The Wayne & Garfield County Insider December 4, 2025
SBSU Offers New App for Kids
CENTRAL/SO.
UTAH - Many high school graduates enter adulthood without the financial skills needed to navigate today’s digital economy. To help families build those skills early, State Bank of Southern Utah has launched the SBSU Kids App, a firstof-its-kind offering from a financial institution in Southern Utah. The SBSU Kids App is available free of charge to all residents of Central and Southern Utah, regardless of whether they bank with State Bank.
Designed for children and teens ages 5-17, the SBSU Kids App is a fun, interactive tool that helps families teach essential money management skills through hands-on experience. The app allows parents to assign custom chores, track completion, and reward kids with weekly earnings. Children can then use their funds to spend, save, donate to Kids App Cont'd on A6
'Tis the Season for Lenza Wilson’s Electric Light Train
ESCALANTE - The start of December in Escalante is marked by the return of Lenza Wilson’s Electric Light Train. It will be weaving through town
Cold Water Dangers Rise as Temperatures Drop: Officials Urge Life Jacket Use
Safety tips provided to help recreators stay safe this winter season
Courtesy Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Anglers on Fish Lake. With temperatures dropping rapidly across Utah, the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the Division of State Parks are urging those who continue to boat, fish, hunt and recreate on or near the water to take extra precautions.
UTAH - With temperatures dropping rapidly across Utah, the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) and the Division of State Parks are urging those who continue to boat, fish, hunt and recreate on or near the water to take extra precautions.
Cold water immersion can be deadly, even for experienced recreators, as the risks of cold shock, incapacitation and hypothermia rise sharply in these cold conditions.
Cold Water Safety Cont'd on A6
The train, an Escalante tradition since 1994, will once again be lighting up the town's streets this December by
in all its glory throughout the month, carrying on a long-running local tradition. People hear the generator before they see the lights and run outside,
DWR Reminding Utahns ‘Don’t
Ditch a Fish’
SALT LAKE CITY -
After discovering an illegal fish introduction this year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is again reminding Utahns that it’s both harmful and illegal to move sportfish you’ve caught from one waterbody to another, to dump unwanted pet fish into local ponds, or to use live bait fish.
Each spring and fall, DWR biologists survey various lakes and streams to assess the status of sportfish and native fish populations in Utah. During surveys this year, biologists discovered that smallmouth bass were
settling into that familiar comfort that the season has arrived.
This tradition began in 1994 on a whim with a 1976 Oldsmobile convert-
Kathryn Chamberlain
ible. Wilson tossed some trees in the trunk, taped lights wherever they would
Electric Light Train Cont'd on B2
GARFIELD CO.During the November 24, 2025, Garfield County Commission meeting, the commissioners spent several minutes discussing a presentation they’d attended on 2025 and 2026 legislation that is likely to affect Garfield County residents. In Commissioner David Tebbs’ board report, he noted that “we always worry about the federal government overreach, but man, there's just a lot of issues…they just feel like maybe it's the state that's overreaching.”
Tebbs was referring to two topics he’d heard at the presentation. The first related to the current “property tax circuit breaker” policy that can provide tax relief to qualified veterans, elderly, and disabled persons. Tebbs said Senator Daniel McCay is working on a bill to eliminate that provi-
Garfield Commission Cont'd on B3
Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. ST. GEORGE - On Wednesday, November 12, the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) proudly welcomed at-
George. This year’s event brought together leaders,
tendees from across Utah and the United States to the 2025 Annual RHAU Conference at the Dixie Convention Center in St. Award Cont'd on B3
Judge Orders Tweak to Clean Up Utah’s Congressional Map
While Lawmakers Argue for Stay Plaintiffs say technical map issues aren’t out of the ordinary, while Legislature’s attorneys ask for map to be thrown out, calling it unconstitutional
UTAH - The legal wrangling in Utah’s ongoing redistricting saga isn’t over.
In a flurry of more court filings, 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson was again tasked with sorting through more issues with Utah’s congressional boundaries after Utah’s top election officials raised some technical issues with the new map.
Split homes and other boundary issues in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Alpine, Highland, Orem, Huntsville and Summit County led the lieutenant governor’s office to ask the court for clarifications to Utah’s new map ahead of implementing it for the 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, attorneys for the Utah Legislature— which continues to protest the state’s court-ordered redistricting process as a violation of the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches—argued the lieutenant governor’s request for boundary clarifications “amplifies how these proceedings have transgressed the Utah and U.S. Constitutions,” they wrote in court filings.
“Plaintiffs’ counsel can instruct the Lieutenant Governor how to resolve those issues. But in doing so, the constitutional problem—the denial of the Legislature’s constitutional authority to redistrict—only becomes more obvious,” legislative attorneys wrote.
Further, lawmakers’ attorneys argued the boundary issues “further reveal that there was no good reason” for the judge to choose the plaintiffs’ map over the Legisla-
by Katie McKellar | Utah News Dispatch
ture’s map, arguing that the boundary issues resulted in a similar number of county and city splits as lawmakers’ preferred boundaries.
Therefore, they argued the “only map approved in accordance with constitutional requirements” is the Legislature’s 2021 congressional map, and that Gibson should throw out the plaintiffs’ map, which she picked on Nov. 10.
Months ago, Gibson issued a ruling voiding the 2021 map as the result of an unconstitutional process, ruling the Utah Legislature overstepped its constitutional authority when it undid a 2018 voter-approved ballot initiative known as Proposition 4, which implemented an independent redistricting process. In that August ruling, Gibson restored Proposition 4 as Utah law, while ordering a “remedial” court process to enact a lawful map ahead of the 2026 elections.
In that court-ordered process, Gibson ultimately picked a map submitted by the plaintiffs instead of the Legislature’s preferred map—ruling that lawmakers’ map, known as map C, didn’t adhere to Proposition 4’s neutral map-drawing criteria to the “greatest extent practicable.” The map she picked creates a compact congressional district in northern Salt Lake County—resulting in one Democratic-leaning district and three safe Republican districts.
In response to the Legislature’s complaints against the new map, attorneys for the plaintiffs in the case argued that the boundary issues identified by the lieutenant governor —which were largely the result of annexations that
took place after the 2020 census—were not out of the ordinary in redistricting and that the Legislature’s attorneys didn’t follow Utah’s rules of civil procedure when requesting the stay.
“Ten days after this Court’s ruling—ten days in which an entire emergency appellate process could have commenced and completed—Legislative Defendants now suggest in three paragraphs at the end of an unrelated ten-page filing that the Court should stay its orders in this case and permit the 2021 congressional map to govern the 2026 election,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote.
“They seize on minor technical questions raised by the Lieutenant Governor —questions that arise with every redistricting map, are more prevalent in Map C, and exist in the 2021 congressional map— as the hook to belatedly raise this request,” they added, arguing it should be rejected.
After hearing recommendations from both the lieutenant governor and the plaintiffs to remedy the boundary issues, Gibson issued an order implementing a minor fix to move a single home in Sandy from District 1 to District 4 to prevent a one-home precinct, which would have resulted in voter privacy issues.
As for the boundary issues, Gibson deferred to the lieutenant governor’s discretion to make boundary clarifications when there is uncertainty.
“The Court notes that Plaintiffs have suggested an approach to making determinations with respect to those issues and
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the Lieutenant Governor may take those suggestions into consideration when making determinations for implementation,” the judge wrote. “Likewise, as the Lieutenant Governor notes, the Utah Code grants discretion in making determinations should questions subsequently arise.”
As for the Legislature’s complaints regarding the number of city splits, the judge noted that attorneys for both the plaintiffs and the Legislature agreed to use 2020 census files in the court’s “remedial” map-drawing proceedings.
“For that reason, any municipal annexations that took place after the Census Bureau provided the 2020 municipal file did not factor into any analysis (by the parties, any experts or the Court) assessing the map proposals,” Gibson wrote. “Notably, no party raised any issues regarding any possible discrepancies between the 2020 municipal boundaries and current municipal boundaries.”
Gibson issued her order while acknowledging that time is of the essence, with state election officials needing to implement the map with enough time for county clerks to finalize their precincts ahead of candidate filing opening in January.
The judge said she would explain her legal reasoning—as well as address the Legislature’s attorneys request for a stay —at a later date.
“The Court will endeavor to issue that analysis as soon as possible,” Gibson wrote.
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on November 24, 2025.
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Rural Voices of Utah is Holding a Potluck Dinner on Dec. 6
In an era defined by division, anger, and rude assaults on America’s traditionally civil civic discourse, many of us long for the days when we cared for our neighbors, regardless of ideology or status. Americans have learned through war and tough economic times that we are all in this together, we saw ourselves as fellow citizens, not adversaries. Trust
was more common than suspicion. We were proud of our generosity because it expressed our strength and good character.
We have an opportunity to express what is best in us again. Today many of our neighbors are struggling and in need. Children are faced with hunger. On December 6th from 4:30 to 7:00, Rural Voices of Utah is holding a community pot-
luck to raise money for the Wayne County Food Bank. It’s a chance to practice those old American values we cherish. The event will be held at the Torrey pavilion
There will be a potluck dinner and entertainment. Bring your friends and a contribution for the Food Bank. Bring a dish to share. Be ready to show your fellow citizens we are
a community and we are ready to help those in need.
The America we love was built in solidarity, not division, not hatred, not fear. Time and time again in our history we have overcome whatever divided us.
Let’s come together for an evening to prove what is best about America lives on. Join us on December 6th.
Chip Ward, Torrey
News from Wayne County
Power to the People
by Adus F. Dorsey II
For those living beyond the great divide, to the east, in 1929 during the Great Depression, life had its modern conveniences. The lifestyle here in the west was much different in comparision, and the advent of indoor plumbing and electricity were still some years away. Today, Wayne County enjoys consistent, generated power, generously and regionally supplied by our good friends from Garkane Power, monitored and maintained by a crack team of power line experts, day and night, 24-7, 365 days a year.
WAYNE CO. - In 1929, America was in transition from a period of economic prosperity to what was to be known as the Great Depression, which was marked by the stock market crash in October. Mentally and physically, Wayne County is about as far as one can get from the New York Stock Exchange, and if the truth were to be known, you would have been hard pressed to find anyone in Wayne County that had a stock portfolio at that time. Nonetheless, life in Wayne County was about to change, for the better.
For those living beyond the great divide, to the east, life had its modern conveniences. The lifestyle here in the west was much different in comparision, and the advent of indoor plumbing and electricity were still some years away. But that is not to say that there were no lights in Wayne County to be found.
It was George Teasdale Eckersley, of Loa— a rather clever fellow in his own right and one to see things in a different light (so to speak)— who owned the gristmill in Loa. George got the bright idea to hook an old car DC generator up to the power shaft and light the mill with DC power, and he used automobile globes to ingeniously light the mill.
At the time, Stephen L. Richards (apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) visited the Stake Conference in Loa, staying with the Eckersleys.They did not have electricity in their home, and on the return trip to Richfield, Brother Richards made George promise to “make an effort” to see that all those in Loa that desired it would have lights in their homes before his next visit. Without a moment’s hesitation, George agreed.
True to his word, George called a meeting in Loa Town to find out how many folks desired power to their homes. Immediately, the light bulbs went on, and wives swiftly elbowed their husbands to raise their hands.
Ole George made it clear that he would generate the power if “we” could build the lines to the power plant, and the only
way it could work was to charge $75 per hook up and 10% from their bill, about $1.50 a month. As if the heavens opened and a chorus of angels began to sing, the sisters of Loa sang "Hallelujah!"
By the break of dawn the next day, and by coal oil lamps, the women of Loa were up and packing lunch boxes filled with sandwiches for the men and boys to hit the hills to gather poles and post for the new power system. The mood in Loa was hopeful.
The first generator in Wayne County was 25KW, which on a good day might power one hundred curling irons and two blow dryers today.
Once Loa had power, lo and behold, Ben Brinkerhoff of Bicknell wanted it too. Give it to Ole George to quickly realize that it was time to find a way to supply the whole of Wayne County with power.
So, Loren Webster and George took a trip down to Torrey, Teasdale and Grover and other towns to find out how many folks down county would pay to have power delivered to their property.
It is not for certain, but it would be a good guess that the Relief Society sisters and DUPers in those towns immediately called emergency meetings and began cooking up cakes and cookies to entice the men folk into believing that a light bulb in the kitchen would surely make their home life much better.
Poised with the monumental task of supplying power to the whole of Wayne County, Loren concluded that it was best that he stick with farming, so the proposed down county power plant task fell to George and his wife, Elsie.
Upon further investigation, the Hiskey Ranch outside of Torrey proved to be the prime spot for the down county power plant, which was completed in the fall of 1930. The building was an artistic stone structure constructed by Lorenzo Heaps, and it would eventually house a 150KW power plant directly connected to a power wheel with a horizontal turbine. With the extra wattage, combined with the 25KW already
operating in Loa, the two power plants should have supplied sufficient power for the county, with plenty to spare.
Best laid plans
As luck would have it, when the large 150KW horizontal water turbine generator was brought to Wayne County, there was not a large enough truck in the state of Utah to bring it over the mountain. Not to be deterred, George was obliged to solicit the largest truck that the Denver Rio Grand Railroad Company had to do the job.
The steep downgrade into Dry Valley, outside of Loa, and the extreme weight of the huge generator caused George Eckersley many a sleepless night, though it is of no doubt that mild mannered Elsie helped calm his fears.
With the fortitude of Noah, George Eckersley went on to remark that it took a week, with a team of horses, block and tackle, and rollers to hoist the 150KW generator into place.
When the power was eventually turned on, Torrey, in its finest fashion, probably held a celebratory dance, where a minimum of at least two people were thrown into the canal, and a good time was had by all.
Today, Wayne County enjoys consistent, generated power, generously and regionally supplied by our good friends from Garkane Power, monitored and maintained by a crack team of power line experts, day and night, 24-7, 365 days a year.
(As a side note, it was George Eckersley’s brother, Hyrum, that received the first electrically generated shock in Wayne County. Hyrum was sent up a pole to tie in the wires, and, to his surprise, was knocked off the pole and onto the ground. Luckily for Hyrum, he did not receive any observable or sustainable injuries from the electrical jolt but was known thereafter to excel at mathematics.)
Reference; Thank you to Karen S. Ellett of Loa, Utah, for her Garkane Power, George Eckersley expose “The First Electric Power for the People of Wayne County,” and for her many years of service at the Loa office of Garkane Power.
Courtesy Adus F. Dorsey II
Wills, Trusts, and More
Can I Disinherit Someone?
Deciding who gets your assets after you die can be difficult. What if you want to make sure someone is not included?
The word “disinherit,” can create images of family discord. However, there are many reasons one may wish to do it. Perhaps one of your children is a wealthy entrepreneur and another has special needs, or perhaps you are in a second marriage and want to provide for your children from a previous marriage—but not your ex-spouse. Disinheriting anyone other than members of your nuclear family is easy—just leave them out of your will. But states have special protections for spouses and children.
Spouses. If you live or have lived in a community property state such as Arizona or Nevada, the law assumes your spouse automatically owns half of all earnings and assets acquired during the marriage. You can define certain assets as separate property through a written agreement signed by both spouses. However, separating commingled
by Jeffery J. McKenna
funds—money from both spouses deposited into a joint account—can be complicated, so it’s best to consult an attorney to avoid future disputes.
In other states, a spouse is legally entitled to claim a portion of your estate regardless of your will. You generally cannot disinherit a spouse unless he or she signs a marital agreement waiving that right.
Ex-spouses. Your exspouse has no claim to the assets of your estate, unless he or she has some claim against your estate before you die, such as a court order that has awarded a portion of a retirement benefit or pension. It would depend on how the assets were separated at the time of the divorce. Significantly, insurance policies with an ex-spouse inadvertently left as beneficiary take precedence over a will that leaves those same assets to another.
Children. In most cases, you can disinherit a child or grandchild simply
by stating so in your will. However, simply omitting to mention a child does not automatically disinherit a child. The omitted child can contest the will if you do not make your wishes clear. Most states have laws that protect against accidental disinheritance; for example, if a child was born after you drafted your will. Again, unless you specifically state that the child is disinherited, the child will be legally entitled to the same share as the other children.
Disinheritance is a personal issue. One who wishes to disinherit a family member may find that there are other effective options, such as putting assets in a trust for that heir, with a trustee making the decisions of what the money can, and can not, be used for. It is wise to consult an estate planning attorney before making decisions that affect the distribution of your estate and the harmony of your family, once you are gone.
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
Three Nurses in Heaven
Three nurses died and went to heaven, where they were met at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter.
To the first, he asked, “What did you do on Earth and why should you go to heaven?” “I was a nurse in an inner-city hospital,” she replied.
“Very noble,” said St. Peter. “You may enter.”
To the next, he asked the same question: “So what did you do on Earth?”
“I was a nurse at a missionary hospital in Africa,” she replied.
“How touching,” said St. Peter. “You, too, may enter.”
He then came to the last nurse, to whom he asked, “So, what did you do back on Earth?”
After some hesitation, she explained, “I was just a nurse at an HMO.”
St. Peter pondered this for a moment, and then said, “Okay, you may enter also.”
“Whew!” said the nurse. “For a moment there, I thought you weren’t going to let me in.”
“Oh, you can come in,” said St. Peter, “but you can only stay for three days.”
Shower Thoughts
Why is bacon called bacon and cookies called cookies, when you cook bacon and bake cookies?
THEME: Disney Characters ACROSS
1. Imperfections
6. Part of T.G.I.F.
9. Stark daughter on "Game of Thrones"
13. Kind of print, for short 14. Hula dancer's flowers
Tim decided to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend.
One evening, after the honeymoon, he was out in the garage organizing his golfing equipment. His wife came to the door and after a long period of silence, she said, “Tim, I've been thinking, now that we're married, maybe it's time you quit golfing. You spend so much time on the course. I’m sure you could probably get a good price for your clubs.”
Tim got a horrified look on his face.
His wife said, “Darling, what's wrong?”
Tim shook his head and said, “For a minute there, you started to sound like my ex-wife.”
“Ex-wife!” she screamed, “I didn't know you were married before!”
He gave her a pointed look and said, “I wasn't.”
*Like Iago in "Alladin" or Laddy Kluck in "Robin Hood"
Karate blow
Not safe in baseball
Like salad greens
Part of an envelope
*Nani Pelekai's little sister and new pet owner
At the summit of
Obituaries
Ralph Campbell Chynoweth
HENRIEVILLE - Ralph was born on May 23, 1936, in Henrieville, Utah. He was the youngest child of Harvey and Roxie Chynoweth with 9 other siblings. Ralph passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 23, 2025, next door to the home he was born in. Ralph grew up in Henrieville and attended grade school in the “Old School House” still located in Henrieville. He then attended Tropic High School where he graduated in 1954. It was during his high school years that he met and fell in love with a small spitfire girl from Cannonville.
Lael Nelson became his high school sweetheart, and they married on June 18, 1955, not even one month after she graduated. She was 17 and he was 19. This past summer they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
While growing up in Henrieville, he had a love of the outdoors, horses, and cows. His father taught him to work hard, to ride horses, chase cows, and how to farm. This became his passion which he chased the rest of his life. However, chasing this dream and passion had to be part-time while he obtained a job in the timber industry to support his family of 5 sons. He worked for 27 years and retired from Kiabab Industries in 1984. Farming and cows then became his fulltime passion; he excelled at it and produced some of the most beautiful hay and calf crops. For years he sold hay to buyers from the Page, AZ area. These buyers came to him because of the quality hay he raised. His calf crop this year, as stated by the buyer, “were the best he had ever seen.”
Chasing wild cows in the “Lower County” with his dad and brothers brought him so much joy. The wilder the cow and country the more he enjoyed it. He ran cattle in Dry Valley, Butler Valley, Cottonwood Wash, and Coyote. However, his greatest love was Brigham Plains where he ran cattle, hunted, trapped, camped and was immersed in this wild country. He had the greatest knowledge of the country between the Paria and Wahweap drainages of anyone around. His memory of this area was astounding and the detail he could give of trails, drainages, and the best hunting locations was great, even though his last visit to some of these places was over 40 years ago.
All these experiences with cattle and hunting became the grounds for some of the greatest storytelling anyone could imagine. He was a great storyteller and all his family loved to listen to dad/grandpa tell stories, especially around the campfire. In the last few years his stories were told on the back porch and many times from his cot, as mom and dad would sleep outside.
Early in his married life he taught himself how to play the guitar on the back porch. Then he and his high school buddy, Kenny Goulding, started a band called the “Country Bumpkins.” They played at many Jr Proms, Deer Hunter Balls, Weddings, 4th of July Dances, and much to Lael’s disapproval, Dance Hall Bars.
Ralph was one of the most giving people around and learned his compassion for others from his mother. He was able to use these talents as he served in multiple bishoprics and as the Bishop of the Henrieville Ward. Later in life he served in the Escalante Stake as a High Councilman for 9 years. He was able to utilize his storytelling talent by teaching gospel principles at the pulpit from the experiences from his life.
Ralph is survived by the love of his life, Lael. His 5 sons, Cal, Klin (Nancy), Link (Donna), Brett (Tracy), Shawn (Lisa). 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Granddaughter Savannah, Grandson Terrel and Great Grandson Jace.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, November 29th, at the Henrieville Ward. Viewing from 9:00am to 11:30am and service at Noon. Interment in the Henrieville Cemetery. Under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral. 435-865-9000.
Online condolences can be sent to his memorial page at cedarvalleyfuneral.com
Wow, what a great week we had. The Thanksgiving dinner with our Panguitch family went really well. We had so much help with everything, even the cleanup. It is always fun to have so many people at the dinner, and they all seemed to enjoy it, and there was plenty of it.
On Friday, our granddaughter, Teah, her husband, Alex, and the little one and I rode out to Bryce Canyon. They had come up from California for the family dinner. The weather was perfect, and we visited Bryce Point. There was very little snow and none on the walkway. It was some really great picture moments. I do miss little Teah and her family, and I try to get as much time as I can with them when they are here.
Saturday, I spent most of the day watching football on the TV. Then in the afternoon, our daughter, Shawn, came over to tell us that they wanted to take some pictures somewhere up the lake road. But we had to stop at the Panguitch Senior Citizens Center first. Well, lo and behold, it was a surprise
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
birthday party for me. I had never had one before, and it was great. All of our children, grandchildren and four great-grandchildren were all there. Even Christiana, from up in the SLC area, was there. Many of the folk in town were there, and I thank you all for the party. I would have made it to ninety much sooner had I known it was that much fun.
Sunday capped off the week in grand fashion. Teah had her classmate at Panguitch High School (PHS) Mark Boshell give little Alexander a blessing. It was wonderful, and little Alex didn’t cry till the very end. I hated to see them leave, but we will see them in a couple of weeks for Christmas. The end of Sunday couldn’t have been any better; we got our first snow storm for the winter, and it was a good one, with no wind. I may have to shovel our sidewalks in the morning, and it has been a long time coming.
This is the week that Mr. Henrie's 6th grade class will be off to Washington, D.C. There will also be classes from Bryce Valley and Escalante go-
ing. It is really well planned out, and the kids will see many things. This is a great learning lesson for the kids, who maybe wouldn’t see the nation’s capitol otherwise.
On November 25, PHS had a food drive, and they really did a good job in rounding up 2,200 pounds of food from the generous folk here in town. It is really needed at this time of the year, with so many folks that are laid off.
December is getting off to a roaring start, with Santa coming to town on this very Saturday, and he will be at the Panguitch Social Hall at 10:00 a.m.
He will arrive by a big fire engine, with its red lights and sirens going. There will be gifts for all and hot chocolate for the cold morning. He will also have papers for the Sub for Santa program. As always, it will be a fun happening. Bring your camera.
This weekend will be the PHS wrestling tournament. It is a two-day affair, starting on Friday. This tournament has been going on for a long time, and last year, it was the first year the Cats won it. It has all
Obituaries
John Jackson
1949 - 2025
HANKSVILLE / LA VERKIN - John Doyle Jackson, age 76, passed away on November 24, 2025, in St. George. He was born on September 6, 1949, to Leo Doyle Jr. and Ethel Batty Jackson. He grew up in Loa and Caineville and graduated from Wayne High School, class of '67. On November 15, 1975, he married Kim Alene Sellers.
John was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, often taking local widows his fish. He also enjoyed coyote hunting and trapping. John enjoyed to tinker and fix anything and everything; he was a mechanic, welder, and creator of many things.
He loved to serve people. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he held many callings; he served as Bishop in Hanskville for 6 years, he served on High Council, in the nursery, as Ward Clerk, a building cleaner, a Sunday school teacher, and as an Elders Quorum teacher. John loved talking and visiting with people, he was always joking and trying to make others smile and feel good about themselves. John was a simple man who found joy in a hankie and a pocket comb.
of the classes up to 4A taking part, so to win it is really something. Next weekend, on the 12th and 13th, will be the lighted parade, with many old cars or trucks lit up with Christmas decorations. Then on Saturday at the Triple C Arena, it will be the Cruisin' Old 89 Christmas Car Show. This gets bigger each year and has some really nice cars in it. I hope mine will be there and myself. The Panguitch Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints 1st ward will be having their Christmas dinner at the Stake Center on the 18th. It is hard not to mention the news when it affects Garfield County. The president is putting another nail in the tourism business. He says that anyone that is not from the U.S. that wants to go into our eleven most visited national parks will have to pay another $100 dollars besides the entry fees. If he gets his way it will probably destroy the tourist bus business. It’s great to be ninety; every day is cherished.
Mack O
John is survived by his devoted wife, Kim Jackson, of LaVerkin, his children: Stacey (Caleb) Wells, Stoney Jackson, all of Williston, North Dakota, Bradley (Karissa) Jackson of Francis, Kristin (Bryon) Welch of Covington, Washington, Vanessa (Spencer) Bergon of LaVerkin, and Jaron (Karrie) Jackson of Caineville, 16 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and his siblings: Terry (Jill) Jackson of Bicknell, Deena (Stanley) Alvey, Joyce (George) Peterson, Cindy (Jack) Wilkins all of Hanksville, and George (Mary Jean) Jackson of Caineville. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Kyle Jackson, and his parents.
Funeral services for John were at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Hanksville LDS Ward Building. A viewing was held from 11:00 - 12:30 prior to services.
Livestreaming of John's services was available under his obituary 15 minutes prior to funeral starting.
Burial with military honors accorded by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard and the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 will be in the Caineville Cemetery under of the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina.
Online guestbook available at springerturner.com
Kids App: The SBSU Kids App is a game changer for parents. My children love having their own debit cards. Instead of begging for treats every time we stop at a store, our conversations have turned into ways of earning, budgeting, and spending wisely.
—Cordelle Morris, CMO at State Bank of Southern Utah
Kids App Cont'd from A1
local nonprofits, or even invest in stocks, all within a secure, parent-guided environment. Each child receives a personalized prepaid Visa® card, and the app includes an educational platform to reinforce financial concepts in a practical, engaging way.
“The SBSU Kids App is a game changer for parents,” said Cordelle Morris, CMO at State Bank of Southern Utah.
“My children love having their own debit cards. Instead of begging for treats every time we stop at a store, our conversations have turned into ways of earning, budgeting, and spending wisely.”
What sets the SBSU Kids App apart is its emphasis on real-life financial experiences. With parents acting as a safety net, kids learn to manage money responsibly, and building habits that will serve them well into adulthood.
“As Southern Utah’s community bank, we’re proud
to offer this new resource to families across the region,” said Trevor Andersen, CEO of State Bank of Southern Utah. “By investing in the financial literacy of our children, we’re investing in the future of our communities and economy.”
The SBSU Kids App is available in the Apple and Google Play stores. Simply search for “SBSU Kids.” For more information, visit sbsu.com/statebank-kids-app.
—State Bank of Southern Utah
Cold Water Safety:
As fall transitions to winter, it’s crucial to remember that cold water can overwhelm even the strongest swimmers within minutes. Wearing a life jacket isn’t just a good habit; it’s a life-saving decision. A life jacket gives you the best chance to stay afloat, maintain control and survive long enough for rescue if you end up in cold water unexpectedly.
“As fall transitions to winter, it’s crucial to remember that cold water can overwhelm even the strongest swimmers within minutes,” said Ty Hunter, boating program manager for the DOR. “Wearing a life jacket isn’t just a good habit; it’s a life-saving decision. A life jacket gives you the best chance to stay afloat, maintain control and survive long enough for rescue if you end up in cold water unexpectedly.”
Cold Water Risks and Survival Basics
Accidental immersion in cold water can quickly incapacitate and lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to confusion, loss of coordination, and even unconsciousness.
To increase your chance of survival in cold water, wear a lifejacket, and remember the 1:10:1 principle:
• 1 minute of uncontrolled breathing, gasping, or hyperventilation due to cold shock. The lifejacket will help keep your airway above water during this initial uncontrolled reaction.
10 minutes of meaningful movement to reach safety or reboard a boat. The lifejacket will keep you afloat while you still
• 1 hour of survival time before hypothermia may cause unconsciousness.
Wearing a lifejacket will keep you afloat and provide extra insulation.
Cold Water Safety
Tips:
Wear a life jacket at all times. Cold water shock can cause rapid, uncontrollable breathing and panic. A life jacket keeps you afloat, reduces movement and conserves heat, which can be life-saving in cold water.
Dress for the water, not the air. Even on warm days, water temperatures can be dangerously low. Wear synthetic, waterresistant layers and bring extra clothing to stay warm if you get wet.
• Plan ahead and stay informed. Always check the weather and water conditions before heading out. Carry a cell phone or communication device in a waterproof pouch, and consider boating with a buddy for added safety.
• Practice controlled breathing. The initial cold shock response can lead to hyperventilation. Take slow, deep breaths to stabilize your breathing and help prevent
panic to help facilitate the coordination of body movement.
—Ty Hunter, boating program manager for the DOR have some fine motor control to self-rescue, board your boat and call for help
• Follow the “Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go” technique. If you or someone else is in the water and struggling to get out, remember this sequence: Reach: Extend a stick, paddle, or other object to pull them in.
Throw: Toss a flotation device or rope to keep them afloat.
Row: Carefully row closer to offer help from a safe distance.
Don’t Go: Avoid entering the water to prevent additional risk.
• Stay with your boat when possible. If your boat capsizes, staying with it is often safer than attempting to swim to shore. A boat is easier for rescuers to spot and provides a way to stay above water.
“Preparation is everything,” said Hunter. “No one expects to fall into cold water, but knowing the risks and dressing appropriately—starting with wearing a life jacket—can make the difference between life and death.”
For additional information on cold water safety, visit recreation. utah.gov or stateparks. utah.gov.
—Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Cold Water Safety
Cont'd from A1
Schools and Sports
WCSD Honors Outstanding Employees
by Nikki Stringham | Wayne School District, Character Education/SEL Director | Wayne High School, Assistant Principal
This time, the recipients of Wayne School District's Employee Recognition Award are (Top
Woolsey, Seth Taft, Cherie Blackburn, (Bottom L-R) Sade Syme, Jaden Ellett, and Ashlee Jackson. Through the Wayne School District Employee Recognition Award, staff members who consistently go above and beyond are honored not only for their excellence, but for the heart, dedication, and effort they pour into their everyday roles.
WAYNE CO.Wayne School District is proud to celebrate—and continue celebrating—the remarkable individuals who make our schools such exceptional places to learn and work. Through the Wayne School District Employee Recognition Award, staff members who consistently go above and beyond are honored not only for their excellence, but for the heart, dedication, and effort they pour into their everyday roles.
What makes this
award especially meaningful is that recipients are nominated and selected by their own coworkers—the people who see their teamwork, commitment, and impact firsthand. Throughout the year, Wayne County School District Superintendent Randy Shelley personally visits each site to present honorees with a certificate of recognition and a small token of appreciation, expressing the district’s sincere gratitude.
This ongoing recognition program serves as
an important reminder of what Wayne School District has always known: we truly have the best people in the business. From classrooms to cafeterias, offices to buses, and every role in between, each staff member plays a vital part in supporting students’ success and building a positive, caring school community.
And we can't forget our superintendent, Randy Shelley. We want to recognize him for all of his outstanding work on behalf of the district and our students.
by Mack Oetting
The Cats were slowed down a tad this last week with their basketball games. Enterprise came with a really tall boys team, and the Cats played them tough going into overtime. They were tied at forty points, but in the overtime, the Cats ended up losing by six points. The good part is they played a lot better than in the first game. They have a game tonight here against another 2A team in Millard. The Cats will be hitting the road for the next three games. On the 5th,
they will be in San Juan, and the next night, they will be in Green River. To finish off the three game trip, they will be at Wayne on the 10th. They will be back in town on the 12th hosting Tintic.
The Lady Cats also played Enterprise at their place. Enterprise had three tall girls, and one thing you can’t coach is height. Our girls played really well, but came out on the short end of the stick, losing by six. They have a big night here on the 4th against the always tough Piute. It should be a fun game, and it will be against a 1A school. The Cats have another home game on the 16th against San Juan. Basketball is happening in Panguitch for the next three months, so get a season ticket.
Courtesy Wayne County School District
L-R) Heidi
Electric Light Train:
The start of December in Escalante is marked by the return of Lenza Wilson’s Electric Light Train. It will be weaving through town in all its glory throughout the month, carrying on a long-running local tradition.
Lenza Wilson and his partner, Rockford Orvin (right), stand next to his Electric Light Train, an Escalante tradition since 1994. Wilson's brother, Zak, and Orvin walk alongside the train as it weaves its way through the town of Escalante, keeping an eye out for blown tires, adjusting light strands, and whatever else comes up. “Rocky jumps in wherever he’s needed,” Wilson said. The train will be out most Saturday nights in December, with guaranteed runs on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
stay put, and drove around town. Since then, it has grown into a modge podge of light and wonder, built piece by piece, trailer by trailer. Wilson is an electrician by trade which shows in every wire and weld, and in turn, it has become a true family affair. His mom, Susan Shurtz, provides the pasture and electricity where the train is assembled each year. His father, Dale Wilson, supplies the generator and helps with tire maintenance. His brother, Zak, and his partner, Rockford Orvin, walk alongside the train, keeping an eye out for blown tires, adjusting light strands, and whatever else comes up. “Rocky jumps in wherever he’s needed,” Wilson said, as the two worked through a strand of lights with a possible missing bulb.
This year, the train rolls out with eighteen trailers. Some wagons were donated, others repurposed from equipment people no longer needed. One wagon made its way to Escalante from South Dakota when its owners moved here for the summer; another once belonged to a local cattleman. A fertilizer spreader became the “Beer Can,” complete with a foamy head on top, and a giant wire reel, and the retired Main Street Christmas pole decorations found new life in the lineup. People also drop off artificial trees by the no-trespassing sign by the pasture where the train is parked because they know Wilson will use them.
Among the trailers, a few have earned real identities: the "Enchanted Forest" and its sister wagon, "Rainbow;" the spinning “Twirling Hilda” in pink, red, and white; the welded starfish; and the glitter-cov-
ered drill bits mounted in front of the cauldron. “Everything has to be named,” Wilson said. The rest of the train is a world of its own, with blue glowing spheres, palm trees, retro bulbs, welded shapes, and whatever else he dreams up. There are no Santas or reindeer. “The trees are the only Christmasy thing on it,” he says. The train carries tens of thousands of lights now, and it’s rough on all of them. “It shakes and it breaks and things get pulled off,” he said.
The old Ford truck burns about fifteen gallons of gas per night, and the generator uses another ten to thirteen gallons of diesel to keep everything lit and moving. The generator sits right behind the truck and is famously loud, but Wilson doesn’t mind. He dislikes Christmas music, he said,
so the roar of the generator is the soundtrack, with a glowing pomegranate perched on top.
Wilson tells the story of a few years back when a power outage hit town right as the train was on the road. The valley went dark except for Wilson’s creation, drifting through the night like its own little universe. It looked brighter than it ever had.
The train will be out most Saturday nights in December, with guaranteed runs on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Those who want to help cover gas and maintenance costs can follow a QR code found on the Lenza Wilson Electric Light Train's Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/share/14Pk zaXX7zy/?mibextid=wwX Ifr, or via Venmo @lenzawilson.
Don't Ditch a Fish:
After discovering an illegal fish introduction this year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is again reminding Utahns that it’s both harmful and illegal to move sportfish you’ve caught from one waterbody to another, to dump unwanted pet fish into local ponds, or to use live bait fish.
Don't Ditch a Fish
Cont'd from A1
illegally released into Lloyds Lake in the Colorado River drainage. Both the transport of live fish away from where they were initially caught and the subsequent release of those fish into a new location are illegal.
“Due to several endangered fish in the Colorado River, we partner with other agencies to ensure that our sportfish stocking does not interfere with the recovery of native fish,” DWR Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “The stocking of sportfish in any drainages in the Colorado River Basin is therefore highly regulated. If we were going to consider the stocking of smallmouth bass, it would get a thorough review and escapement evaluation, and it is highly unlikely that we would stock the species here. This illegal introduction is very problematic.”
When a fish is illegally introduced into a pond, stream or lake, it can have several negative effects on that fishery, including: • Illegal fish species can prey on or outcompete other fish species, including sportfish, native fish and endangered fish species. The new fish can introduce disease because they weren’t properly tested before being dumped into that waterbody.
Depending on the species, the new fish can negatively impact water quality.
“Illegal fish introductions seldom improve fisheries—instead, illegal introductions typically ruin fisheries and threaten the species that live there,” Hedrick said. “It is also illegal in Utah to transport live fish or to introduce them into a new
location and can result in a class A misdemeanor.”
While it’s illegal to dump unwanted aquarium fish into a waterbody, it’s also illegal to move live fish from one waterbody to another or to take them home. Anglers often think that when they move fish from one waterbody to another that they are introducing a species that will help improve the fishing at a pond, stream or lake. This is seldom true, and instead, these illegal introductions often ruin a fishery for other anglers that fish there.
“Before we stock fish into a waterbody, we conduct extensive risk assessments to native species, perform disease testing, evaluate the compatibility of the new species with existing sportfish and assess angler preferences for that fishery,” Hedrick said. “It is very expensive and takes a very long time—often requiring rotenone treatments that kill all the fish—to restore these waterbodies after fish have been illegally introduced. Please help our native fish species and maintain quality fishing in Utah by never dumping a fish or being a ‘bucket biologist.’”
Utahns are encouraged to call 800-662-3337 to report any invasive fish they find, or if they see anyone illegally introducing fish into a waterbody or trying to relocate live fish. Utahns can also contact their nearest DWR office if they have an unwanted fish or if they have concerns about a fishery in Utah. Learn more about the negative consequences of illegal fish introductions by visiting the “Don’t Ditch a Fish” page on the DWR website.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Kathryn Chamberlain
Electric Light Train
Cont'd from A1
Garfield Commission: “Property tax circuit breaker” policy and the Wildland-Urban Interface Modifications (HB48); seed money for an Escalante Visitor Center/Museum; concerns about access next year to Garfield Memorial Hospital through Medicare Advantage plans; approval of Resolution 2025-5, supporting the federal delisting of the gray wolf in Utah and requesting transfer of Gray Wolf Management authority from the federal government to the state of Utah; ability of residents to now obtain wood cutting permits online; and approval of $3K for the sixteen Bryce Valley 6th grade students to attend the Washington, D.C. trip in December discussed.
Garfield Commission
Cont'd from A1
sion and instead defer the accrued taxes, plus interest, to the heirs of the estate. Clerk/Auditor Camille Moore said auditors across the state opposed this measure due to the volume of additional and unfunded accounting and paperwork required.
The other item Tebbs noted was regarding implementation of legislation passed last year: the Wildland-Urban Interface Modifications (HB48). Both Commissioner Leland Pollock and Commissioner Tebbs mentioned a new, state-mandated, $25100 fee that will appear on 2026 property taxes this year. The fee passes directly to the state to cover administration of HB48, with the varying amount apparently depending on which WUI “zone” the property lies within. However, Commissioner Tebbs said the greater financial concern may be that insurance companies will also have access to the WUI database and maps, potentially resulting in some landowners seeing significant increases in their insurance premiums or even being unable to obtain insurance. [In a phone conversation later with Commissioner Tebbs, he said these maps are not yet available, but he was
told they would be available before the end of the year.]
Commissioner Jerry Taylor said he’d attended an event at the Natural History Museum in Salt Lake City, sponsored by Senator Darren Owens and Representative Doug Owens. Taylor said the legislators are “looking for some seed money to get us going” for an Escalante Visitor Center/Museum. Taylor next reported on receiving numerous calls from worried residents who said they won’t have access next year to Garfield Memorial Hospital through their Medicare Advantage plans. Both Taylor and Pollock have meetings scheduled with Intermountain officials and believe the issue can be resolved before the upcoming signup deadline.
Public Works Director Dave Dodds reported on several projects, including repairing vandalized trail signs on the Flint Trail, completing the transaction for a new dead animal pit, and the potential purchase of an oil distributor truck to save money on future chip sealing projects.
The Commission approved Resolution 2025-5, supporting the federal delisting of the gray wolf in Utah and requesting transfer of Gray Wolf Management authority from the federal government to the state of Utah.
Forest Service: Starting December 15, residents will be able to obtain their wood cutting permits online. Chris Wehrli, Powell District Ranger, said it won’t help people much this year, but from Dec. 15 on, they won’t need to come into an office to buy their permits. Discussion continued with Wehrli and Dixie District Ranger Jennifer Thomas on trail work needed in various locations, their lack of funding and staff, and Wehrli’s request for a coordination meeting with the county to prioritize repair projects.
Despite a miscommunication with Bryce Valley 6th graders, resulting in their not being at the meeting, the Commission approved $3K for the sixteen students to attend the Washington, D.C. trip in December.
The Commission went into executive session to discuss potential litigation. Dave Dodds and Kaden Figgens were asked to join the discussion.
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/.
Award: Throughout her career, Veater has worked tirelessly to expand services and build capacity in frontier communities. She has helped establish community prevention coalitions, secured millions of dollars in grants, and supported the implementation of evidence-based programs that have reduced risk factors and substance use across the region. Her leadership has helped bring full-time behavioral health professionals to communities that previously had none, leaving a profound and lasting impact on thousands of rural Utahns. Award Cont'd from A1 practitioners, educators, and advocates dedicated to strengthening healthcare in rural communities.
As part of its ongoing commitment to elevating excellence in rural healthcare, RHAU presented several awards honoring individuals who have made meaningful contributions to rural health. Among these recognitions is the esteemed RHAU Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to individuals whose careers have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in advancing healthcare in Utah’s rural and frontier communities. Recipients are celebrated for their leadership, their commitment to addressing the unique challenges of rural healthcare delivery, and the lasting legacy they leave in expanding access, quality, and services for underserved regions.
RHAU is pleased to announce that Melissa Veater of Panguitch, Utah, has been named the 2025 RHAU Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Veater, a substance use and mental illness prevention specialist and Prevention Coordinator for Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver counties, has dedicated more than twenty-two years to improving behavioral health in rural Utah. Even when federal funding cuts threatened to eliminate her position, she continued serving her communities—supplementing her income and returning fulltime when funding was restored—demonstrating her unwavering commitment to rural behavioral health.
Throughout her career, Veater has worked tirelessly to expand services and build capacity in frontier communities. She has helped establish community prevention coalitions, secured millions of dollars in grants, and supported the implementation of evidence-based programs that have reduced risk factors and substance use across the region. Her leadership has helped bring full-time behavioral health professionals to communities that previously had none, leaving a profound and lasting impact on thousands of rural Utahns.
In addition, Timothy
Smith of Garfield Memorial Hospital and Josie Moosman of the Wayne Community Health Center were also recognized by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Office of Primary Care and Rural Health as 2025 Impact Award recipients. This honor celebrates individuals who have made notable contributions to improving rural health across the state.
Veater, Smith, and Moosman are all highly deserving of these recognitions for their outstanding contributions to strengthening health and well-being in rural Utah.
To learn more about these awards and the Rural Health Association of Utah, visit rhau.org.
—Rural Health Association of Utah
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 Dec. 31, 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)
95-5583 (A84886): State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (30 miles south of Hanksville) for STOCKWATERING.
97-2536 (A84895): Justin and Kaci Dunn propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (8 mi SE of Escalante, Utah) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3590 (a53810): Big Fish Holding LLC, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 1.6 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 miles west of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
EXTENSION(S)
97-68 (a37761): Boulder Farmstead Water Company is/are filing an extension for 0.5 cfs OR 100.56 ac-ft. from groundwater and spring (Boulder) for MUNICIPAL: In Boulder Farmstead Water Company.
97-2294 (A76356): Greg Donovan is/are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (1050 S 470 E) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
WAYNE COUNTY
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-5131 (a53818): Andrea Margaret Bryce, Michael A. Zody propose(s) using 0.9 ac-ft. from groundwater (3 miles south of Torrey) for DOMESTIC.
NONUSE APPLICATION(S)
95-258 (A12784): State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is/are seeking a nonuse period for 9.91 cfs from the Brian Spring Area (2 miles North of Loa) for DOMESTIC; FISH CULTURE: Used in rearing ponds for the propogation of fish.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2025
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following described property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, payable in lawful money of the United States at the time of the sale, at entrance to the GARFIELD COUNTY COURTHOUSE located at 55 S. Main Street, Panguitch, UT on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., for the purpose of foreclosing on a Deed of Trust originally executed by MYSTIC PROPERTIES, LLC, as Trustor, and State Bank of Southern Utah as Beneficiary. The Deed of Trust is dated July 1, 2021, and recorded on July 7, 2021, as Entry No. 280621, in the official records of the Recorder of Garfield County, State of Utah, and includes property more particularly described as follows:
PARCEL: 16-081-0989
Address: 400 N. John’s Valley Rd., Bryce Canyon, UT
Legal: That portion of the South half of the Southwest quarter (S1/2SW1/4); the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter (SW1/4SE1/4); and the West half of the Southeast quarter of the Southeast quarter (W1/2SE1/4SE1/4) of Section 5, Township 36 South, Range 3 West, Salt Last Base and Meridian, lying South of County Road Right of Way.
A Substitution of Trustee was recorded on July 30, 2025, as Entry No. 289738, and a Notice of Default was recorded on July 30, 2025, as Entry 289739, in the official records of the Recorder of Garfield County, State of Utah.
The Substitute Trustee has elected to sell or cause to be sold all rights, title and interest of the Trustor in and to the real property described in the aforementioned Trust Deed in order to satisfy such obligations in favor of the Beneficiary
Bidders must tender to the Substitute Trustee a deposit of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), at the time of sale and the balance of the purchase price is due by 12:00 p.m. MST on the first business day following the sale. The deposit is non-refundable and retained as damage if balance is not paid within 24 hours of sale. Both the deposit and the balance must be paid to J. David Westwood, Trustee, in the form of a wire transfer, cashier’s check or certified funds. Cash payments, personal checks or trust checks are not accepted.
The Substitute Trustee shall sell the above property at the time of the sale without warranty, express or implied subject to all encumbrances of record. Anyone having questions or desiring information regarding the property to be sold should contact the undersigned. Hours of office operation: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used to collect this debt.
/s/ J. David Westwood
J. David Westwood
WESTWOOD LAW, P.C.
98 W. Harding Ave., Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 267-2145
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on NOVEMBER 20 & 27 and DECEMBER 4, 2025
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 ELAINE COOMBS ROUNDY, deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 253600020, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WESLEY ROUNDY was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of ELAINE COOMBS ROUNDY 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 25th day of November, 2025. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PAUNSAUGUNT CLIFFS SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT
Paunsaugunt Cliffs Special Service District will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Hatch Community Center, 49 West Center in Hatch, Utah for opening of the 2025 budget and to adopt the 2026 budget. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2025
NOTICE OF OPENING
TORREY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Torrey, Utah is taking letters of interest or nominations for one position on the Torrey Planning & Zoning Commission.
Submissions must be received by January 2, 2026
Email: clerk@torreyutah.gov
Applicants must be a resident of Torrey Town or live within the Torrey Water District.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
CENTRAL UTAH HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Central Utah Health Department will hold a public hearing to discuss the 2025 Amended Budget and the proposed 2026 Budget
Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Central Utah Health Department Office at 70 Westview Drive, Richfield
The public is invited to attend and provide comments. Copies of the proposed budget are available for review at the Health Department office during regular business hours. For more information, call 435-896-5451.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2025
NOTICE OE PROPOSED CHANGE
WAYNE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following:
PROPOSED CHANGE: FROM RES/ AG/ NON CONFORMING USE TO SPECIAL PURPOSE WITH A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
INTENDED USE: EXISTING WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING and EMERGENCY SERVICES BUILDING
CHANGE REQUESTED BY: WAYNE COUNTY
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING
MEETING ON:
DEC 10, 2025 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LEGAL DES: Being located in the NWl/4NW1/4 Section 36 T28S R03E cont
PROPOSED CHANGE: FROM RES/ AG TO BCI (BUSINESS COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL) WITH A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
INTENDED USE: INDUSTRIAL PARK
CHANGE REQUESTED BY: WAYNE COUNTY
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING
MEETING ON:
DEC 10, 2025 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LEGAL DES: Being located in the NW1/4NW1/4 Section 36 T28S R03E cont 21.766 acres m-l
Parcel 01-007-0531 / 0-531-x
Located at: 605 S 350 E BICKNELL, UT 84715
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on NOVEMBER 27 and DECEMBER 4, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
WAYNE COUNTY
Notice is hereby given to the public of Wayne County by the Wayne County Commissioners that a public hearing will be held Thursday December 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Wayne County Courthouse 18 S Main, Loa for public comments regarding the 2025 Budget Amendments.
Felicia Snow | Wayne County Clerk-Auditor
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on NOVEMBER 27 and DECEMBER 4, 2025
NOTICE OF SUMMONS
JUSTIN D. HEIDEMAN (USB #8897)
CORWIN D. BENNETT (USB #17563)
HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
2696 N. University Ave. Suite 180
Provo, Utah 84604
Tel: (801) 472-7742
Fax: (801) 374-1724
Email: jheideman@heidlaw.com cbennett@heidlaw.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR IRON COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
THOMAS R. WELCH, an individual; Plaintiff, vs. SARTINI RANCH, LLC, a Utah limited liability company; HEATH SARTINI, SR, an individual Defendant.
21 DAY SUMMONS
Case No. 250500182
Judge: HON. Meb Anderson
THE STATE OF UTAH TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:
SARTINI RANCH, LLC
Registered Agent Heath Sartini
629 N 800 W, PO Box 1107
Cedar City, UT, 84721
You are hereby summoned and required to file, in writing, an Answer to the following documents, Verified Complaint and Motion for Prejudgment Writ of Attachment, with the clerk of the Fifth Judicial District Court, Iron County, in and for Utah, State of Utah, located at 40 North 100 East, Cedar City, UT, 84720. A copy of the Verified Complaint and Motion for Prejudgment Writ of Attachment is on file with the Court.
A written Answer must be filed within twenty-one (21) days after service of this Summons upon you. You are further instructed to serve upon or to mail to Plaintiff’s attorney, at the address shown above or below, a copy of your Answer.
If you fail to answer, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint and Prejudgment Writ of Attachment, which has been filed with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED and SIGNED this 10th day of November 2025.
HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
/s/ Justin D. Heideman
JUSTIN D. HEIDEMAN
Attorney for Plaintiff
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
2696 N. University Ave., Suite 180 Provo, Utah 84604
NOTICE OF SUMMONS
JUSTIN D. HEIDEMAN (USB #8897)
CORWIN D. BENNETT (USB #17563)
HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
2696 N. University Ave. Suite 180
Provo, Utah 84604
Tel: (801) 472-7742
Fax: (801) 374-1724
Email: jheideman@heidlaw.com cbennett@heidlaw.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff IN THE FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR IRON COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
THOMAS R. WELCH, an individual; Plaintiff, vs. SARTINI RANCH, LLC, a Utah limited liability company; HEATH SARTINI, SR, an individual Defendant.
21 DAY SUMMONS
Case No. 250500182
Judge: HON. Meb Anderson
THE STATE OF UTAH TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:
HEATH SARTINI
617 S Cove Dr Unit 8
Cedar City, UT, 84720
You are hereby summoned and required to file, in writing, an Answer to the following documents, Verified Complaint and Motion for Prejudgment Writ of Attachment, with the clerk of the Fifth Judicial District Court, Iron County, in and for Utah, State of Utah, located at 40 North 100 East, Cedar City, UT, 84720. A copy of the Verified Complaint and Motion for Prejudgment Writ of Attachment is on file with the Court. A written Answer must be filed within twenty-one (21) days after service of this Summons upon you. You are further instructed to serve upon or to mail to Plaintiff’s attorney, at the address shown above or below, a copy of your Answer.
If you fail to answer, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint and Prejudgment Writ of Attachment, which has been filed with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED and SIGNED this 10th day of November 2025.
HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
/s/ Justin D. Heideman
JUSTIN D. HEIDEMAN
Attorney for Plaintiff
Plaintiff’s Attorney: HEIDEMAN & ASSOCIATES
2696 N. University Ave., Suite 180 Provo, Utah 84604
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 Bryce Valley Elementary School
Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
• 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.
Part-Time Trail Equipment Operator
Employment Opportunity
Wayne County Trails
Job Title: Part-Time Trail Equipment Operator
Wage: $25.00 per hour
Benefits: None Employment
Type: Part-Time, Temporary (position ends when project funding is exhausted)
Position Overview: Wayne County is seeking reliable and skilled Part-Time Equipment Operators to assist with trail construction, maintenance, and improvement projects. This role involves operating a variety of light and heavy equipment in the outdoor and remote environments. The position will continue until allocated project funding is depleted.
Key Responsibilities:
• Operate trail maintenance and construction equipment including mini-excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, and related machinery
• Assist with trail grading, surfacing, vegetation clearing, erosion control, and general trail improvements
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation
• Follow all safety procedures and environmental guidelines
• Collaborate with trail crew members and supervisors to complete assigned tasks
• Work effectively in variable weather and terrain conditions
Qualifications:
• Experience operating construction or trail-related equipment
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment and follow instructions
Demonstrate capacity for working in outdoor and extreme conditions
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to lift and carry materials daily in excess of 50 pounds and as needed
• Valid driver’s license
Work Schedule:
• Part-time hours; schedule may vary based on project needs
• Position continues until project funding ends How to Apply: Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Clerk's Office. Please include cover letter and resume. Job will close December 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Call the Wayne County Clerk's Office at 435836-1300 with any questions.
HOUSE FOR SALE
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion.
Escalante AA Meeting
Tues. & Fri. at 6pm 190 W. Main St., Escalante
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
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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
REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR WAYNE WONDERLAND AIRPORT PRAIRIE DOG FENCE
Wayne County is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualifications and Experience from airport consultants to provide airport engineering services for a prairie dog fence project at Wayne Wonderland Airport.
A complete copy of the Request for Statement of Qualifications and Experience may be obtained from: Felicia Snow, County Clerk, 435-836-1300, or felicia@wayne. utah.gov.
The project will depend upon available funding from various sources, which may include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Utah Division of Aeronautics, and Wayne County. Selection of the short-listed consultant and/or the top ranked consultant (unless supplemented by secondary selection criteria) will be based upon the criteria in FAA Advisory Circular (AC 150/5100-14E) "Architectural, Engineering, and Planning Consultant Services for Airport Grant Projects” and relative importance of the required information.
This contract is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 11246 (Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity) and to the provisions of Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR, Part 26 (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation). DBE firms are encouraged to submit.
Wayne County invites consultants to submit qualifications to perform the abovedescribed services. Interested consultants shall email their Statement of Qualifications and Experience on or before December 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. local time to: Felicia Snow at felicia@wayne.utah.gov.
Issued by:
Owner: Wayne County
By: Roger Brian
Title: County Commissioner
Date: November 26, 2025
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4, 11 & 18, 2025
MEETING DATE CHANGE FOR DECEMBER 2025
LOA TOWN COUNCIL
Loa Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:30 pm instead of Thursday, December 11, 2025. All public are welcome to attend. Anyone that wants to be on the agenda for this meeting must contact Micelle Brian at 435-8362160 by Friday, December 12, 2025.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2025
