming into focus. Scientists have uncovered hundreds of massive canyons buried deep under the ice.
A new scientific atlas has redrawn the map of Antarctica’s seafloor, and what it reveals could alter how researchers model sea-level rise, ocean circulation, and the continent’s past. The study was published in the journal Marine Geology.
Some of the newly identified canyons plunge to depths of over 4,000 meters, acting as underwater highways that funnel sediments, nutrients, and water masses between the continental shelf and the deep ocean. According to Science magazine, their size and complexity, scientists say, match or exceed some of the planet’s largest known submarine canyons.
And speaking of going into the ocean, I often think about the life in the sea — dolphins, whales, sharks, fish, and octopi—and how amazing and intelligent they are. I was able to view a documentary called My Octopus Teacher, and was blown away at how little I know about these incredible, highly intelligent animals.
by Leonard Thomas
If you read this column often, you may remember us keeping track of a JPL deep space probe known as Psyche. We have interviewed a rocket scientist via the air waves and inperson at the JPL facility in Pasadena. Psyche is on its way towards Mars and into the asteroid belt to find the heavy metal asteroid of the same name. After its launch in 2023, Psyche is already way out there, as the ship relies on Xenon thrusters.
My space engineer friend’s job is to orient the altitude of the ship in order to see and sense what’s ahead as they cruise through space and to maneuver its altitude in order to send radio and laser signals back to Earth. Psyche is 180 million miles from Earth now and delivered a big surprise recently.
Scientists ran a check of the duo imaging systems, as they calibrated their cameras, and to do this they look for bodies that shine with reflected sunlight, just as the asteroid Psyche does. They ended up looking homeward and finding the Earth and Moon.
The images were multiple long-exposure pictures of the two bodies, which appear as dots sparkling with reflected sunlight amid a starfield in the constellation Aries. Psyche is on schedule for its 2029 arrival at the asteroid Psyche.
We also must remember 3I/Atlas—the interstellar object zooming through our solar system from way out at a unique angle and high speed.Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb says
3I/ATLAS
that it appears to be emitting its own light.
Loeb and a colleague analyzed photos released by NASA of the object in determining that the source of its glow may not from the sun. Loeb wrote that the “brightness profile around the object implies that the nucleus dominates the observed light.” The level of light observed on the object could be “from a source diameter smaller than 100 meters. If this were the case, it would mean that 3I/Atlas is much smaller than initially thought, and more comparable in size to the two other known interstellar objects, Oumuamua and Borisov. Loeb speculated that the nucleus of the object could be nuclear—and possibly an engine crafted by an alien people. So keep looking up, look around, and get just 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.
Antimony
Centuries-Old Plan May Help UT, Basin States Decide Colorado River Use
by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
UTAH - The clock is ticking for Utah and other Colorado River Basin states to decide how to divide the river's shrinking water supplies and some groups are reconsidering a centuries-old water distribution tradition at work across the arid American West.
Nick Saenz, a historian and member of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council, explained each spring, farmers are in a race against time to water crops before snowmelt disappears. In the tradition known as "acequia," decisions are made democratically, and irrigation priorities benefit entire communities over any individual user.
Saenz said the plan offers a blueprint for how to share a scarce resource.
"That’s going to require us all working together," Saenz emphasized. "That’s going to require some concessions and some compromise, and trying to envision how as a group we can make decisions about our collective future."
Decades of drought, exacerbated by a warming climate, has greatly reduced water supplies for the forty million people who rely on the Colorado River and under existing rules, agriculture and other users are already allocated more water than the river can deliver. If Utah and other basin states cannot come up with a new plan by Oct. 1 of next year, the federal government would step in.
Because basin water is diverted to a number of places, the future of the
Wayne Commission:
Colorado and Rio Grande rivers is connected. Saenz noted farmers across multiple states and cities depend on the watershed. He believes the acequia tradition gives all stakeholders a pathway to make difficult decisions.
"The acequia model gives us a democratically based mode for determining the outcome of all these water challenges," Saenz underscored. "A way for thinking about community decision-making around water."
And while cities with lawns and golf courses built on arid landscapes are often seen as poor water stewardship, he pointed out feed crops like alfalfa, with much of it sold overseas, use more water than all the cities and industries in the entire Colorado River Basin.
A report from Executive Director of the R6 Regional Council Travis Kyhl, a regional pavement analysis and safety audit, a request from Jaron Potter to rezone a half-acre near the Torrey Cemetery from residential-agricultural to resort-recreation, and plans for the proposed Bicknell Business Park discussed. The commissioners thanked everyone who contributed to the county fair.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
Kyhl also reported on the Agri-Park project in Juab County, where 920 acres are under contract from SITLA. Archaeological work is underway, with closing expected in October. Plans call for more than 600 acres to be developed for agricultural processing and related industries.
The commission next heard about a regional pavement analysis and safety audit, funded through the state’s Technical Planning Assistance Program. In partnership with Utah State University, the project will inventory county and town roads, assign condition grades, and provide a long-term planning tool. The audit will also analyze accident data and recommend safety measures.
Commissioner Blackburn noted the value of the sheriff’s license plate cameras, which recorded more than 400,000 vehicles in two weeks. Kyhl added, “This is a tool to help us stretch limited road funds as far as possible.” With a laugh, he remarked, “When somebody moves their sheep
across the road, that’s a bit of a traffic jam.”
Planning and Zoning Administrator Jolene Johnson presented a request from Jaron Potter to rezone a half-acre near the Torrey Cemetery from residential-agricultural to resort-recreation. The change allows Potter to use a 400-squarefoot cabin as a short-term rental. Commissioners approved the zone change for one cabin only, with the understanding that any future additions would require new approvals.
Engineer Parker Vercimak from Jones and DeMille outlined plans for the proposed Bicknell Business Park. Phase one will bring water and power to two roadside lots; phase two will extend roadways and open additional parcels. Cost savings are already evident. Survey work, once estimated at $19,000, was reduced to $5,500, and the new airport well came in at about $60,000—below the $76,000 estimate— while producing 110 gallons per minute. “That’s good water,” Commissioner Brian said, noting the well recharged in just thirty-five seconds. The commission approved the $5,500 survey and
discussed power requirements, including possible three-phase, 400-amp service. With grant deadlines approaching, they moved to keep engineering on track so bid packages for the waterline could go out within weeks. “We need to get this moving before winter,” Blackburn said.
Other business:
• Ratified a $91,015 bid for a new salt shed, awarded to Taylor Brown Construction.
• Tabled the bailiff security contract until the next meeting.
• Approved vouchers, including fair-related expenses, high school team contributions for cleanup, and payment to All Wells Drilling for the airport well.
Lastly, commissioners thanked everyone who contributed to the county fair. “I’d like to recognize, on the record, all those who worked so hard— from the fair committee to EMS, the sheriff’s department, and volunteers,” Commissioner Cook said. “It made the week a success.”
The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Legal Notices
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS | NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS GARFIELD COUNTY
Garfield County is seeking a qualified engineering firm to provide design and construction-phase engineering services for watershed protection and flood mitigation projects under the USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. The work will focus on the Tropic Reservoir watershed and surrounding areas impacted by the 2025 France Canyon Fire in Garfield County, Utah.
If you are interested in submitting a Statement of Qualifications, information on the Request for Qualifications can be obtained from:
Garfield County Public Works Department 55 South Main Panguitch, Utah 84759 Telephone: (435) 676-1119
Email: dave.dodds@garfield.utah.gov
The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 29, 2025.
The County reserves the right to accept and/or reject any and all proposals.
Garfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Dated this August 12, 2025
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 21 & 28, 2025 WATER WAY PROJECT UP FOR BID LOA TOWN
Loa Town has a water way project up for bid. (1) 14'x30' concrete water water way, (2) concrete headwalls, approximately 32' of 24" CMP over shoot pipe, approx. 250' ditch cleaning and approx. 8 cu. yards D18 riprap. In order to bid on this project, there is a mandatory site meeting held on September 2, 2025 at 9 am, please meet at the Loa Town Hall Office at 80 West Center prior to moving to the job site. Sealed bids will be accepted in the Loa Town office no later than 5 pm on September 10, 2025. Bids will be opened at the Loa Town meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 8:30 pm. Loa reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 21 & 28, 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. 24, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
97-2535 (A84768): Fred & DeEtte Spencer propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Escalante area) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3578 (a53507): TAKU Pilot Enterprises, LLC propose(s) using 0.0068 cfs OR 1.77 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles SE of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
WAYNE COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5579 (A84767): Glenn Champagne, Linda Herrera-Champagne propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.256 ac-ft. from groundwater (Grover, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 28 and SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
SURPLUS SALE
GARFIELD COUNTY
GARFIELD COUNTY IS ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2024 Dodge Ram 2500, 3C6UR5KL7RG209618, White, Diesel, 4WD, Long Bed 2024 Dodge Ram 2500, 3C6UR5FL9RG235969, White, Diesel, 4WD, Short Bed BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE UNTIL 5:00 P.M., SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2025. BIDS WILL BE OPENED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2025 IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBERS OF THE GARFIELD COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 55 SOUTH MAIN STREET, PANGUITCH, UTAH. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION. All vehicles will be sold in “as is” condition, and all sales will be final. Purchases can be made with cash or certified check. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all offers. For additional information contact the Clerk’s Office at (435) 676-1100 or www.garfield.utah.gov.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 28 and SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE
T-Mobile is planning to collocate antennas and associated equipment on an approximately 106-foot tall (overall height with appurtenances) monopole telecommunications tower located at 40 North 300 West, Tropic, Garfield County, UT 84776 (37° 37' 27.12" N, 112° 05' 13.70" W). Eocene is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations (47 CFR § 1.1307) for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking or with questions on the proposed facility should contact Eocene at 8951 Windsor Parkway, Johnston, Iowa 50131 or call 515-473-6256 and reference project # T-Mobile SW1536-CM.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 28, 2025
Adobe Stock
Alfalfa grown to feed cattle uses more water than all cities and industries in the seven-state Colorado River Basin.
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF SUMMONS
JARED G. PARKINSON (Bar No. 8600)
WATER LAW PC
952 West 900 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Telephone: (801) 808-3377
waterlawpc@gmail.com
Attorney for Plaintiff
IN THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WAYNE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
LOA TOWN, a Utah municipality, Plaintiff vs. ROAD CREEK WATER USERS ASSOCIATION, a Utah corporation, C DOUBLE BAR DAIRY, INC., a Utah corporation, and ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate or interest in, or lien upon, all or a portion of Water Right No. 95-293 and its segregated parts represented by Water Right Nos. 954864 and 95-4941, Defendants.
SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION
Civil No. 250600020
Hon. Judge Robert Van Dyke
The State of Utah to: ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate or interest in, or lien upon, all or a portion of Water Right No. 95-293 and its segregated parts represented by Water Right Nos. 95-4864 and 95-4941:
A lawsuit has been started against you. You must respond in writing for the court to consider your side. You can find an Answer form on the court's website: utcourts. gov/ans
You must file your Answer with this court: Wayne County District Court, 18 South Main, PO Box 189, Loa, UT 84747-0189. You must also email, mail or hand deliver a copy of your Answer to attorney Jared G. Parkinson, Water Law PC, 952 W. 900 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Your response must be filed with the court and served on the other party within 21 days of the last day of this publication, which is AUGUST 28, 2025. If you do not file and serve an Answer by the deadline, the other party can ask the court for a default judgment. A default judgment means the other party wins, and you do not get the chance to tell your side of the story. You may contact the above referenced attorney for Plaintiff for a copy of the complaint. Read the complaint or petition carefully. It explains what the other party is asking for in their lawsuit. You are being sued for quiet title in and to the water rights more specifically described in the Complaint.
Se ha iniciado una demanda en su contra. Usted debe responder por escrito para que el tribunal considere su versión. Puede encontrar el formulario de Respuesta en el sitio de la red del tribunal: utcourts.gov/ans-span. Usted debe presentar su Respuesta en este tribunal: Wayne County District Court, 18 South Main, PO Box 189, Loa, UT 84747-0189. También debe enviar por correo electrónico, correo postal o entregar personalmente una copia de su Respuesta a la otra parte o a su abogado: Jared G. Parkinson, Water Law PC, 952 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Usted debe presentar su Respuesta en el tribunal y entregarla formalmente a la otra parte dentro de 21 días después del último día de esta publicación, que es August 28, 2025.
Si no presenta y entrega formalmente una respuesta antes de la fecha límite, la otra parte puede solicitar al juez que dicte un fallo por incumplimiento. Un fallo por incumplimiento significa que la otra parte gana, y usted no tiene la oportunidad de exponer su versión de los hechos.
Lea cuidadosamente la demanda o la petición. En esa se explica lo que la otra parte está pidiendo en su demanda. Se le está demandando por (describa brevemente el asunto y la cantidad de dinero u otra reivindicación exigida): Título de propriedad en y sobre la propiedad descrita más específicamente en la Demanda.
WATER LAW PC
/s/ Jared G. Parkinson
Attorney for Plaintiff
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 21 & 28, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TORREY TOWN
Torrey Town will hold a public hearing to review the revised Short-Term Rental Ordinance on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The meeting time is 7:00 p.m. at the Torrey Town Office Bay 1, 75 East 100 North.
The hearing is for the purpose of accepting public comments on the Ordinance prior to adoption at the Town Council meeting.
The Town Council meeting will follow immediately after.
**A copy of the revised ordinance will be available for review at the Town office beginning the week of September 2, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on AUGUST 28 and SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Part-Time Kitchen Help at the Tropic Senior Citizen’s Center
Garfield County is accepting applications for part-time kitchen help at the Tropic Senior Citizen’s Center. The Center is open Tuesday - Thursday. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
Full-Time Building and Grounds Maintenance
Garfield County is seeking a reliable Building and Grounds Maintenance worker. Duties include, but are not limited to: repairs, landscaping, snow removal, and upkeep of county facilities. Must have a valid driver's license and basic maintenance skills.
Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025
Competitive pay and full benefits. Apply at the Garfield County Clerk's Office, 55 South Main, Panguitch, or online at www.garfield.utah.gov. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
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
• Para-Professionals at Escalante Elementary
• Registered Behavior Technician at Bryce Valley Elementary
• Para/Custodian/Food Service at Boulder 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.
Bryce Valley Senior Lunches at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center
Need individual who can clean a small studio apartment 2 times per week for the month of September.
Contact Terri Driedonks, Bryce Wildlife Adventure, at 702-444-1380. Pay based on experience.
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.
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
Wayne Community Health Center
Part-Time Dental Assistant at 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. If you’re passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with Escalante Dental.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!
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.
