The Wayne & Garfield County Insider February 12, 2026
Capitol Reef Field Station
Opens Its Doors with Free Winter and
Spring Events
by Cinimin Kofford |
Utah Valley University
| Site Manager | Capitol
Reef Field Station
CAPITOL REEF -
This winter and spring, the Capitol Reef Field Station is inviting the public to experience one of the quieter, lesser explored corners of Capitol Reef National Park through a series of engaging community events—many of them completely free.
Operated by Utah Valley University and located inside Capitol Reef National Park, this offgrid field station overlooks the lush corridor of Pleasant Creek and serves as a hub for education, creativity, and connection. February and March bring two special opportunities for locals of all
Free Events Cont'd on B2
ESCALANTE - After building a loyal following from their food truck parked outside the Escalante Home Center, Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill has stretched its legs. The
DeEtte Spencer, of Escalante, Has Been Missing Since Jan. 26; Community Meeting with GCSO Held at Escalante Showhouse
Insider
Community members were invited to an informational meeting with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) at the Escalante Showhouse on Feb. 5, and GCSO Chief Deputy Chad Justus (above) spoke in front of a large group of concerned citizens regarding DeEtte Spencer’s disappearance. Spencer, a 69-year-old resident of Escalante, has been missing since January 26, 2026.
ESCALANTE -
DeEtte Spencer, a 69-yearold resident of Escalante, has been missing since January 26, 2026. According to a Utah Silver Alert issued Friday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m., Spencer was last seen at Walmart in Price, Utah, at 10:30 p.m. after visiting family in Colorado. She is 5’2”, with white hair and green eyes. She is believed to be headed home toward EsMissing Person Cont'd on A6
popular Mexican food spot officially opened its new location in Escalante's city center on January 27, 2026, moving into the former Nemo’s space and giving the business its first brick-and-
mortar location. Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill is owned by Edgar Garcia and Johanna Gonzalez, longtime Escalante residents who run the restaurant together after
SALT LAKE CITYThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially approved the new Utah Wildlife Action Plan on Jan. 6, which allows for needed funding avenues and ongoing action to help the most vulnerable native fish and wildlife species in Utah. Now in its third iteration, the Utah Wildlife Action Plan took more than three years to revise and update with the help of more than thirty-five conservation partners. The plan was submitted to the U.S.
Wildlife Action Plan Cont'd on A6
launching as a food truck in 2023. Long before opening their own place, both Edgar and Johanna were already New Location
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met Monday morning, February 2, approving minutes from last month’s meeting before hearing a presentation on senior services available in the county.
Meradee Peterson, newly appointed director of aging services for R6 Regional Council, and Jill Fulmer, aging services program manager, outlined programs designed to help seniors remain safely in their homes. Fulmer described the Alternatives Program, which provides incomequalified seniors with in-home support services such as personal care, homemaking assistance and supplemental meals. The program includes an intake process and currently has a waiting list.
Citizens in Page, Arizona Continue to Protest
Data Center Development
by Beth Henshaw | Corner Post
PAGE, ARIZ. - A citizen-led effort to block a land-sale to a data center developer in Page, Arizona, was rejected on a technicality, but residents continue to oppose the land sale and proposed facility
through protest, public records requests, and by attending city council meetings. In October of last year, the Page City Council voted to sell 500 acres of recreational land less than
five miles from Horseshoe Bend to a U.K. company, Huntley LLC, for a $10 billion data center. Data centers are the physical
You’re Not Imagining It— Utah’s Snowpack is the Worst on Record
The state’s snowpack sits at just one-third of normal, leaving water managers bracing for another difficult year by Leia Larsen | The Salt Lake Tribune
UTAH - Utah is experiencing its most dismal winter ever recorded.
A special report issued Monday, Feb. 2, by the National Resources Conservation Service noted that snowpack levels measured across the state are among the lowest recorded since the SNOTEL measuring equipment was installed in 1980.
“That’s of concern to all of us, because snow does more for us than provide ski slopes,” said Jordan Clayton, supervisor of NRCS’s Utah Snow Survey. “It’s critical to us as a state.”
Of Utah’s major watersheds, four have recordlow snow, including the Weber-Ogden, Provo-Jordan, Tooele Valley-Vernon Creek and Lower Sevier basins. Another six are on the brink of setting historic lows. Those include the Northeastern Uintas, San Pitch, Price-San Rafael, Dirty Devil, Upper Sevier and Southeastern Utah watersheds.
“It’s horrible,” said Scott Paxman, general manager and CEO of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.
Utah has 140 SNOTEL sites that transmit constant real-time data about snow depth and the water contained within that snow. As of Monday, thirty-one of those sites recorded the worst snowwater equivalent ever documented for this time of year. Another twelve stations showed the second-worst conditions on record.
Statewide, Utah has only about one-third of its normal snowpack for the start of February, and the season has only about two months left to accumulate snow before it begins to melt.
“It’s just been an outlier year,” said Glen Merrill, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service’s office in Salt Lake City. “We’ve been extremely dry.”
Utah and much of the West has been gripped by a high pressure system and dry conditions, Merrill added. The state saw record-breaking warm temperatures in November and December. Cold weather brought some relief in January, but temperatures are back to feeling like early spring.
“We’re beginning February hitting 50 [degrees] again,” Merrill said.
There’s a skiff of good news on the horizon. Forecasts call for cooler temperatures and more active storm activity by Feb. 11, Merrill said.
But the odds of sudden snowstorms making up for Utah’s snowpack deficit in the weeks ahead are only around 10%, he cautioned.
Communities across the state depend almost entirely on spring snowmelt for water supplies. More than 95% of the state’s water supply is directly tied to mountain snowpack, said Joel Ferry, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources. He said lawmakers will make water issues a top priority during the annual legislative session, which is currently underway.
“The policy changes and strategic investments we’ve made in conservation and infrastructure
are helping to stretch our supply,” Ferry said, “but every Utahn across every sector must do their part to use this precious resource wisely.”
In northern Utah, major reservoirs range from 42% to 80% full, according to information from the Department of Natural Resources. The water situation is even more dire in southern Utah, where several reservoirs are less than 40% full. Lake Powell, the nation’s second-largest reservoir, sits at 26% of its capacity.
The Great Salt Lake is particularly vulnerable to northern Utah’s lack of snow. It depends on that runoff each spring to refill and make up for nearly three million acre-feet of water that evaporates over the summer and fall.
The salty inland sea currently sits about three feet above the record-low elevation set in late 2022, and the lake typically loses that many feet to evaporation each year.
“This record-low snowpack is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face,” said a spokesperson with the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office, “and serves as a powerful motivator to accelerate our efforts to ensure the Great Salt Lake remains a top priority.”
Resource managers said they’re bracing for a year nearly as bad as 2022, when watering restrictions led to brown lawns, dead trees and difficult decisions for farmers. Cities may even have to enact drinking water restrictions, Paxman said.
“We [might] push the start date of irrigation back to May 15 or even first of June,” said Paxman, who manages one of the largest secondary outdoor water systems in the nation.
The silver lining this season, compared to 2022, is the amount of water still held in the soil. Soil moisture content is average or above normal for this time of year for almost all of the state, NRCS data show, thanks to rainfall in the fall. That means when the lackluster snowpack does melt, it will run off efficiently, Paxman said.
“It should go straight to rivers and reservoirs,” he said, unlike 2022, when the soil was bone dry. “Everything we got [then] pretty much sunk into the ground.”
In the years following the Great Salt Lake’s record low, water managers collaborated to identify surpluses and make donations to help the lake refill, especially following the recordbreaking snowfall of 2023.
But donations to the
lake this year appear unlikely, Paxman said.
“If this winter has taught us anything,” the Great Salt Lake Commissioner spokesperson said, “it’s that we can never take a ‘good’ water year for granted.”
Jacob Young, general manager and CEO of Jordan Valley Water District, said his agency hasn’t determined whether it will release additional water to benefit the lake, which typically happens at the end of the summer.
“It is largely dependent on how much water was conserved during the irrigation season,“ Young wrote in an email. ”This is another reason for our community to implement...water conserving measures."
Skiers, snowboarders and winter nostalgists used social media to commiserate about Utah’s missing snow in recent weeks. “It already seems like snowstorms are a thing of the past,” one Redditor wrote in the Salt Lake City forum Sunday, Feb. 1, amassing more than 800 upvotes. “We’re going to be headed toward catastrophe very, very soon with the effects climate change is having on the Great Salt Lake.”
This article was originally published on www. sltrib.com on February 2, 2026.
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Letters to the Editor When They Come
(With respect to Pastor Martin Niemoller’s First they came.)
First they came for the Mexicans.
I did nothing, I’m not Mexican Then they came for the protesters (“domestic terrorists”).
I did nothing, I’m not a domestic terrorist.
Then they came for the single white mom. I did nothing, I’m not a mom. Then they came for the children.
I did nothing, I’m not a child.
And then they came for the white guy with a gun.
Whoa!
Regardless of how you feel about immigration and immigrants, how can anyone justify what is going on in Minnesota? The gun wielding, masked, inadequately trained and criminally poorly led “federal police” apparently think that shooting a civilian ten times after they forced him to the ground and pep-
per sprayed him is a good idea—a guy who was legally carrying a gun, whose only “crime” was questioning federal power. What about civil rights, what about the 2nd amendment? Where is the outrage? No statements from Senator Lee, just the ubiquitous sounds of tongue on boot leather.
Maybe they will never come for you, but if they do I wouldn’t count on your politicians speaking up for you.
David Hensel, Boulder
We Cannot Allow the CRA to Nullify the Current RMP
No matter how many times I drive on Highway 12, the section of road known as “The Hogback” always takes my breath away. As far as the eye can see is untouched natural beauty, all part of GrandStaircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM). Two of my main hobbies are hiking and tent camping, so I regularly drive to this area to access trailheads and camping sites. GSENM is one of my favorite places to visit due to it being one of the warmer areas in Utah in the cooler months and for its proximity to my home in the Capitol Reef area. Being in nature away from the chaos of our modern-day world always makes me feel better physically and mentally. And nowhere is quite as peaceful as the remote expanse of GSENM.
My love for this place is why I am against the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The Utah congres-
sional delegation wants to introduce this bill in Congress. If the bill passes, it would throw out the current Resource Management Plan (RMP), a plan that prioritizes conservation and preservation. Any new RMP could weaken protection and invite new industrial development. The current RMP does not lock me or any other locals
out of our own backyard— we have access to GSENM and are free to recreate and enjoy the national monument. I'm so lucky to live in a state as beautiful as Utah. I want to see places like GSENM protected for generations to come—and for that to happen, we cannot allow the CRA to nullify the current RMP.
Gloria Kann, Torrey
News from Wayne County
Notom
by Adus F. Dorsey II
The grave of Elijah Behunin, 1870-1884, eldest son of Elijah Cutler Behunin, has a picket fence around it and a head marker of red sandstone with the inscription "Elijah Behunin 1870-1884." Elijah Behunin, known as "Ligie," was thrown from his horse as it stepped into a gopher hole. The morning after he returned to his family's sheep camp, Ligie's brother, Will, found him dead from his injuries. Ligie was buried on the top of a knoll just east of the Behunin cabin at Notom, and even though the Behunin family have not lived at Notom since 1890, they have continued to care for the grave.
WAYNE CO. - There has never been a town with more of an identity problem than Notom, Utah, in Wayne County. It is not so much an identity crisis, as it is an identity confusion. For the avid geography buffs, Notom, Utah, is an ink spot about the size of a period on the map in Central Utah. It is just to the left or right of Capitol Reef National Park, depending on how you are looking at it.
But how Notom got its name seems to be where the real speculation around the dinner comes up. The answer to this has either been long forgotten or never known because, certainly, Ester Durfey would have already found it.
The story goes that Jorgen Smith, postmaster at the time, suggested Pleasant Creek, but there were thousands of places already using the name "Pleasant" in one form or another. Perhaps it was just an accident, since there was really “no town,” which said in a Wayne County accent, became "Notom." A story that does carry some credence is about a man named Tom that proposed to a fair maiden of one of the ranchers’ daughters in the town, and she ultimately turned him down, saying, “No, Tom.” Then there is the Boy Scout version, which does not have anything to with "no town" or "No, Tom." The story around the campfire goes that a troop of Boy Scouts were camped somewhere out on the Reef, and somehow they got word that there was a dance with girls that was going to take place in Notom that night. The boys decided to wash up and take the ten-mile trek to Notom to go see them. They had no such luck, and when they finally got there, not only did they find that there was "no town" and "No, Tom," but there were "no girls" there either. So, it is anybody’s guess as to how Notom got its name. What we do know is that Ester Durfey kept pretty good records and shared them in a book, and the Jorgen Smith family were pretty good at genealogy. It is written that Elijah Cutler Behunin was called by A.K. Thurber, the president of the Sevier Stake, to open the area east of the Reef. Being the trusty civil servant and community builder that he was, Elijah, without
question, set out to settle the area. The way through the rugged defile was an achievement, but Elijah endured. William Strinham and Yergen Jorgensen were also with Elijah on the trip through the Reef.
During the time Cutler Behunin lived in Notom, the Tribe of Chief Whitehorse contracted measles and was starving. Elijah collected a wagon full of food and took it to them, telling them not to come to close to their children. Chief Whitehorse was so grateful that he broke down and cried.
As mentioned, Jorgen Smith was the first postmaster at Notom. Mail service was established between Teasdale and Caineville in the late 1880s, and the first mail was by pony express. The rider would travel to Teasdale one day and back to Caineville the next, where he met a rider who came from Hanksville. Walter Smith, a grandson, remembers the first post office at Notom, which his grandfather built. Walt drove the mail route with his father in about 1916, and says they were still using the same building then.
Besides being postmaster, Smith was Justice of the Peace at Notom and performed the marriages of two of his daughters there. He was the presiding elder of the branch of the LDS church at Notom from 1888 until the branch was discontinued in 1892. While residing at Notom, he was kicked by a horse. “His family and friends thought he was dead and were planning to bury him. One man, however, would not give him up, and placed a mirror in front of his mouth— and to everyone’s surprise, steam appeared on the mirror. He was slowly nursed back to health.”
The real tearjerker of a Notom story was when tragedy struck the Behunin family in 1884. On
cold winter nights in front of a fire while puffing on a pipe, Tippets shared that “As Christmas drew near, Ligie, the Behunin’s oldest son, returned home from the sheep camp about ten miles away, He was fourteen, almost a man.
That afternoon, Cutler was called to Torrey on business, and instructed his two oldest sons, Ligie and Will, to return to the sheep camp after Christmas dinner. Cutler did not return from his trip by Christmas, and the family went to Caineville to visit friends and attend the Christmas celebration there. During the afternoon, Ligie was thrown from his horse as it stepped into a gopher hole. He was stunned and ill from a bruise in his side.”
The next morning, he insisted that he was well enough to return to the sheep. The two boys were walking; it was cold and there was snow on ground. Will could tell that Ligie was still suffering from his fall. That afternoon, they reached camp, and Will built a fire to keep them warm.
When he awoke the next morning, he found that his brother was dead. He built fires around the camp to keep coyotes away from the sheep and his brother’s corpse and started on the long walk back home.
“Ligie was buried on the top of a knoll just east of the Behunin cabin at Notom.” Even though the Behunin family have not lived at Notom since 1890, they have cared for the grave, and today there is a picket fence around the grave and a head marker of red sandstone with the inscription Elijah Behunin 1870-1884.
Thank you, Esther C. Durfey—July 12, 1910 - July 8, 2007—for documenting Wayne County history for us all to contemplate and enjoy.
Life is a gift.
Courtesy Adus F. Dorsey II
Wills, Trusts, and More
Can You Disinherit a Spouse?
A surprising number of marriages end with one spouse trying to disinherit the other. However, the law of most states protects both husbands and wives from being disinherited by the other.
If a person fails to provide for his or her surviving spouse, or even fails to provide a certain percentage of the estate to the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse can demand and receive an “elective share” or forced share of the estate, as set by state law. This means that the surviving spouse can demand a portion of the estate, and, regardless of what is stated in the deceased spouse’s will, the surviving spouse has a right to receive at least that amount.
A spouse retains these elective share rights until and unless a decree of divorce is final. The exception is if the elective share rights are waived in a marital agreement. Marital agreements set forth in writing the exact agreement between couples regarding how much of each
by Jeffery J. McKenna
spouse’s individual assets (if any) will be distributed to the other upon the death of one of them. Often, each spouse will waive the right to inherit any of the assets of the other spouse.
It is preferable to execute a marital settlement agreement prior to marriage. Each party signs the agreement and knows, prior to the marriage, where they stand financially within the context of the marriage, and upon death of their spouse. Post-marital agreements (executed after marriage) can be executed if both spouses are agreeable to the settlement terms.
The provisions of premarital and post-marital agreements serve to protect surviving spouses. When couples who each have children from prior relationships get married, each may have sufficient assets to be unafraid of being disinherited. Each one wants to provide for his or her own children upon death, and each
spouse agrees to waive any share of the other’s estate. They are happy to do so in order for their own assets to be distributed to their own children.
The same concerns and considerations by couples who draw up a premarital or postmarital contract also apply to couples who never plan to marry. As with marital agreements, safeguarding income and assets—and negotiating a cohabitation agreement in the event of termination of the relationship or death—is far easier to accomplish when neither party is angry, under stress and/or hostile.
For peace of mind, often it is wise or convenient to have marital or cohabitation agreements drafted at the same time as estate planning documents. Consult your attorney in drafting any such important documents. The attorney’s fee you pay may well save you a lot of money and heartache in the end.
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 lAuGhiNg
Smart Drinking
A guy walks into a bar and asks for ten shots of the establishment’s finest single malt scotch.
The bartender sets him up, and the guy takes the first shot in the row and pours it on the floor. He then takes the last shot in the row and does the same.
The bartender asks, “What did you do that for?”
The guy replies, “Well, the first shot always tastes like crap, and the last one always makes me sick!”
Martinis
A gorilla walks into a bar and orders a martini.
The bartender makes the drink, amazed that a gorilla came in.
The gorilla gives the bartender $2 and the bartender gives back $1 in change.
The bartender says, “I don’t get many gorillas in here, you know.”
The gorilla replies, “For $19 a martini, I can see why!”
Swallowed Quarters
I had to take my son to the hospital after he swallowed ten quarters. He was rushed to surgery.
After half an hour, I saw a nurse, so I asked her how he was.
A young boy was sitting in the waiting room for a little but after getting his tooth pulled.
The receptionist aksed him if he was okay. "Yes, but I didn't like the bad word the dentisr used while he was pulling my tooth."
"What did he say?" asked the receptionist, worried. The boy replied, "Oops."
PUNishment
A criminals best asset is his lie ability.
lionaire got married to a 20-year-old model. When his friend asked him how he did it, he said, “It’s
I lied about my age.” The friend said, “Ah, so you said you were 40?” The millionaire shook his head. “No, I said I was 90.”
Design detail
München mister
Jittery
Irregularly notched
*Harry of Privet Drive
Gangster's gal
Obituaries
Rose Hart Spencer
ESCALANTE - Rose Hart Spencer passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the St. George Regional Hospital due to pneumonia caused by cancer.
Rose was born on June 8, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the youngest of seven siblings born to John and Adriana Hart. Her parents immigrated from the Netherlands in 1948, right after the war, bringing with them her three older brothers. She cherished her visits throughout life to the Netherlands to see family and friends.
In 1973, Rose welcomed her beloved son, Dusten Shilo Hart, and then in 1997, she met Darrel Spencer, and they became a family with his three sons, Nick Spencer, Chad Spencer, and Casey Spencer.
Rose lived a Christian lifestyle, and everyone who met her felt special and loved.
Rose enjoyed a rewarding career as a medical secretary at Primary Children’s Hospital and went on to be an office manager for a podiatrist. After retiring and moving to Escalante with Darrel, her favorite occupation was as a waitress, where she thrived on meeting tourists and chatting about all kinds of adventures.
Her absolute favorite pastime was having family come to visit and spending quality time with her grandkids, where they would tie-dye shirts, hike, barbecue, go four-wheeling, and simply make memories together.
Rose is survived by her husband, Darrel Spencer; her four sons and their spouses: Dusten and Asenath Hart, Nick and Kim Spencer, Chad and Kristen Spencer, Casey and Diana Spencer. She also cherished her 13 beautiful grandchildren: Nicolas Hart, Brooque Hart, Victoria Hart, Dusten Hart Jr., Jaydyn Spencer, Austin Spencer, Alayna Spencer, Alyssa Spencer, Seth Spencer, Preston Spencer, Bryson Spencer, Daxson Spencer, Collin Spencer; and her three siblings, Auke Hart, Donna Hart Lloyd, and Mary Hart Wilkinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memories of Rose be shared with those she touched through her kindness, warmth, and a smile that brightened every room. May she rest in peace, and may those who loved her carry forward her spirit of family, faith, and adventure.
*A small graveside service will be held in Escalante at a later date
The family had a memorial and a funeral service on Saturday, February 7, 2026. A visitation was held prior to funeral services from 9:45 am to 11:15 am at the church, with funeral services starting at 11:30 am, in the LDS Ward Chapel, 267 West Weatherby Drive, Saratoga Springs, Utah.
BURIAL WILL BE in the Escalante Cemetery at a LATER DATE Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti.
I just got done watching the "Sleeper Bowl," and the Seattle Seahawks won easily over New England, 28-13. At the end of the third quarter, the Patriots had made only five first downs, one of them on a penalty, and the Seahawks had only five three-point kicks. It did liven up a little with New England scoring two touchdowns. Both teams had great defenses, and that is what kept the score down.
Up next is college basketball, March Madness, and the second season of the NBA, which will finish about in June.
Well, we didn't get any snow last Tuesday like we have been promised for eight days now. Maybe, areas up north will get a little. I saw that the last time we had a dry spell like this one was back in the 1890s. You might want to start thinking about how to save water for this next little while.
I did hear from a man who seemed to know that the dam up at the lake is almost finished. It is only lacking a really heavy piece that goes on the bot-
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
tom of the spillway. Then, the old dam will be removed. The weather has really helped them out with their building. Now, all we need are some big storms to fill it up. In 1980, my father passed away, and my mother gave me his silver stash of about twenty silver dollars. She felt that I was the only one in the family that would save them. I now have well over one hundred of the dollars and have still been buying them until recently. Gold has gone from $2,000 an ounce to over $5,600, and silver, when I started saving them, was about $3.50 an ounce, and it has gone up over $118.00 in the last three years. During the 1950s, silver went up to $50.00 an ounce. A couple of really rich brothers by the name of Hunt had cornered the market, and it lost value over night when it was discovered. Last week, the same thing happened, and both gold and silver took a nosedive. Gold dropped over $1,000, and silver dropped down to $78. Gold is already back
Democracy
UTAH - Voting-rights advocates say a bill pending in the Utah Legislature that adds new voter registration requirements is unnecessary and could prevent thousands of eligible voters from casting a ballot.
The SAVE Act is similar to a federal bill pending in the U.S. Senate. It would require voters to show documents such as passports and birth certificates to register.
Nat Williams, democracy policy associate with the nonprofit Stewardship Utah, said it would disproportionately affect young and older voters, and those with low incomes who may not have the means to obtain these types of documents.
"We worry that people who don't have passports or
up over $5,000, and silver is at $84. Being a collector, the lower the cost is generally better, so I like it. I am through buying for a while, and maybe silver will keep coming down. I do have some silver that I will sell or trade with silver dimes and quarters.
Last week, I talked about RFK's upside-down food pyramids, which brings red meat to the top of the pyramid from the bottom. By no means am I telling anyone to quit eating meat. Of all the foods that we eat, meat has the highest amount of protein in it. But like everything you eat, it should be eaten in moderation. However, with the high cost of meat, that’s all I can afford. At New Year’s Eve dinner, I had a rib eye, and it tasted so good, but with the high cost, it may be next year before I can afford another one. For those that might think differently about myself, I have been a registered unaffiliated voter for over twenty-five years. I only vote for the person, not the party, which takes no thought, and you are
stuck with what you got. It is a really big weekend in high school sports. The Panguitch High School wrestling team will be defending their six-year reign as state champions. It will be at Sevier Valley Center in Richfield this weekend. There will be at least four girl wrestlers, and two of them won their weight class at the Southern Division competition here in Panguitch.
The Region 20 Basketball Championships will be here in Panguitch, with both the boys and girls competing. It will be a two-day affair, and the concession stands could use a little help if you have the time. If you like beef jerky, like I do, the only place to buy it is at Tug Nay’s meat place out on Highway 89. It is the best, and it is only $10.00/lb. You do have to buy at least 5lbs, but it will last you a couple of months. Tug has a license to sell retail now, and he can process your cattle to sell.
Mack O.
Advocates: Utah Does Not Need New Voting Regulations
by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
driver's licenses—for example, elderly people who may have let those lapse, unhoused people, Native American tribal members, student voters—would be impacted by this," she said.
Sponsors say the state bill was modeled on the SAVE Act introduced in Congress by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and is designed to prevent noncitizens from voting.
Williams said the measure would also prove to be a significant burden
for almost 700,000 married Utah women whose birth certificates no longer match their legal names. She added that state officials have found voting by noncitizens isn't really a problem in Utah.
"Our lieutenant governor put out an audit of our voter rolls to check to see if there were any noncitizens on our voter rolls," she said, "and she found one noncitizen registered to vote out of 1.76 million registered voters."
Obituaries
Williams noted that more than 90% of Utahns register to vote online or by mail, so the bill could force in-person registration, which could become an administrative nightmare for voting officials. "We don't think it's something that our legislators should be pursuing," she said, "especially if tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, of voters who are citizens would have their eligibility impacted."
John Willard Blevins III
PANGUITCH - John Willard Blevins III, 61, passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his children and family. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Atli Blevins, who left us just three years prior.
John was born on March 3, 1965, in Reykjavík, Iceland, to his wonderful parents, Stienunn and John Blevins Jr. He is survived by his two children, Arik and Abbey Blevins, and his siblings, Robert Haroldsson and Lucy Brownson.
John spent the early years of his life in Iceland, where he passed many days by the ocean, trying to catch fish in the ports with nothing but a string and a hook, marking the beginning of his lifelong love of fishing. Later, he traveled around the globe for his father’s work, leaving Iceland for Ecuador and eventually Barstow, California, where he remained until his parents retired to Panguitch, Utah.
Following his parents, John came to Panguitch as a stranger and left a legacy. It was here that he found his testimony in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and joined the Church. While working at The Pines, John met his wife, Marnie Blevins. Though later divorced, they raised three delightful children together.
John spent many years backpacking and exploring the surrounding southern Utah wilderness. He loved spending long days outdoors with only a map to guide him. He also held a deep passion for fishing, and taking his children to the river remains a cherished family memory.
John was a man who thought for himself. He was an independent thinker who stood firmly by his beliefs and supported them with thoughtful research. He loved reading and filled his personal library with literature ranging from ancient and modern history to politics and philosophy.
Above all, John loved the gospel. He had a powerful testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and a deep reverence for the importance of the temple. His faith guided his life and shaped the man he was.
John will be remembered for his curiosity, strength, devotion to family, and unwavering faith.
Memorial Services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 12:00 noon in the Panguitch Stake Center.
A Friends and Family Gathering will be held at the church prior to services from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cremation Services will be held in the Magleby Mortuary and Cremation Center—Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. An online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com.
Missing
Person: We appreciate everybody’s support and appreciate everybody’s efforts and willingness to help us in this situation, and we hope it is resolved as quickly as possible.
—Chad Justus, Garfield County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy
calante in a white 2010 Buick Lucerne, Utah plate E604JU.
There is no foul play suspected, but it has not been ruled out.
During a recent “Utah’s Missing” report on KUTV in Salt Lake, Wade Mathews, with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), stated that the search for Spencer has widened to include an area covering 10 - 15,000 square miles and that they continue to search roads and areas of all of Emery and parts of Sevier, Wayne, Sanpete, and Grand counties.
Mathews stated that they have received and investigated multiple sightings and tips with no results and that her license plate has not registered on a license plate reader, nor has her car been spotted anywhere around Price or Garfield County.
“We are exhausting all resources, all efforts. We want to find DeEtte,” said Mathews.
Community members were invited to an in-
formational meeting with the GCSO at the Escalante Showhouse on Feb. 5, and GCSO Chief Deputy Chad Justus and Garfield County Sheriff Eric Houston spoke with a large group of concerned citizens regarding Spencer’s disappearance.
According to Justus, after leaving Colorado, Spencer made multiple stops, heading west, then east again for reasons unknown, before again turning west towards Utah. At this point, her phone went dead or was turned off, and they have not been able to track it since.
Based on following her financial transactions, they do know that she stopped in Green River, before the final sighting and footage of her at Walmart in Price, though they have not been able to determine where she went from there. Justus is attempting to confirm her direction of travel out of Price by asking local businesses for their assistance.
Financial information tells them that the last time she put gas in her car was in Grand Junction, which, according to Justus, gives them anywhere between a 200-to-250-mile search ra-
dius, which “gives people an idea of the scope of what we are looking at here,” he said. Justus stressed that they are concentrating on what would have been her most probable routes, due to lack of resources and manpower to conduct searches of all possible locations.
GCSO has been working and coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies and volunteer organizations within the search radius, including the Civil Air Patrol, which volunteered two days of flying time and thoroughly searched I-10 from Price to State Route 72 and from State Route 72 to Loa.
Using the Utah Highway Patrol helicopter is an option they are looking at, but they would need to narrow down the search area before that would be an effective option.
Local residents have created flyers that they have posted as far as Richfield and expressed interest in guidance on how to conduct searches on their own. Justus agreed to speak with someone from Escalante Search and Rescue to see if they would give those
Wildlife Action Plan: It's incredible to see the partnerships that the DWR fosters through the Utah Wildlife Action Plan come together every ten years to work on its revision. These partnerships form the backbone of wildlife conservation for Utah's most at-risk species, which gives me hope our grandchildren will get to enjoy wildlife as we do today.
—Isobel Lingenfelter, Utah Wildlife Federation Conservation Director
Eared grebes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially approved the new Utah Wildlife Action Plan on Jan. 6, which allows for needed funding avenues and ongoing action to help the most vulnerable native fish and wildlife species in Utah.
Fish and Wildlife Service in August 2025. The Utah Wildlife Action Plan is a detailed ten-year plan that identifies a wide range of at-risk native species in need of conservation attention, as well as the habitats that they rely upon. The updated plan—effective 2025 to 2035—guides the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and its many conservation partners in addressing the threats and challenges impacting native species.
“By preventing federal listings under the Endangered Species Act, we can keep wildlife management at the state level, which ultimately saves resources and taxpayer dollars,” DWR Utah Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator Scott Gibson said. “It also provides stability for businesses within the state and maintains the world-class opportunities afforded to our hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. The plan identifies the need for funding (and matching funding) for native species projects and provides a
framework for how to best use our resources for the species most in need.”
The plan identifies 256 species of greatest conservation need in Utah, including:
Four amphibians
• Twenty-three birds
• Fourteen mammals
Four reptiles
• Twenty-two fish
• Twenty-seven mollusks
Sixteen insects
One hundred and fortysix plants
"It's incredible to see the partnerships that the DWR fosters through the Utah Wildlife Action Plan come together every ten years to work on its revision,” Utah Wildlife Federation Conservation Director Isobel Lingenfelter said.
“These partnerships form the backbone of wildlife conservation for Utah's most at-risk species, which gives me hope our grandchildren will get to enjoy wildlife as we do today."
“Utah’s Hogle Zoo has long partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to both highlight and invest in native species conservation in the state,” Utah Hogle Zoo Director of Conservation
individuals some basic tips and provided information on some areas that have not been searched extensively, but he stressed that their Attempt to Locate (ATL) requests on her vehicle have gone out to law enforcement officers nationwide. Some suggested walking roads on foot, and Justus encouraged those people to proceed with caution because they don’t want anyone to get hit or create traffic accidents.
Sheriff Houston said that he had been in contact
with Escalante Mayor Melani Torgersen and that they could provide updates to her that could be placed at the city office.
According to Justus, the family, though they appreciate all that is being done, has asked for privacy at this time and requested that any information or updates be directed to the sheriff’s office.
Justus closed by saying, “We appreciate everybody’s support and appreciate everybody’s efforts and willingness to help
Obituaries
us in this situation, and we hope it is resolved as quickly as possible.”
This is a developing story. Anyone with information can contact the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at 1-435-676-2678. Escalante residents have created a GoFundMe and are asking for donations to help fund plane searches for Spencer: https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-fund-planesearches-for-deette-spencer. —Insider
Brandy Rena Klamert
PANGUITCH - Brandy Rena Klamert, age 47, peacefully passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Brandy was born on December 28, 1978, in Flint, Michigan, to Don and Patricia Leblanc. Shortly after her birth, they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and then to Panguitch, Utah.
As a young woman, she suffered the effects of a tragic automobile accident that affected her for the rest of her life. But she did not let it get her down. She was a light and a source of happiness to those around her; she knew how to brighten other people's day. She had an infectious smile that lifted everyone's spirit. She loved to paint pictures, give high fives, and got a thrill out of turning off all the lights on people as she left the room. She loved music, especially the Backstreet Boys. Her favorite color was blue; everything she wore had to be blue. Her favorite food was KFC chicken and strawberry yogurt.
Dr. Lynne Baker. “In particular, our collaboration has contributed to a greater understanding of the status of wild populations of the Western toad, as well as to the recovery of this unique species in Utah. The Western toad is one of four amphibians listed as species of greatest conservation need in the DWR’s comprehensive Wildlife Action Plan. We are proud to collaborate with the DWR in the recovery of this vulnerable species and other native wildlife.”
Members of the public can get involved in these important conservation efforts by:
• Volunteering to work on projects with the DWR and its partners—like Sageland Collaborative—that support native species.
• Contributing wildlife observation data to community networks like iNaturalist and eBird.
To learn more about specific species being helped by the Utah Wildlife Action Plan, visit the DWR website and listen to this Wild podcast episode.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Before her accident, Brandy was always ready for a new adventure; she loved riding four wheelers, and took horseback riding lessons. She was a straight A student and had been awarded a modeling contract. She loved spending time with her dogs, Dotty the Dalmatian and Brandon, a Dachshund.
Brandy was loved and will be missed by so many people. She touched the lives of all those around her. The world has lost a beautiful soul but heaven has gained a new shining star. We will miss you, Brandy; thank you for being so special.
Brandy is survived by her father, Don Leblanc; her brother, John; and nieces, Amanda and Samantha. Her sister, Candy (David) Bagy.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia, and her nephew, Damian.
Our family would like to give special thanks Dr. Todd Mooney and all the nurses and staff at Garfield County Nursing Home, Long-term Care for their love, concern and care they have shown these many years to Brandy. Brandy had a special liking for nurse Jessica; thank you ALL, for everything.
Funeral services will be held on a very special day of love February 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon in Panguitch, Utah. At the LDS Panguitch 2nd Ward building, 176 N. 400 E. St.
A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. just prior to the services.
Interment will be in the Panguitch Cemetery under the direction of Cedar Valley Funeral in Cedar City, Utah. On line condolences can be left on her memorial page at cedarvalleyfuneral.com.
Wildlife Action Plan Cont'd from A1
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Courtesy Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
Screenshot of surveillance footage of DeEtte Spencer in Price, Utah, on January 26, 2026, which is the day that she was last seen. According to a Utah Silver Alert issued Friday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m., Spencer was last seen at Walmart in Price, Utah, at 10:30 p.m. after visiting family in Colorado.
Schools and Sports
PHS Boys Wrestling Take First in 1A Division B at 1A High School Boys State Qualifying Division Meet
by Jaynie Connor
state champions—took first in 1A Division B, qualifying sixteen wrestlers for the state tournament.
PANGUITCH - The 1A High School Boys State Qualifying Division meets were held on Friday, January 30th, at Panguitch High School. The Panguitch Bobcats—six-time defending state champions—took first in 1A Division B, qualifying sixteen wrestlers for the state tournament. The state tourna-
ment will be held on February 13-14th at the Sevier Valley Center. The Bobcats have a wrestler striving for a third consecutive title, Kole Fullmer, competing at 175 lbs. Additionally, teammates Mitch Dodds and Maverick Albrecht are also pursuing a chance to repeat their previous successes. Panguitch Boys Division
Champions include, Judson Pollock 113, Mitch Dodds 120, Gaige Stewart 126, Max Albrecht 138, Kole Fullmer 175, and Maverick Albrecht 215.
The Panguitch girls team achieved a remarkable tie for 3rd place overall, despite competing with just six members. In their respective brackets, Lexi
Marshall and Lainee Sawyer both secured 1st place finishes.
1A Division B High School Boys Team Scores: Panguitch, 257
• Milford, 199.5
• Monticello, 161.5
• Wayne, 151
• St. Joseph, 96 Bryce Valley, 57
• Monument Valley, 50
BVHS Student and Athlete of the Week
by Samie Ott | Bryce Valley High School
Nixxon Pedroza (left) has been nominated by the boys basketball coaches as Bryce Valley High School's (BVHS) Athlete of the Week, and Taivee Corrales (right) was nominated by Ms. Nicholson as BVHS's Student of the Week.
BRYCE - Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) is proud to recognize two outstanding Mustangs who are making a difference both in the classroom and on the court.
Nominated by Ms. Nicholson as BVHS's Student of the Week, Taivee Corrales has gone above and beyond in journalism. She consistently demonstrates an exceptional
PHS Sports Sidelines
by Mack Oetting
The Cats finished their season on a high note by winning both of their games. The boys played Water Canyon and trailed them at high time. In the second half, sophomore Tayce Barney came in and sunk two quick lay ups. It was then that the Cats went from shooting threepointers and missing them, to scoring with inside baskets. Tayce Barney ended up with fifteen points, and in the third quarter, the Cats out-scored Water Canyon, 25 to 5. Trenton Virga had a dunk and also kicked in fifteen points. The Cats pulled away with a 76 to 54 win. They start this weekend here in Panguitch defending last year’s title.
The ladies' game was really close against Milford. Panguitch won the game, 56 to 54, with a couple of free throws by Makena Owens. Makena was the star, scoring twenty-six points, with seven three-pointers. Owens
scored fifteen points in a row at one time.
This year Makena led all scorers with 239, and close behind was Tayt Miller with 234. The Lady Cats finished the season fifteen and five. The girls will also be here this weekend and giving it their best.
These are the results from last weeks District Wrestling Tournament for PHS.
Boys:
105# Parker Henrie, 4th. 113# Judson Pollock, 1st, and Parker Stewart, 6th. 120# Mitch Dodds, 1st. 126# Gaige Stewart, 1st, and Cody Miller, 3rd. 132# Max Woolsey, 4th. 138# Max Albrecht, 1st, and Jorge Sanchez, 4th. 144# Jackson Heaton, 2nd. 150# Joshua Perez, 3rd, and Danny Gripkey, 4th. 157# Brayden Frandsen, 2nd, and Dayton Houston, 5th. 165# Archer Ward, 3rd. 175# Kole Fullmer, 1st. 215# Maverick Albrecht, 1st.
285# Payton Stewart, 2nd. Girls:
105# Lini Houston, 4th.
120# Alex Marshall, 1st.
130# Laine Sawyer, 1st. 145# Collin Houston, 2nd
Escalante High School
Boys Basketball: 02/12: 1st Round Region
02/10-13: Region Tournament at Panguitch
02/19: 1st State Tournament 02/21: 2nd State Tournament
02/26-28: State Tournament at SLCC Girls Basketball: 02/10-13: Region Tournament at Panguitch 02/18: 1st State Tournament 02/20: 2nd State Tournament
02/26-28: State Tournament at SLCC
High School
Selected by the boys basketball coaches as BVHS's Athlete of the Week, Nixxon Pedroza is being recognized for his strong attitude, work ethic, and team-first mindset. He shows up ready to work, gives consistent effort in practices and games, and brings positive energy to
work ethic and takes pride in producing quality work. What truly sets Corrales apart is her willingness to support others—when she finishes her own assignments, she steps in to help classmates who need extra support. Her positive attitude is contagious, and she contributes to a classroom environment where everyone feels encouraged to succeed. Bryce Valley is lucky to have a student who leads with both effort and kindness.
those around him. Coaches appreciate that he is coachable, respectful, and always willing to do what the team needs. His smile, determination, and willingness to put in the work make him a great teammate and a strong representative of Mustang pride.
Congratulations to Corrales and Pedroza for representing BVHS with pride.
Jake Schoppe
Max Woolsey at the 1A High School Boys State Qualifying Division meet on Friday, January 30, held at Panguitch High School. The Panguitch Bobcats—six-time defending
Courtesy Samie Ott
Schools and Sports
WCSD Celebrates Accomplishments at Loa and Hanksville Elementary and Wayne High School
by Nikki Stringham | Wayne School District, Character Education/SEL Director | Wayne High School, Assistant Principal
WAYNE CO.Wayne County School District has plenty to celebrate, as students across the district continue to grow, achieve, and shine.
At the district level, recent data shows strong progress in both academics and attendance.
In a University of Utah study examining students reading on grade level by third grade, Wayne School District emerged as the second highestachieving district in Utah, narrowly missing the 70% benchmark set by the Utah State Board of Education. With solid programs, dedicated staff, and effective systems in place, the district remains committed to reaching—and exceeding—that goal while maintaining high expectations for all learners. Attendance is also on the rise, with a districtwide average of 92.72% as of January 29, 2026, and a chronic absenteeism rate of 17.6%, well below the statewide average of 23.8%, placing Wayne among the state’s leading districts. Wayne School District is also really excited about the progress
on the new elementary school construction in Bicknell. The estimated completion date is May, 2027. Across all schools, Wayne School District is also making strides in student wellness, with school lunch programs working closely with vendors to limit or eliminate foods containing red dye—another step toward ensuring healthy, high-quality meals for students and staff alike. Because student and staff wellness is such a high priority, the Character Education Department is continually working with all schools, staff, and students to inspire and encourage em -
pathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability.
At Loa Elementary School, early literacy efforts are paying off in big ways. The school’s kindergarten program was recognized by the USBE for achieving a 10% increase in students reading on grade level during the 2024-25 school year—a milestone worth celebrating. Building on that momentum, Loa Elementary will host a “Literacy with Loved Ones” event today, February 12, at 2:30 p.m., inviting parents, guardians, and grandparents to read with students, enjoy a small treat, and learn
more about the school’s literacy programs. The event is designed to help families better understand the science of reading and provide practical strategies to support learning at home.
Hanksville Elementary School (HES) continues to foster a love of reading through strong partnerships with families and the community. The HES PTA sponsors monthly, at-home reading challenges, encouraging students to build consistent reading habits while earning rewards and recognition. This ongoing collaboration highlights the shared commitment
Free Events: With its free winter and early spring events, the Capitol Reef Field Station is making it easy for community members and visitors alike to step off the Scenic Drive, slow down, and connect—with the land, with creativity, and with one another. Further details and registration can be found on uvu.edu/crfs.
ages to explore the field station, meet others in the community, and experience a facility that is typically reserved for school groups.
On February 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the field station will host a free guided hike and facility tour. Participants will learn about the field station’s mission and operations before heading out on a guided hike that begins right at the facility. The hike covers approximately 1.5 miles and includes frequent stops for observation, discussion, and exploration. Designed to be approachable
and welcoming, the event offers a chance to visit a lesser-seen area of the park while deepening one’s connection to the landscape and to fellow participants. All ages are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles. Space is limited to twenty-five participants, and advance registration is encouraged.
Following closely, on March 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the field station will host another free event: an art workshop and facility tour. This hands-on gathering blends creativity, sustainability, and community. Participants will learn block-printing techniques
and create their own bandana using Colorado Plateau–inspired stamps. In keeping with the field station’s values, all bandanas are upcycled from reused materials, and attendees are welcome to bring their own textiles to decorate. Appetizers will be served, and the event is open to all ages. Capacity is again limited to twenty-five, with advance registration encouraged.
Looking ahead to May, the Capitol Reef Field Station will also offer a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course, running May 7-9, 2026. This multiday training is designed for those interested in deepening their outdoor ethics and teaching skills. Participants
will earn a Level 1 Instructor certification through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on practice in the park. While this course carries a $130 fee, it includes food, lodging at the field station, transportation from UVU, and all training costs. The course is open to ages sixteen and up, with a maximum of twenty-one participants.
With its free winter and early spring events, the Capitol Reef Field Station is making it easy for community members and visitors alike to step off the Scenic Drive, slow down, and connect—with the land, with creativity, and with one another. Further details and registration can be found on uvu.edu/crfs.
between the school, parents, and community members to support student success both in and out of the classroom.
Meanwhile, Wayne High School (WHS) students are making headlines across academics, athletics, and leadership. WHS proudly hosted the Region Future Farmers of America (FFA) competition on January 26, welcoming students from
across southeastern Utah. Wayne FFA members earned nine state degrees, four American degrees, and multiple individual honors, with several students advancing to state competition. Athletic success followed close behind, with eleven of twleve wrestlers placing 1st-4th place at divisionals and moving on, and the cheerleaders earned third place at both the region and state competitions. Academically, Wayne High School continues to outperform state averages in English Language Arts, Math, and Science, as reflected on the state report card. Wayne High School seniors have been selected by NAEP, “The Nation’s Report Card,” to participate in a nationwide test that assesses U.S. student achievement(s) in Reading, Math, and Science. This will take place on February 17, 2026.
SUU's Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Among Utah’s Best for 2026
by Gabrielle Costello | Southern Utah University CEDAR CITYSouthern Utah University’s Online Nursing Graduate Certificate program in Nursing Leadership and Administration has been ranked No. 3 in Utah for 2026 by RegisteredNursing.org, a leading national nursing education resource.
“This recognition reflects our faculty’s commitment to excellence, our focus on evidence-based leadership preparation, and the achievements of our graduate nurses who are advancing care and driving innovation across healthcare systems,” said Selwyn Layton, Director of SUU’s Department of Nursing Graduate Program.
RegisteredNursing. org evaluates programs using a comprehensive methodology that considers factors such as academic quality, student support, affordability, and overall program integrity.
The methodology includes:
• Institutional accreditation and program legitimacy
Availability and strength of online learning options
Program completion and student outcomes
Costs adjusted for local cost of living
• Faculty credentials and instructional resources
• Institutional acceptance and graduation rates
By examining these elements, the ranking seeks to reflect both academic quality and student
success, offering a meaningful measure of how well a program prepares nursing professionals for advanced practice and leadership beyond their degree.
According to RegisteredNursing.org, “In Utah, these certificates can potentially help you earn more money, increase your marketability as an employee, and provide top notch care to your patients.”
Southern Utah University’s Online Nursing Graduate Certificate program in Nursing Leadership and Administration is designed for working professionals seeking to expand their expertise and leadership opportunities while maintaining flexibility through online delivery. The program supports licensed nurses who already hold graduate degrees and want to broaden their expertise in specialized areas or enhance their leadership potential and pursue careers such as Director of Nursing, Chief Administrative Officer, Nurse Manager, and Department Manager.
Southern Utah University is committed to education advancement and is proud to provide T-Birds one of the best online programs in the state. Learn more about SUU’s robust and accredited nursing program opportunities.
—Southern Utah University
Courtesy Nikki Stringham
Wayne High School in Bicknell.
This winter and spring, the Capitol Reef Field Station is inviting the public to experience one of the quieter, lesser explored corners of Capitol Reef National Park through a series of engaging community events—many of them completely free.
Courtesy Cinimin Kofford
Free Events Cont'd from
Data Center: A citizen-led effort to block a land-sale to a data center developer in Page, Arizona, was rejected on a technicality, but residents continue to oppose the land sale and proposed facility through protest, public records requests, and by attending city council meetings.
buildings that store cloud data, process cryptocurrency and run artificial intelligence, and can consume huge amounts of power and water for cooling.
Citizens filed a referendum aimed at overturning the city vote in November. The referendum needed 303 signatures to bring the issue to a ballot vote. More than 400 signatures were collected, but the city clerk disqualified all of them due to a technicality: the land sale ordinance was not stapled to the petition pages and the referendum number was written on the front, but not on the back. Land sale opponents said the city failed to provide adequate guidance. “It’s ridiculous that the city wouldn’t provide a sample referendum and give clear instructions on how to fill it out,” Sharon Woodward, a Page resident since 1976, said.
A packet was distributed to members of P.A.G.E., the political action committee that filed the referendum, with a link to Arizona.gov’s sample referendum page which came up with an error code that read: “The document you are try-
build the data center. Tech companies like Amazon, Google, OpenAi, and Meta are known to use NDAs in data center developments.
Page residents learned about the data center development eight months after the NDA was signed. Page’s Mayor, Steve Kidman, coordinated with Huntley LLC to provide one public engagement session in September 2025. Kidman wrote in an email to Huntley LLC, “There is a very vocal and growing group who are opposed to this project. I would like to request certain details be included in your presentation. I’m confident all but the most unreasonable citizens would be pacified if specific concerns were adequately addressed.”
Citizens asked questions about water usage, power usage, job creation, infrastructure, and environmental impacts, but no concrete answers were provided at the time. Page residents staged a protest in January 2026 to oppose the land sale, non-disclosure agreement and the data center construction, wearing t-shirts that said, “Unreasonable Citizens Against the Data Center.”
“It is disappointing to know that Kidman and City Councilor Mike Farrow’s minds have been made up for months and
Beth Henshaw
High school students protest the Page data center's potential to negatively impact the region's water supply on January 14, 2026, outside Page City Hall before the first city council meeting of the year. A citizen-led effort to block a land-sale to a data center developer in Page, Arizona was rejected on a technicality, but residents continue to oppose the land sale and proposed facility through protest, public records requests, and by attending city council meetings.
ing to access is outdated. There currently isn’t a replacement.”
A public records request turned up emails between Huntley LLC, Page’s mayor, Steve Kidman, and Page’s city manager, Darren Caldwell, revealing that Caldwell signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in January 2025 before he left his position as city manager. Joshua Smith, the city attorney, also signed the NDA. While it’s legal for city staff to sign a NDA, it often goes against public transparency laws.
“The city has worked to protect the developer’s privacy at the expense of informing citizens,” Hunter Kennedy, a concerned citizen who filed the public record request, said. Huntley LLC is operating as the “middle man,” and the NDA obscures who wants to
Residents gather outside of Page City Hall on January 14, 2026, to protest and sign recall petitions for Mayor Kidman and Debra Roundtree who voted yes to the land sale for the data center to a U.K. company, Huntley LLC, for $10 billion. Kidman wrote in an email to Huntley LLC, “There is a very vocal and growing group who are opposed to this project. I would like to request certain details be included in your presentation. I’m confident all but the most unreasonable citizens would be pacified if specific concerns were adequately addressed.”
environmental and social threats of our generation.”
The letter shared that data centers are contributing to climate change and found that fifty-six percent of the electricity used to power data centers is sourced from fossil fuels, as well as soaring electricity rates which have “increased 21.3 percent from 2021 to 2024 driven largely by the rapid build-out of data centers.”
Despite public outcry, city council members do not appear to be changing their minds.
In a Facebook post, City Councilor Debi Roundtree stated, “The board has not been hiding information. Misinformation spread online has little factual basis. The potential for the data center to bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue could greatly benefit the City of Page.”
However, Arizona has offered tax incentives to data centers developers since 2013, exempting owners and operators from transaction privilege and use taxes. The Arizona Department of Revenue estimates the incentives lose the state about $38 million a year.
It’s possible those tax exemptions could change due to public opposition.
the presentation was a fake show of public engagement,” Kennedy said.
Emails from the public records request revealed the developer plans to build fifteen, thirty-foothigh buildings. The proposed power usage is 14 TWh/year, which is about 4.3 times what the Glen Canyon Dam produced in 2023, so the developer may seek additional land for a gas or solar plant to power the data center.
Opposition to data center developments are growing nationwide. Over 230 environmental groups signed and sent a letter to Congress asking for a nationwide moratorium ban on new data center construction, stating that “the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States, driven by the generative artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto boom, presents one of the biggest
In January 2026, Arizona state Rep. Neal Carter, a Republican from the 15th legislative district, introduced House Bill 2119 to end the state’s tax incentives for data center developments this year, instead of its current expiration date in 2033.
“The people in my district don’t like (data centers), and they’re popping up here,” said Carter. “If they want to build them, fine, but why should the state be subsidizing it?”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, also proposed in her 2026 executive budget plans to eliminate the state’s data center tax exemption, but the legislature has not yet voted on it.
On top of the tax incentives, data center developer Novva stated that Arizona is “one of the few places where you can build big and sleep soundly” due to the low risk of natural
Henshaw
Page residents gathered outside Page City Hall on January 14, 2026, to protest the selling of 500 acres of recreational land to a U.K. company, Huntley LLC, for a $10 billion data center. Jaden Games, Stephen Law, Sharon Woodward, and Nancy Walker pose in their Unreasonable Citizen t-shirts, in reference to an email from Mayor Steve Kidman to the developer that assured "all but the most unreasonable citizens would be pacified" if he addresses specific concerns in a public meeting.
disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes.
The next step for public input for Page citizens will be in the rezoning process, as the land is currently designated as recreational and will need to be re-zoned in order for the developers to build. According to the City of Page, if the rezoning process fails, the land will revert back to the City of Page.
“When will the city listen to its citizens without it needing to escalate to a legal action?” Kennedy wondered.
This article was originally published on cornerpost.org on February 5, 2026.
Wayne Commission: A presentation on senior services available in the county, and approval of the purchase of a Siddons-Martin Environmental garbage truck for $405,177 discussed.
She also outlined the Age in Place Program, available to income-qualified residents age 62 and older, which provides nocost home modifications to improve safety and accessibility. Services may include wheelchair ramps, grab bars, comfort-height toilets, cabinet adjustments and walk-in shower conversions. The program does not currently have a waiting list and is beginning to expand services in Wayne County.
Fulmer noted that awareness of the program has largely spread through word of mouth, with neighbors often sharing information once services are underway. Commissioners noted the need for increased
awareness of the programs locally and suggested outreach through senior centers, churches and community mailings.
Next, the commission tabled approval of a Garkane Energy easement after identifying an incorrect legal description and acreage in the exhibit documents. The item will return for consideration once corrections are made.
After returning from closed session, commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a Siddons-Martin Environmental garbage truck for $405,177, with delivery expected within one to two weeks. The purchase will be financed through Cache Valley Bank, and the county will apply for assistance through Special Service
District No. 1 to help offset the cost. The commission also approved county vouchers, including payments to the state treasurer, district and justice courts, road department, trail fuel expenses, and partial payment of the Hanksville Fire Department’s electrical bill, with remaining costs assigned to the fire district. Several late vouchers dating back to October were approved, with one plumbing invoice pending verification to ensure it had not already been paid. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Beth Henshaw
Beth
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
New Location: This is a good place, a good town. People support each other here.
—Edgar Garcia, owner of Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill
Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill owners Edgar Garcia and Johanna Gonzalez. Chihuahua
Grill, a popular Mexican food spot, has officially opened its new location in Escalante's city center on January 27, 2026, moving into the former Nemo’s space and giving the business its first brick-and-mortar location. Signs of the transition went up quickly. The restaurant’s exterior sign was installed soon after opening, and the owners have talked about making small visual changes to the space, including possibly swapping out some of the large bulb lights out front to reflect the colors of the Mexican flag.
cooking around town.
Edgar first arrived in the mid-2000s, coming from Arizona to work seasonally before returning and eventually putting down roots. Over the years, he worked in several local restaurants, including nearly a decade in the Circle D kitchen, where he learned to manage high-volume service, work the grill, and keep a busy line moving.
“That’s where I learned a lot,” Garcia said. “Cooking steaks, working the line, learning how a kitchen really works.”
Johanna attended Escalante High School and has deep ties to the community. She also worked in local kitchens, including time at the Circle D alongside Edgar, before the two decided they were ready to stop working for others and build something of their own.
“We already knew how hard it was,” Johanna said. “But we were ready to work for ourselves.”
They built a loyal customer base, with both locals and tourists stopping by the truck outside the Escalante Home Center, often picking up tacos and a Mexican Coke on the way out. But the food truck came with limits. Prep space was tight, staffing was minimal, and expanding the menu or service was difficult.
As business grew, so did the need for more room. When the former Nemo’s space became available, the timing felt right, even if the risk was real. The pair signed a lease and began the transition from a mobile setup to a full kitchen.
Running the restaurant is a family effort. Edgar and Johanna are parents, balancing long days at the restaurant with family life, including caring for a young toddler. Other relatives help keep things moving, including Edgar’s brother, Cecil, and his son, Joddy.
“This is a good place, a good town,” Edgar said. “People support each other here.”
Signs of the transition went up quickly. The restaurant’s exterior sign was installed soon after opening, and the owners have talked about making small visual changes to the space, including possibly swapping out some of the large bulb lights out front to reflect the colors of the Mexican flag. The restaurant’s name carries both cultural and personal meaning. “Chihuahua” references the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where Edgar’s family heritage originates, and also serves as a tribute to Loki, the family chihuahua who died a couple years ago after being hit by a car. The name stuck—a quiet nod that now hangs above the front door.
The menu is centered on tacos, burritos, and a handful of plates served with rice and beans. Alongside the core menu, the owners also offer rotating specials in small batches that sell out quickly. Those specials have included dishes like al pastor tacos, mulitas, pork in red or green chile sauce, chicken fajitas, chimichangas, taquitos, ceviche, street corn, tortas, and even occasional one-off offerings like stir fry or Alfredo pasta.
That attention to detail shows up in the day-to-day work. Edgar is particularly selective about tortillas, refusing to use anything he wouldn’t eat himself. Tortilla chips are made to order, coming hot out of the fryer, and all salsas are made by hand, including the house guacamole and chile verde sauce. Shortcuts aren’t part of the routine.
Local resident Will Hanisko said the care is noticeable.
“They make the effort every time, and they don’t have to,” Hanisko said. “I know that sounds small, but
that’s huge.”
For part-time residents and locals alike, the convenience matters.
“Having fresh, homemade food available when you’re remodeling a house and don’t have the energy to cook is awesome,” said LeAnn Hillam, a part-time Escalante resident and regular customer. “The owners are also just so friendly and warm.”
Since opening, the response has been immediate. Locals stop by to see the new space, congratulate the owners, and place familiar orders. Neighbors pop in.
Friends spread the word. Even customers waiting to order have an opinion.
“That article you’re writing better be as good as their burrito,” said local school principal Ryan Bytheway.
Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill is located at 40 E. Main St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant does not offer indoor seating, but customers can order in person or by phone at 435383-7880. As the weather warms and the season picks up, they also plan to add ice cream to the menu.
Garcia Mexican
Kathryn Chamberlain
New Location Cont'd from A1
Legal Notices
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 Mar. 11, 2026 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
97-2539 (A84965): Lyman Fogel propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2540 (A84966): Sarah Uram propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2541 (A84967): Matthew Nedwicki and Andrea Wilkins propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2542 (A84973): Sue Lin Ming and Nathaniel Glenscoe Lett propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2543 (A84978): Bruce and Mary Vincent propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2544 (A84979): Anson Fogel propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2545 (A84980): Alexandra Fuller propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2546 (A84995): Hadley Allen propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
97-2547 (A84997): Lowe Elizabeth Palmer propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 Mi south of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3594 (a54068): Family Trust of The George R. Aiken Jr. and Donna M. Aiken Revocable Trust propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (5 miles south of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
61-2592 (a54085): Kerry Gordon Barney propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (0.6 miles south of Hatch) for DOMESTIC.
61-3597 (a54086): Kerry Gordon Barney propose(s) using 0.0064 cfs OR 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (0.6 miles south of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
61-3576 (a54108): Bench Irrigation Company, Ruby`s Inn, Inc. propose(s) using 0.1036 cfs OR 50.525 ac-ft. from groundwater (Bryce Canyon City) for MUNICIPAL: In Ruby`s Inn.
61-1356 (a54120): Antimony Town Corporation propose(s) using 0.3959 cfs OR 101.08 ac-ft. from groundwater and spring (Antimony Town) for MUNICIPAL: In Antimony.
61-3319 (a54121): Karen E. Nunes and Edward E. Nunes propose(s) using 0.0045 cfs OR 2 ac-ft. from groundwater (3 miles northeast of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
WAYNE COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5585 (A84982): William M. and Michelle M Young propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.284 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile south of Grover) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
95-5586 (A84996): Van Potter propose(s) using 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile northwest of Grover) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-4790 (a54090): Eric M. and Kathy Kankainen propose(s) using 1.312 ac-ft. from groundwater (1.5 MI South of Torrey) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 12 & 19, 2026
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE CENTRAL UTAH HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Central Utah Health Department (CUHD) will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposal of a new fee for the 2026 Fee Schedule
On Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 5 PM, CUHD at 70 Westview Drive, Richfield
The public is invited to attend and provide input. Copies of the fee schedule 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 FEBRUARY 12 & 19, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ROGER CLYDE BEHUNIN
Donald Clyde Behunin whose address is 216 W. St. George Blvd., Ste. 200 St. George, UT 84770, is the Personal Representative, upon appointment, of the Estate of Roger Clyde Behunin, also known as Roger C. Behunin. Roger Clyde Behunin died on October 27, 2025. Utah Code Annotated § 75-3-801, provides that any creditor having a claim against the Estate of Roger Clyde Behunin must file their claim with Donald Clyde Behunin, Personal Representative, or Phillip G. Gubler, attorney for Donald Clyde Behunin, Personal Representative, at 216 W. St. George Blvd., Ste. 200, St. George, UT 84770 within three months after the date of first publication of this notice or be forever barred from presenting their claim.
Date of first publication: January 29, 2026
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 29 and FEBRUARY 5 & 12, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676-1104; Facsimile: (435) 676-8239.
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CINDY KEENE BARNEY deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600001, Assigned: JUDGE VAN DYKE. NO-
TICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that KERRY BARNEY was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of CINDY KEENE BARNEY 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 1st day of February, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 12, 19 & 26 and MARCH 5, 2026
Calassified ds
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
• Maintenance & Custodial Supervisor in Bryce Valley
• Secretary at Panguitch High School
• Head Volleyball Coach at Panguitch High
• Part-Time Special Education Compliance Aide/Secretary
• Para-Professional at Panguitch 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.
Suggested donation $4.00 60 & older, $10.00 under 60 Call before 10 AM of the day of attendance to reserve a spot. Meals include milk & bread.
Tues. Feb 17th
Cheese Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Hominey, Salad, Grapes, Tres Leches Cake
NOTE: PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND CALL AHEAD. The kitchen staff work diligently to prepare a good dinner, and a head count helps them prepare enough for everyone.
Tues. Feb. 17th French Toast, Sausage/Eggs, Stewed Tomatoes, Hash Browns, Fruit Bowl
Thurs. Feb. 19th Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, Salad Bar w/ Eggs & Ham, Tropical Fruit, Cheesecake w/ Cherries
All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00
HELP WANTED
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING
Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. Escalante AA
Meeting Tues. & Fri. at 6pm 190 W. Main St., Escalante
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
ISO
We Buy 8,000 Cars a Week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-542-0335
sudoku
Answers for this week
SERVICES When in Need, There are Resources in Wayne & Garfield Cos.
For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault
Canyon Creek Services Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732
New Horizons Crisis Center 145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294
Counseling Services
Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office
255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236
24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822
Southwest Behavioral Health Center
601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176
24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763
Wayne Community Health Center
128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Equivalent –Integrated Care (Full Time)
Job Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Equivalent – Integrated Care (Full Time)
Location: Wayne Community Health Center – Bicknell, UT (and surrounding service areas)
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Setting: Primarily On-site + Telehealth + Travel Required
About Us
Wayne Community Health Center (WCHC) is a rural, patient-centered, federally qualified health center serving communities across Wayne County and surrounding regions. We provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and supportive services with a strong commitment to integrated, team-based care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of our community through compassionate, accessible, and evidence-based care.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent independently licensed mental health clinician (such as LMFT or CMHC) to join our Integrated Care Team. This clinician will work collaboratively with primary care providers, medical assistants, nursing staff, and behavioral health colleagues to deliver brief, solution-focused interventions, conduct mental health assessments, and support whole-person care within a rural health setting.
This role requires on-site clinical care, telehealth services, and regular travel to satellite clinics or community locations. The ideal candidate is flexible, collaborative, and comfortable working with a diverse population across multiple environments.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide brief, evidence-based interventions within a primary care environment (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT-informed, solution-focused, MI).
• Conduct mental health assessments, including diagnostic impressions, suicide risk evaluations, and treatment planning.
• Collaborate closely with medical providers to support integrated, same-day access for behavioral health needs.
• Offer crisis intervention, emergency de-escalation, and safety planning.
• Deliver services in person and via telehealth, ensuring continuity of care across settings.
• Travel between clinic sites or community settings as needed to support patient access.
• Provide care to diverse populations, including children, teens, adults, families, and individuals with a wide range of diagnoses and psychosocial needs. Maintain accurate and timely documentation consistent with Medicaid, HIPAA, HRSA, and organizational standards.
• Participate in care team meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and ongoing program development.
• Support behavioral health needs related to chronic disease management and integrated medical care as well as knowledge and experience with trauma informed modalities.
Qualifications
Required:
• Master’s degree in a mental health field with independent clinical licensure in Utah, such as:
o LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
o LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
o CMHC (Clinical Mental Health Counselor) or the ability to obtain appropri-
ate Utah licensure prior to start date.
• Ability to provide services on-site, via telehealth, and across multiple clinic locations
• Strong aptitude in evidence-based interventions and crisis assessment.
• Effective collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary medical teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical practice, cultural humility, and patientcentered care.
Preferred:
• We strongly prefer candidates with LCSW licensure; however, qualified CSWs who are working toward independent licensure will be considered.
• Experience in integrated care, PCBH model, or FQHC settings.
• Training or experience in trauma-informed care.
• Experience providing services to children, adolescents, families, and adults across diverse diagnostic profiles.
• Familiarity with EHR systems, particularly within integrated workflows.
Schedule & Environment
• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Monday–Friday, with occasional flexibility based on patient needs
• Combination of in-person, telehealth, and travel-based clinical work
• Collaborative and supportive team-oriented environment Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing education support and licensure renewal assistance
• This position is located at an NHSC-approved site and is eligible for federal student loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Qualified full-time clinicians may receive up to $50,000 in tax-free loan repayment for a two-year commitment. Part-time options may also be eligible.
• Opportunities for growth within a developing integrated care program
How to Apply
Submit your résumé, cover letter, and three professional references to: aellett@waynechc.org
Subject Line: Behavioral Health Clinician – Integrated Care Application
Announcement of Positions
Preschool SPED Aide
Hanksville Elementary - Wayne School District is accepting applications for a Paraprofessional to work with our Special Education Department.
Applicants will be required to work closely under teacher supervision with individual students or small groups of students. You will be performing a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting, assisting with the implementation of instructional programs, including selfhelp and behavior management, as well as instruction and providing assistance to teachers in various capacities as assigned.
Candidates must have the following skills: good communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, and help to establish an educational climate that facilitates student success and academic achievement.
This position is for 14 -28 hours a week, with no benefits. The chosen applicant must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check, and will need to complete the necessary employee paperwork and policy review
Interested individuals should submit a General Application that can be found on the District webpage www.waynesd.org, or picked up at the District Office.
Applications can be emailed to Jennifer.batty@waynesd.org or taken to the District Office.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, with the first review of applications on February 19.
Wayne School District is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
