The Wayne & Garfield County Insider February 19, 2026
R6 Regional Council, TLA
Announce Land Sale for Central Utah Agri-Park
JUAB CO. - The R6 Regional Council (R6) has purchased 960 acres of land northwest of Nephi from the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (TLA) for the future development of the Central Utah Agri-Park. The project is intended as a long-term effort to support agricultural processing, distribution, and related infrastructure that benefits legacy agriculture and regional economic development.
“We’re excited about this sale,” said Michelle E. McConkie, executive director of TLA. “We were only able to make this land available and sell it to R6 because of our land exchange with the BLM. It’s a great example of how land exchanges with the federal government directly benefit Utah by opening
PANGUITCH - On Saturday, February 7th, the annual Panguitch Ice Fishing Derby took place at Panguitch Lake, welcoming anglers of all ages
SALT LAKE CITYUtah is home to a variety of ducks and migrating geese—as well as other waterbird species—and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting two separate viewing events in southern Utah this month to provide the opportunity to see and learn more about them.
Delta Snow Goose Festival The Delta Snow Goose Festival, hosted by the Delta Chamber of Commerce, will be held Feb. 20-21 in Delta. Part of the festival includes a free snow goose viewing event, hosted by
Viewing Events Cont'd on A5
to compete and cast their lines. The event was put on by Panguitch City and kicked off at 6:00 AM, with the weigh-in scheduled from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, fol-
Zion N.P. Shuttle Bus Service Resumes
March 7
ZION N.P. - Zion
National Park’s shuttle service begins on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
During scheduled hours, shuttles arrive about every five to ten minutes in Zion Canyon and about every ten to fifteen minutes in Springdale. While visitors do not need a permit, ticket, or reservation to ride the park shuttle, they must pay the park fee to enter the park.
Inside the park, shuttles take about forty-five minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava. This means a round trip through Zion
Zion Shuttle Cont'd on B3
lowed by the announcement of prizes and raffle winners. Participants had the option to fish on the ice or from the shore, with only rainbow trout eligible for entry into
the competition. Divisions were split into adult, youth, and team categories, with
CO.The Garfield County Commission began its February 9 meeting, as always, with updates on the Commissioners’ activities of the previous two weeks: Commissioner David Tebbs reported that consolidation of Tropic’s garbage dumpsters has been accomplished. He wanted to look into the possibility of chipsealing a portion of the road leading to the new location. He noted HB 231 (Restaurant Tax Repeal Amendments) as having potential negative effects on Garfield County. He said the “restaurant tax,” at present, largely affects tourists. If passed, he said HB 231 would shift most of those taxes to county residents.
of research, along with the lived experience of rural communities like ours, tell
Outdoor Cats Cont'd on B2
Ice fisherman Kyle Eresman from Las Vegas, Nevada, tries his luck on the ice at Panguitch Lake on Saturday, Feb.
GARFIELD
Garfield Commission Cont'd on B3
Ice Fishing Derby Cont'd on B3
Agri-Park Cont'd on B4
Rob Veater Retires After 30 Years of Service
(From L to R) Garfield County Commissioner Leland Pollock, Rob Veater, Commissioner David Tebbs and Commissioner Jerry Taylor. After thirty years of dedicated service, the Garfield County Commissioners congratulate Rob Veater on his well-earned retirement during the Feb. 9, 2026, Garfield County Commission meeting.
GARFIELD CO. -
After thirty years of dedicated service, we want to congratulate Rob Veater on his well-earned retirement from Garfield County.
For three decades, Rob served as our build-
SPACE - In Oct. 2023, JPL and NASA launched the Psyche probe from Kennedy Space Center into space to the first discovered heavy metal asteroid, which is also named Psyche.
At Skywatcher Leo T, we have been reporting on this amazing project since its launch, interviewing rocket scientists from the Psyche project at JPL, and we were privileged enough to take a tour in March last year with a project scientist. It is an amazing place, with mockups of the Perseverance rover, as well as Voyager models and other probes.
Psyche has science fiction Xenon thrusters and advanced guidance systems and is now way out on the way towards Mars. The great news that I just received upon talking to a representative at JPL is that the Psyche probe is getting closer to Mars and will be conducting a flyby shortly, in May. It will snap a few photos of our brother or sister planet as the probe gets a gravity boost, like a sling shot, around and out into the asteroid belt and using its thrusters to tweak its trajectory toward the heavy metal destination. Once there, the navigation team will have several orbits for different observations and scientific experiments.
On schedule for its 2029 arrival at the asteroid Psyche, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft recently looked back toward home and captured images of Earth and our Moon from about 180 million miles (290 million kilometers) away.
The images were obtained during one of the mission team’s periodic checkouts of the spacecraft’s science instruments.
The Psyche mission is led by ASU. Lindy Elkins-Tanton of the University of California, Berkeley is the principal investigator. A division
ing and maintenance expert, quietly doing the behindthe-scenes work that kept the courthouse running smoothly and looking beautiful.
Rob was a key part of the courthouse renova-
tion. His commitment went far beyond regular hours. Whether it was late at night to fix something in a pinch or early in the morning before the workday began, Rob was always there when the courthouse or the senior
SkyWatcher Leo T Psyche Probe Updates
by Leonard Thomas
center needed him. Thank you, Rob, for thirty years of service and for taking such great care of our courthouse and community. Enjoy your retirement—you’ve earned it.
County
amazing artist's-concept illustration depicts the
Psyche mission near the mission's target, the
artwork was created in May 2017 to show the five-panel solar arrays planned for the spacecraft. The spacecraft's structure will include power and propulsion systems to travel to, and orbit, the asteroid. These systems will combine solar power with electric propulsion to carry the scientific instruments used to study the asteroid through space.
of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL is responsible for the mission’s overall management, system engineering, integration, and test and mission operations. Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, provided the high-power solar electric propulsion spacecraft chassis. ASU leads the operations of the imager instrument, working in collaboration with Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego on the design, fabrication, and testing of the cameras.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft resumed full thruster operations on June 16, and the propulsion system is performing as expected after mission engineers switched to a backup propellant line.
They will operate the thrusters for the equivalent of three months between now and November to keep the orbiter’s trajectory to the metal-rich asteroid Psyche on track.
Psyche, as of Jan 26, 2026, is still in what appears to be a wide orbit of Mars, looking for a gravity boost to delve into the asteroid belt and the asteroid Psyche.
This selected asteroid
is made almost entirely of nickel-iron metal. It offers evidence about violent collisions that created Earth and other terrestrial planets.
Leonard Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive
Broadcasting and worked as a park ranger as a star guide at Capitol Reef National Park. He is a resident of Torrey, Utah, and is the creator of the podcast SkyWatcher Leo T, which is available to listen to on Spotify.
Letters to the Editor
Send us your letters.
Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less
Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider Send letters to snapshot@live.com. Note: The Insider will accept one letter per month per person, plus one additional letter if there is a response from another reader to which you would like to respond.
With Heartfelt Appreciation
On behalf of the Southwick family, Robyn and her children, we would like to sincerely thank the many individuals and communities who have supported us during the unexpected passing of our dad. The meals, messages, prayers, flowers, and countless acts of kindness have meant more than we can express. In the midst of heartbreak, your love and generosity
have carried us. Seeing the outpouring of support has been a beautiful reflection of the life our dad lived and the impact he had on so many. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you. With heartfelt appreciation, The Southwick Family, Robyn, Ashlee, Mayson, Timberlee, Weston, and Karlee
This
spacecraft of NASA's
metal asteroid Psyche. The
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Courtesy Garfield County
—Garfield
News from Wayne County
Grover by Adus F. Dorsey II
WAYNE CO. - It was Brigham Young’s vision to send Saints hither and thither to settle unknown and sometimes uninhabitable lands in southern Utah. It is well documented that, for the most part, the Saints followed Brother Brigham’s instructions to the T. But there were times when the Saints had ideas of their own, especially once they had experienced barren deserts where nothing would grow and other unforeseeable obstacles, like Native Americans who weren’t so hip to embrace the intrusion of white settlers into their happy hunting grounds.
In many instances, bands of cattle also played an important role in the settlement of the west. As any good cowboy or girl knows, cattle have a mind of their own when it comes to searching for good places to graze, and to their bovine credit, they can smell a water hole from a long way off, so when on the trail, it was best to just follow their lead.
When it comes to the town of Grover, it barely gets a mention at Blackburn's in Bicknell or at Brian Farm in Loa. At Gordon’s Texaco, every once in a while, someone driving through will ask for directions to Grover, and the girls on duty at the cash register will have to consult a Wayne County map. In Torrey, a few people have friends that live there, but the majority of those passing through are from Boulder and do not pay much attention because they are usually checking their shopping list for what they forgot.
It was in the spring of 1880 that two bachelors, Eck Keel and William Bullard, ran a small bunch of cattle along a stream which they named Carcass Creek, having found so many dead cattle along its banks. While caring for their cattle, they cleared about thirty acres of land and planted wheat and oats. A “squatters right,” then in vogue, was taken out, and they built a small shack on the south side of where the town site of Grover now stands.
In 1884, Samuel and Daniel Allen, brothers, and William Spencer bought the interests of Messrs. Keel and Bullard for $500.00, paying the same with horses and mules.
From this small beginning, these men enlarged their holdings and built homes on and near the site of where Sidney Rymer’s place once
first of many happy meetings to take place in Grover. The road went right through Charley's field, and they continued on to their destination. Just when it seemed like they would never get there, they came to the top of Carcass Hill, and someone shouted, “There is Grover!” Eventually, Tom assimilated into the rural Utah way of life. Living life at the base of Boulder Mountain, Tom remembered, “I was living my best life when I came to Grover.”
Letters to the Editor
Send us your letters.
Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less.Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider Send letters to snapshot@live.com. Note: The Insider will accept one letter per month per person, plus one additional letter if there is a response from another reader to which you would like to respond.
On Behalf of Our Cougar Kin
stood. A little later, Gibson Adams, Chris Lingo, and Beason Lewis relocated still farther west on John Busenbark's old place.
At this time, 1881, John Adams and Samuel Allen plowed a furrow along the course of an ancient irrigation ditch, about one mile long, taking the water for the first time from Carcass Creek to the west side of the valley. Keel and Bullard farmed the east side, and their ditch was Carcass Creek proper. It was Thomas Busenbark that documented the more colorful remembrances of Gover.
Tom came from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1914; Tom was seven years old. Needless to say, Grover, Utah, was quite a dramatic change in atmosphere for seven-year-old Thomas Busenbark. The people were different, their clothes were different, and, certainly, the food they ate was different. When young Tom left Britain in 1914, war had been declared on Germany, and soldiers filled the streets of Liverpool. Tom remembers that his mother was already in the U.S.A and married to John Busenbark, and traveling aboard a ship to the United States on the North Atlantic route was treacherous with German submarines and icebergs. Tom eventually made his way to Richfield, where John Busenbark met him, and it was on the trip from Richfield to Wayne County that made a real wild west impression on young Tom. Tom writes that they got into covered wagons and made camp at the Johnson Campground in Richfield the first night. The campground had many wagons and various kinds of horses; open fires were burning everywhere, with people cooking on them. Far off in a corner, several Native American camps were set up. It was while he was staring up at the stars that night that Tom came to the realization that he was not in Aberdeen anymore, and his life was going to be different from now on.
The group camped in Burrville the first night and rolled into Torrey on the second just before dark. Bread and milk was served that night for supper, which was a standard meal for the time. Tom had a hard time gagging it down and went to sleep hungry and crying wondering why he was brought to this awful place.
It was after they crossed the Fremont River and stopped at Charley Cooper’s farm that Tom began to get a vision of what his life was going to be like. Charley welcomed them with open arms, the
A lot had changed in Grover before Emmett Clark was born in 1930, but Grover still had an essence that separated itself apart, as far as Wayne County towns were concerned. Emmett grew up in the beautiful Fish Creek area of Wayne County and was proud that he maintained the same mailing address for eighty-three years. He graduated from Wayne High School, Class of 1948. Emmett served in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in France from 1952-1954. He married Trena “Veola” Wood on July 26, 1955, in the Manti Temple. Emmett’s life was deeply connected to the land. He loved working on the family ranch, caring for his cattle, and keeping everything green. He also worked at Capitol Reef National Park, where he maintained the historic orchards. He always grew a big garden and surrounded his home with beautiful flowers. Emmett was a master “whittler.” If you were fortunate to own a pair of his carved wooden boots, you should count yourself lucky.
Emmett was Grover for most of us; he passed on October 12, 2013.
This January, 100 people gathered in Boulder for a film and presentation with Joshua Lisbon, mountain lion researcher. In watching Willow: Diary of a Mountain Lion, the audience was moved by the delight of animals living their lives in a magnificent forest in Montana…bears jumping off a log into a pond, fox pups wrestling with each other and cougar mommas caring for their kittens.
During the presentation that followed, we learned that cougars provide essential roles in the health of the ecology, including how cougars cull diseased deer from the herds. And we learned that one is more likely to die from a vending machine falling on them than a cougar attack.
Joshua also informed us of the “WRI7707-Predator Management Survey” that was passed in the Utah State Legislature in December 2025 and calls for the eradication of all cougars— males, females and kittens— in six districts throughout the state including the Boulder district. WRI7707 follows HB469 and HB125, bills that were put into place to eliminate any protections for cougars, such as hunting limits. The WRI7707 survey is in response to a study out of BYU with the stated interest in increasing deer populations by eliminating cougars.
Learning about this elicited bewilderment, outrage and concern from those
who just experienced a sense of awe while watching the film. Not only does WRI7707 sanction a systematic killing of cougars (i.e. zoocide, or animal genocide), the survey puts all animals at risk (called “by-catch”), because of a proliferation of lethal, baited snares and traps in targeted districts.
In eighteen years of living here, I’ve seen a few cougar kills of deer, yet I’ve seen innumerable deer lying on the sides of the highway and caught in fences. Lately, I’ve encountered dead cattle and deer in increasing numbers with no apparent cause of death. I’m curious if these animals are experiencing a similar affliction as bighorn sheep who have a disease that wastes their muscles. Wildlife biologists out of Wyoming, studying this disease in wild sheep, found that the cause is related to nutrient deficiencies in the composition of plants because of glyphosate contamination. Lambs born
with this disease aren’t able to stand up to follow their mothers and crying for each other attracts predators. While there’s evidence of reversing the disease by providing salt licks with selenium, the response of wildlife management has been to kill the predators.
I’m frightened that in one to three years, locals will be telling the story of how the government eradicated the cougars and how the deer died from disease...and how there is now a great void in the wildlands.
And yet, in witnessing the public outcry opposing WRI7707, I’m leaving room for the story of how communities organized on behalf of our cougar kin to change policies in the direction of ecological balance…and continue to coexist with the cougars who have inhabited these lands as their home for thousands of years.
Constance Lynn, Boulder
Adus F. Dorsey II
Emmett Clark, master whittler, of Grover, Utah.
Wills, Trusts, and More
What Happens to Debts When I Die?
The last thing anyone wants after the death of a family member is calls from debt collectors attempting to collect from the loved one's estate.
While some family members can be contacted by debt collectors, the family is protected from abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices.
Usually, the estate is responsible for paying any debts the deceased may have left. If the estate does not have enough money, the debts will go unpaid. A debt collector may not turn to relatives to try to collect payment (unless they were cosigners or guarantors of the debt). However, the spouse of the decedent may have responsibility for any debts that were jointly held.
Debt collectors are allowed to contact the personal representative (executor) of the estate, the decedent's spouse, or
by Jeffery J. McKenna
the decedent's parents (if the decedent was a minor) to discuss the debts. They may not discuss the debts with anyone else. The only reason debt collectors may contact other relatives or friends is to get the name of the personal representative or spouse. But they cannot say anything about the decedent's debt to those individuals or even say that they are debt collectors.
When speaking with family members, debt collectors may not mislead the family into believing that the family members are responsible for the deceased person's debts. They also can't use abusive or offensive language.
Even if you are the person who is responsible for paying the estate’s debts, you can request that a debt collector stop contacting you. To do this, you need to send a letter to the
debt collector asking the collector not to contact you again. You should keep a copy of the letter for your records and send the letter "certified" with a return receipt.
Once the collector receives the letter, the collector can contact you only to tell you that there will be no further contact or to inform you of a lawsuit. Remember, the estate is still responsible for paying its debts to the extent that it can.
Probates and trust administrations come with inherent headaches but these do not need to be added to with improper debt collection. If you have a problem with a debt collector, you can contact our office for help or you can contact the Utah Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
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
Haunted Forest
I went to this haunted house for exploration. It was near the forest, so the local guide warned me that I might find some wild animals there.
Sure enough, there was a panda. When I offered it some food, I was taken aback because it suddenly started talking. Turned out that it was a ghost panda, and it only ate bam-booooo!
Library
I was in the library once when a man walked in asking for some ham and cheese.
The librarian politely told him that he was in a library.
The man first apologized, and then whispered to the librarian, "Can I please have some ham and cheese?"
Barber Shop Duet
A second guy walks into a barber shop, straight after the first guy, who is his identical twin.
The barber looks perplexed, rubs his eyes, and asks, "Did you forget something or did I just imagine cutting your hair?"
The second guy grins and says, "Well, I did always want to be in two places at once. Today, I finally am!"
THEME: World Explorers ACROSS
1. UPS competitor 5. "The One I Love" band 8. Prior to, pref. 11. Gin flavor 12. ____wig or ____ winkle
13. Command to Fido 15. ____ Grey of tea fame 16. Policemen's surprise
17. Brunch offering
18. *Explorer Amerigo's last name
20. Rock opera version of "La Boheme"
21. Gossipmonger, in Yiddish
22. Ballet step
23. *Henry the Navigator's title
26. Chicken pox pimples
30. Poetic "even"
31. Demosthenes or Cicero
34. "The ____ on the Floss"
35. Stories "from the Crypt"
37. Rank above maj.
38. Sore spot
39. "Happily ____ after"
40. Familiar routine
42. "Wow!"
43. Retina, pl.
45. *Explorer Shackleton's first name
47. New on the block?
48. Barbara Eden's TV character
50. Rumple
52. *First one to circumnavigate globe, almost 55. *Lewis' or Clark's vessel
A man visited an amusement park and rode all the rides with reckless abandon.
His friend asked, "Aren't you scared?"
The man grinned and replied, "Scared? No way! Riding these gives me the ups and downs without having to deal with actual life!"
PUNishment
I’m reading a book about glue. I can’t put it down.
Once, a young boy decided to try out for the
band. He picked up the ba
ton and directed it with such
that every instrument sounded out of tune. The music teacher, puzzled, asked another student to take the lead. The result? Perfect harmony! The boy, looking dejected, approached the teacher, "Is it me? Am I doing something wrong?" The teacher smiled and said, "No, you're just a bad conductor."
Take drugs
Bohemian, e.g.
Skin opening
Short for self-synchronous
Don't just stand there!
The Panguitch wrestlers took second at State, ending six years of domination of the sport. Altamont came in first with a score of 239, the Cats were at second with 173, and third was Milford with 128. It has been quite the ride, and we will see what next season brings.
Both the boys and girls won the Region 20 championship. We have such great fans, that were at all of the games over the four-day span. Most of the team’s fan base showed up in record numbers and kept the concession stand hopping. Many thanks to all of the parents that helped man the concession stand over the season. You were all great and very helpful, especially with the cleanup. Many thanks to the cheerleaders and all of the help keeping the stand stocked. Thanks to Chelsie Stewart for her many runs to Costco, and to Cathy Woolsey for keeping the pizza coming; it was a really big seller. Over the four days, they sold five cases of Dr. Pepper and over two hundred bags of popcorn.
The Olympics are on, and they are really exciting. How can they
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
do some of those tricks flying through the air and landing on their skis going backwards? The skaters are so perfect when skating in pairs, and I wonder how many thousands of hours of repeating each move goes into each routine. The U.S. has a speed skater that has won two races already and is favorite to win three more. Our hockey team is doing really well, after beating Germany on Sunday. Many of the events don’t even have U.S. members taking part, like cross country and the races where you have to shoot at a target after skiing for two miles. I think that the Winter Olympics are more fun to watch than the Summer Olympics. The next Summer Olympics will be held in L.A. in two years. I wonder if there will be tickets available. The last time that they were there was in 1932, so I missed them by a few years.
There is a group of folks in town that would like to start up a music program, and it will be held at the Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe on the first and third Saturday of each month. There will be a lot of singers that will be
Viewing Events:
doing the entertainment. It will start at 9:00 and go till 12:00. So come in and have a little breakfast or a drink of your preference, and there will be no cost for the entertainment. So leave this hectic world behind, and enjoy some music.
For the month of February, the DUP is honoring RoLayne Gardner. She has given many wonderful lessons and is currently the Assistant Chaplain. The DUP appreciates her work, as well as the service she provides the community.
You probably know by now that the banks and the post office are no longer dealing with pennies.
When I was a kid working in my dad's gas station, I stopped and picked up a penny, and my dad asked me why I do that and said that I couldn’t make a living picking them up. So from then on, they just became lucky pennies. Also when I worked there, gas was 19.9 for regular, and ethyl was 23.9. To this day, gas still is .9 a gallon at any cost. Why? Why not just round it off.
I guess that our president wants to be in the news every day, no matter
what he has to say. His fans just laugh it off, saying that is just the way he is. One of the projects from President Biden's infrastructure bill is to build a tunnel from New Jersey to New York to help do away with some of the congestion between the two states. It had been under construction, employing over 1,000 men. Well, the current president has tied up the $13 billion that it will take to finish the job and says that he will release the funds if they will put his name on it.
After two months of winter on the calendars, it looks like it has finally gotten here, at least that's what the weather people said for last Tuesday and Wednesday. They also predict wind, and they usually get that part right. Our moisture is down to 30% so far this year. I guess that with the drought going down into northern Arizona, the ranchers are not taking their cattle there because there isn’t any grass. I see one rancher already having to feed his small herd with hay from last year.
Mack O.
In southern Utah, people are most likely to see mallards, American wigeons, northern shovelers, cinnamon teal, northern pintails and redhead duck species. You can also see thousands of snow geese in the Delta area when they migrate through in late January and February. Occasionally, trumpeter swans may also be spotted in southern Utah. It’s a lot of fun to see these various bird species and to learn about their characteristics so you can identify them.
Viewing Events
Cont'd from A1
the DWR at Gunnison Bend Reservoir, west of Delta.
As many as 20,000 geese—mostly snow geese—have been at the reservoir during past festivals. In the winter, snow geese can sometimes appear completely white, except for the black tips on their wings. DWR bi-
—Adam Kavalunas,
ologists will be available both Friday and Saturday to provide information about the birds and help you find them during the viewing event.
The areas where you’ll see the geese vary, according to the time of the day. If you arrive in Delta early in the morning, you can watch the geese feeding in fields that surround the reservoir. Then, typically between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., the geese take off and fly to the reservoir.
“Seeing those thousands of geese in flight makes for incredible photos,” DWR Southern Region Outreach Manager Adam Kavalunas said. “Watching and hearing the geese can take your breath away. It’s a great family activity, and we encourage you to come out and see these amazing birds in flight during the festival.”
After landing on the reservoir, the geese usually spend the next few hours there. Then, sometime between 4-6 p.m., the birds typically take off again and fly back to the fields. DWR biologists will watch which fields the geese fly to. If you arrive after the geese have left the reservoir, the biologists can help direct you to the fields where the geese are feeding.
Waterbird viewing event at Jackson Flat Reservoir
The waterbird viewing event will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jackson Flat Reservoir in Kanab. DWR biologists will be available to answer questions about the various bird species you’ll see during the event.
Ducks are typically the most commonly seen waterbirds in Utah, with
DWR Southern Region Outreach Manager
over twenty species found across the state at various times of the year, including: Dabbling duck species (often spotted in wetlands, reservoirs and marshes) Mallards (These birds can interbreed with many other duck species, resulting in unique hybrids.)
• Northern pintails (These birds have been known to migrate over 9,000 miles annually between their breeding and wintering grounds.)
• Gadwalls Northern shovelers
• Cinnamon teal Green-winged teal (These birds are among the smallest dabbling ducks, weighing less than one pound, but capable of reaching speeds up to sixty miles per hour.)
• American wigeons Diving ducks
• Redheads
• Canvasbacks (These birds can dive more than thirty feet deep to forage for food.)
• Lesser scaup Ruddy ducks
• Ring-necked ducks
• Common goldeneye Buffleheads Piscivorous ducks (primarily eat fish and aren’t commonly seen in Utah)
• Hooded mergansers
• Common mergansers Other possible species at the reservoir may include double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, American coots, pied-billed grebes, Canada geese, snow geese and bald eagles. “In southern Utah, people are most likely to see mallards, American wigeons, northern shovelers, cinnamon teal, northern pintails and redhead
duck species,” Kavalunas said. “You can also see thousands of snow geese in the Delta area when they migrate through in late January and February. Occasionally, trumpeter swans may also be spotted in southern Utah. It’s a lot of fun to see these various bird species and to learn about their characteristics so you can identify them.”
While the viewing event is free, participants are encouraged to register on Eventbrite in advance. The event will be weather dependent, and registrants will be notified if the event is canceled.
For both events, the DWR recommends a few tips and reminders for the best viewing experience: Bring your own binoculars or a spotting scope to better view the birds (although spotting scopes will be available on-site for the public to use).
Please respect any private property in the area at both events.
Trespassing to view any of the birds is not legal.
• Be prepared for possible cold weather by dressing in layers that will help you stay warm and dry.
• Bring a smartphone to download the eBird app, which can help you identify birds and will also allow you to participate in the Utah Birding Slam. Individuals hoping to complete any of the various bird slams during either viewing event should register in advance on the Utah Birding Slam webpage.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Schools and Sports
Charles Blackburn Recognized as Oldest Living Wayne High Basketball Player
by Tina Taft Peterson
On February 3, 2026, Wayne High School (WHS) recognized Charles Blackburn as the oldest living Wayne High basketball player in Wayne County; he turned 91 in January.
by Mack Oetting
The Bobcats came home with the second place trophy from the state wrestling championships. Coach Marshall did another great job of getting all he could out of this year’s team.
Scores: 113# Judson Pollock, 2nd
120# Mitch Dodds, 1st
• 126# Gage Stewart, 2nd
• 138# Max Albrecht, 1st
• 144# Jackson Heaton, 3rd
150# Joshua Perez, 4th
• 158# Bryden Frandsen, 3rd
• 165# Archer Ward, 4th
He attended Snow College on an athletic scholarship, where he played basketball and football. Blackburn married Janee Camp and
WAYNE CO. - On February 3, 2026, Wayne High School (WHS) recognized Charles Blackburn as the oldest living Wayne High basketball player in Wayne County; he turned 91 in January. Charles graduated from WHS in 1953, when he was named Outstanding Athlete.
raised seven children. Most of their children and their grandchildren played sports in high school, and some at the college level.
As a bus driver for Wayne School District, he logged a million miles and never had an accident
in his thirty-two years of driving Badgers around the state.
In 2000, his father, Wayne Blackburn, was also recognized as the oldest living Badger basketball player at the age of 90.
Southern Utah University's Online Master's in Cybersecurity Ranked 8th in Nation
by Gabrielle Costello | Southern Utah University
Courtesy Southern Utah University Southern Utah University's (SUU) online Master's in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance (MSCSIA) program has been recognized in Cybersecurity Guide's 2026 Rankings, earning distinction among the nation's most affordable and high-quality online cybersecurity graduate programs.
CEDAR CITYSouthern Utah University's (SUU) online Master's in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance (MSCSIA) program has been recognized in Cybersecurity Guide's 2026 Rankings, earning distinction among the nation's most affordable and high-quality online cybersecurity graduate programs.
According to Dr. Shalini Kesar, MS-CSIA Director and Professor of Cybersecurity, the program is highlighted because it offers a range of opportunities for students and career preparation with special-
ties ranging from increasing technical skills and ability, to management and administration.
"We are so proud to be recognized; our faculty prioritize an extra-mile approach, ensuring students engage with real-world platforms and projects," said Dr. Kesar. "The curriculum is tailored to either launch new careers or enhance professional development for those already in the emerging cybersecurity field."
Cybersecurity Guide, a trusted national resource connecting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with top educational
pathways, evaluated programs across the country based on a rigorous methodology emphasizing academic excellence and value.
SUU's program ranked 8th and stood out for a combination of several key factors, including: Student-to-faculty ratio
• Graduation, retention, and admission rates
Tuition and overall program cost
The affordability rankings, in particular, prioritize strong academic outcomes while highlighting programs that deliver exceptional value to students.
SUU's MS-CSIA program is designed to cater to both traditional and non-traditional students. And with a 100% online platform, it's flexibility is appealing to both working professionals and distance learners.
"Over the years, we have started offering our students opportunities to connect with industry leaders and faculty beyond the virtual classroom," explains Dr. Kesar.
The program provides state-of-the-art education into the world of design, planning, and management
of cyber systems, as well as the procedures for protecting cyber systems and infrastructure from external threats—including terrorism. Currently, there are four distinct emphases offered to prepare students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape, particularly with the integration of AI:
• Strategy: Focuses on high-level planning and cybersecurity frameworks
• Management: Concentrates on leading security teams and organizational oversight
Cyber Operations: Emphasizes technical, hands-on defense and offense in digital environments
Healthcare Administration: A specialized track applying cybersecurity principles to the medical sector
Whether you're interested in a career change, or furthering your education, SUU's online Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance (CSIA) program is providing T-Birds with a valuable resource in the tech world. —Southern Utah University
• 175# Kole Fullmer, 2nd 215# Maverick Albrecht, 1st
The Albrecht brothers are twins; I don’t think they are identical, with one weighing 138# and the other 215#. Both won their weight class.
The final results for the championship are Altamont with 239, Panguitch with 173, and Milford with 128.
Wrestling is a really tough sport, with many of the wrestlers taking part in over thirty matches, and they are against all different weight classes.
The Cats had a girl’s team this year, and four of them went to state.
Scores:
• 105# Linli Hunter, 5th 120# Alexa Marshall, 1st
• 130# Lainee Sawyer, 2nd
• 145# Collins Houston, 5th
At the boys basketball Region 20 tournament, Panguitch won with 49 to Bryce Valley's 46 in a really close game. Trenton Virga had a standout performance, with nineteen points and fifteen rebounds. Tayze Barney had ten points and a three-pointer.
Panguitch then won against Valley, 49 - 46. This game went into overtime and was a real team effort, with seven players scoring points; the high scorer on our team had only ten points. Many baskets were made when they were badly needed. In the championship game, the Cats played Wayne, a team that had beaten them earlier in the year, but with a really tight defense, Panguitch took down the Badgers, 66 to 58. Trenton Virga had another big night, scoring twenty-one points, and his defense against their tall players kept them at bay. Camden Englestead finished with fifteen, with three three-pointers. It was another team victory, with players hitting a lot of inside shots. The final score was PHS in 1st, Wayne in 2nd, Piute in 3rd, and Valley in 4th.
In girls basketball, PHS won against Water Canyon, 68 to 39. Makena Owen and Tayt Miller both had eighteen points, with Owen hitting five three-pointers.
In Thursday night's game against Valley, the Cats really shut them down, with zero points in the first quarter and only five by half-time. PHS won, 54-27, with Tayt Miller as the leading scorer with fifteen and three three-pointers. Katie Hatch finished the game with thirteen.
The Lady Cats took down the Wayne Badgers, a team that had beaten them earlier, 53-42. The Cats broke open an even game in the 4th quarter, outscoring Wayne, 2010. Madelyn Albrecht led all scorers with nineteen points.
Both the boys and girls have one more playin game here in Panguitch the week of the playoffs, and, hopefully, they will be against the same teams. These referees are really costly.
Escalante High School
New Fetal Surgery Procedure at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital is Helping Treat Spina Bifida in the Mother’s Womb
SALT LAKE CITYCaregivers at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital are celebrating the success of a new, less invasive procedure to help repair spina bifida while babies are still in the mother’s womb.
Now, they are performing the procedure using an innovative fetoscopic surgery method in which they only make three small incisions in the uterus, which is better for both mom and baby.
Repairing spina bifida while still in the womb greatly decreases the possibility of physical and cognitive complications later in life and allows mothers to have lower risk pregnancies in the future. This advancement is also allowing families to receive care in Utah without having to travel to other parts of the country for the treatment.
“Using this method we only have to make three small incisions on the uterus, and we use a camera along with small tools to repair the baby’s spine,” said Stephen Fenton, MD, a pediatric surgeon at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital. “Because we don’t have to make a larger incision on the uterus, it gives the mother the opportunity for a regular delivery this pregnancy, as well as in the future.”
Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect occurring when the spinal column fails to close completely during the first month of pregnancy. Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States, affecting approximately 70,000 to 166,000 babies annually.
For more than four years, surgeons at the fetal center have been re-
pairing spina bifida with open in-utero procedures which includes making a larger incision on the uterus. Using the fetoscopic method reduces the longterm for complications for the mother, while providing an excellent repair for the fetus.
“Even when we use this new surgical method, it still takes a large team of caregivers in the operating room to make sure mom and baby are doing okay and being ready for any situation that could come while doing this complex procedure,” said Dr. Fenton. “The team has done an incredible job of training and preparing everything that is required for this new method, and we are already seeing incredible results thanks to their efforts.”
In May 2025, Angela Ibarra Garia of West Jordan, Utah, was the first patient in Utah to undergo fetoscopic surgery to repair her child’s spina bifida in the womb.
“I was definitely nervous about undergoing the surgery, but I’m just happy to see technology has gotten to a point where we have the option,” said Garia.
The procedure was a success, and six weeks later, Angela gave birth to her daughter, Daniela, at University of Utah Hospital, where her team could continue to monitor mom and baby.
Her daughter, Deniela, does need physical therapy to help with some of the issues in her lower body, but Garia is hopeful she’ll continue to make progress.
Since May, surgeons at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital have performed eight spina bifida repair procedures using new the fetoscopic tools, which is more than the previous two years combined using the previous method.
Maddison Vance of West Jordan, Utah, was another early patient to get this new procedure.
She found out at her 20-week appointment that her daughter had spina bifida and could be eligible for the repair. She didn’t even know this type of surgery existed and that it was available at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
“I couldn’t be more grateful that this surgery was available and only being 30 minutes from our house has made follow up care easy,” said Vance. “Our daughter, Jaycie, is now four months old and hitting all her milestones; she’s our most special girl who we love so much.”
Before these fetal surgical options were available in Utah, some families would skip getting the procedure because of the burden of traveling far from home to receive treatment.
Doctors note that these fetal procedures aren’t a cure for spina bifida but can help reduce fetal complications while giving children better function throughout their life.
In the past, a child may have had developmental delays or be bound to a wheelchair, and now, thanks to these advancements, may be able to walk under assistance with normal brain function.
“This type of surgical method has only been around for about a decade, so we still have a long way to go to see the long-term impact, but we’re excited by the initial outcomes, and it’s giving another level of hope to families,” said Dr. Fenton.
For more information on the Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, go to grantscottbonhamfetalcenter.org.
—Intermountain Health
Snow Drought Could Precipitate Future Utah Water Supply Crisis
by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
UTAH - Experts have said the usual amount of winter snow is a no-show in Utah this season, which could cause problems later this year and beyond.
The snow drought in Utah and across most of the West is limiting skiing and other winter recreation but could also mean increased food costs later this year. State officials measure the annual snowpack in terms of snow water equivalents.
Julie Cunningham, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City, said current levels are only about half of what they're supposed to be.
"We're seeing a lack of snowfall as a whole, but it really depends on what el-
evation you look at," Cunningham explained. "The mid-to-low elevations are really struggling. They’re sitting at anywhere from 10% to 40% (or) 50% of median."
Hydrologists have said Utah receives about 95% of its water supply from snowpack and a snow drought means less water is stored for the summer. The lack of water would increase the cost of farming, while a decline in hay production can raise prices for local dairy farmers.
Cunningham pointed out cyclic forces, such as La Niña or El Niño systems in the oceans, can affect the annual snowpack but there are many other patterns and cycles influencing snowfall
in the West. "We talk about snowpack, but that's not really the only thing that goes into the water supply," Cunningham emphasized. "The high elevations have seen an increase in snowpack, but those same storms produce rainfall in the mid-to-low elevation." Officials warned the low snowpack does not just affect Utah. The Upper Colorado River Basin supplies water to more than agricultural interests; it also goes to 40 million people in seven states along a 1,500-mile stretch from Wyoming to the Mexican border. Hydrologists fear less water could lead to shortages and rationing across the region.
Outdoor Cats: Outdoor cats are sometimes assumed to be unhealthy, abandoned, or suffering simply because they live outside. But decades of research, along with the lived experience of rural communities like ours, tell a more nuanced, and often reassuring story.
Outdoor Cats Cont'd from A1
a more nuanced, and often reassuring story.
What do “community cat” and “feral cat” actually mean?
Community cat is just a term used to describe cats who live outside and are cared for by people in the community. Some are friendly, and many have homes they return to each night. Others are shy and live alone or in small colonies. Some are feral, meaning they aren’t socialized to humans, and would rather not be. That doesn’t mean they don’t live full and healthy lives outdoors.
Many community and feral cats are well known and cared for by one or more people. In rural areas, this kind of shared responsibility for free-roaming animals, rather than the idea of pet “ownership,” has long been part of how people and animals coexist.
What is TNVR, and why does it matter?
TNVR stands for TrapNeuter-Vaccinate-Return. Through these programs, outdoor cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies and other common diseases, and then returned to where they were found. Once returned, the cats are monitored by caregivers who provide food, water, and shelter.
A feral cat you know is better than one you don’t.
Many feral cats live quietly in the same outdoor spaces for years, keeping to themselves and following predictable routines.
From a community health perspective, a feral cat who is known, sterilized,
and vaccinated is far safer than an unknown, unvaccinated cat that comes and goes. Stable, vaccinated cats act as a buffer, not a threat. When cats are removed, those empty territories rarely stay empty. New, unsterilized, and unvaccinated cats often move in, known as the vacuum effect.
Wildlife concerns deserve thoughtful discussion
Concerns about birds and wildlife are valid and worth talking about. But the cat-and-wildlife conversation is often oversimplified.
Frequently cited estimates of bird deaths attributed to outdoor cats don’t line up well with long-term bird population data across North America. Many bird populations persist in places where community cats have existed for generations.
Context matters
Habitat loss, pesticide use, and collisions with windows and vehicles are all among the leading drivers of bird population decline.
Predation is a natural part of ecosystems, and research suggests that cats, like many predators, tend to take animals that are young, injured, or otherwise unlikely to survive. The loss of vulnerable individuals does not necessarily mean that cats are causing population-level harm.
From a wildlife perspective, management works
Spayed and neutered cats roam less, fight less, and hunt less frequently. Over time, TNVR reduces the number of cats overall, which means fewer conflicts, less suffering, and less predation. TNVR is a practical, harm-reduction approach.
A compassionate ap-
proach for rural communities Community cat and TNVR programs are not about abandoning cats outdoors. They’re about managing the cats who are already here. Communities that invest in these programs see healthier, smaller cat populations and fewer conflicts between people and animals.
How Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) Supports Community Cat Care
At CCAW, we support the people who are caring for community cats every day. CCAW provides free cat food to caregivers, free loaner traps, and vouchers that cover the cost of spay and neuter, including vaccinations.
Too many community cats, or not enough?
Unsocialized outdoor cats often don’t do well in shelters and aren’t candidates for traditional adoption. Shelters don’t have the resources for lifelong care, and long term confinement simply isn’t humane. Too often, euthanasia becomes the only remaining option. Our working cat program offers a better solution. These cats are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, adoption fees are waived, and they get a job—barns, shops, warehouses, and rural properties welcome them. We provide food and guidance to help them settle in. Give us a call to learn more about our working cat program. These cats are ready to "clock in."
To learn more about CCAW's "working cats," go to colorcountryanimalwelfare.org/working-cats/
NASA MODIS
Based on imagery from NASA’s Terra satellite, Utah is currently experiencing a "snow drought" in early 2026, with significantly below-average snowpack compared to typical years.
Ice Fishing Derby: We had a great event again; thank you for coming. Keep coming; we’re going to keep doing it because I think it's a great time for us (Panguitch City) too.
for event prizes and the
competitors aiming for cash prizes for the heaviest and longest fish, as
well as the “Luckiest Fisherman” jackpot. Hosted in Panguitch and supported by local sponsors, the derby provides a family-friendly winter tradition, allowing
participants to keep what they catch.
Concerns arose regarding the recent warm weather, leading to the possibility that the event might
need to be canceled or limited to shore fishing only. However, the ice remained intact, albeit thin, allowing the event to proceed as planned. Derby participants were urged by Panguitch City to use ice cleats and to fish at their own risk while using their best judgement on the ice. There were reports of the ice being anywhere from two to four inches thick in some areas. The Panguitch Lake area had a temperature of fortynine degrees on Saturday with some light wind, and the anglers took advantage of the warm sun. Tents dotted the ice on the east side of the lake, and people were scattered about, all with the hope of taking home some prize money.
Kyle Eresman, a passionate angler hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, spent Friday and Saturday at the
Garfield Commission: HB 231 (Restaurant Tax Repeal Amendments), the dinosaur museum, Tropic Reservoir, the Garfield County High School Career Fair, regulations dealing with water hauling, and Dixie National Forest Service road and trail maintenance schedules discussed.
Commissioner Jerry Taylor lauded the work of Garfield County Prevention Coalition. Coincidentally, on a Coalition trip to D.C. the previous week, Taylor said two coalition members, who are also county EMTs, helped save a life during an inflight medical emergency. Behind the scenes gathering of funds for the dinosaur museum is coming along, said Taylor. He mentioned possible funding assistance from USDA Rural Development, Economic Development Administration, the State of Utah, Rep. Maloy’s office, and “some private donations, as well.”
Commissioner Leland Pollock commented on the increasing amount of what he called “state overreach” compared to his earlier days on the Commission battling “federal overreach.” He suggested one possible remedy might be to exempt 4th, 5th, and 6th class counties in bills that overly impact smaller or more rural counties. He said their participation in Utah Association of Counties is critical. “It's a 29-county association… and we have to remind them…of who we are… It's critical that we go up there and we have a voice for Garfield County.”
He said State Water Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen would be meeting that evening in Tropic with residents and Commissioners on the draining of Tropic Reservoir.
Commissioner Pollock said he’s been having ongoing meetings that are “going quite positive” with Kings Peak sawmill and Ben Newburn, the Acting Intermountain Regional Forester. He said Newburn is planning a trip to the area to “meet with everybody on the ground.”
High School Career Fair, Gary Bennett: On February 24, Garfield County will again host a career fair for high school in Garfield, Piute, and Wayne counties. Bennett outlined the event and said he would again appreciate county assistance in helping pay for the event. Commissioner Tebbs said the presenters give students an idea of pathways into different fields and into job training programs. He said they also describe increasing opportunities to come back to their rural communities for good jobs. About two hundred students from the six high schools typically attend the fair. Commissioner Pollock said the county always budgets some funding for the event, but he asked Commissioners to increase that amount this year. The Commission ap-
proved $1200 as their contribution for the event.
Planning Department, Kaden Figgins: In a Five Counties Association of Governments Public Health Department meeting attended by Figgins and Commissioner Taylor, there was discussion about counties establishing their own regulations dealing with water hauling. Two counties currently prohibit the practice. According to Figgins, other counties are being pressured, mostly by real estate developers and some landowners, to allow it where permanent water sources are not available. While Figgins acknowledged that hauling water to a single, remote, generally unoccupied cabin may be the only feasible remedy for a few landowners, he said new building and subdivision permits are a different matter and present significant potential problems if the county allows those to take place without a permanent source of water. He cited septic system operation and fire protection, among other practicalities. He also noted the county’s inability to test or monitor water quality from hauledin sources and said he wouldn’t want the liability of that. His recommendation, with which Commissioner Pollock generally concurred, was to prohibit water hauling as a residential water source. The
—Kim Soper, Panguitch City Mayor
lake alongside a group of five friends. They enjoy fishing at Panguitch Lake throughout both winter and summer seasons. The group rented an Airbnb by the lake and dedicated their weekend to fishing. They caught nearly sixty fish on Friday, but their numbers dwindled on Saturday due to the increased competition on the ice. But his favorite part of the tournament has been “The weather, the weather’s been great,” said Eresman.
Anglers were encouraged to haul their catches into town to be judged at the Panguitch Social Hall starting at 2:00 pm. Fish submitted needed to be free of ice and snow and bagged and labeled with the Individual or team name. Teams submitted their five heaviest fish for a chance at the “Heaviest Combined Catch” award. Individuals, youth and adult categories included “Heaviest Fish” and “Longest Fish,” as well as “Mayor’s Choice,” “Prettiest Fish,” and “Ugliest Fish.”
Mayor Kim Soper addressed the crowd before handing out his awards, stating that he was nervous about the ice conditions but glad the event was able to happen. “We had a great event again; thank you for
coming. Keep coming; we’re going to keep doing it because I think it’s a great time for us (Panguitch City) too,” said Soper. He then handed out the award for “Smallest Fish” to Christina Holt, “Ugliest Fish” to Jordan Leonard, and “Adult Mayor’s Choice” to Gabriel Flores. Other event winners included the “Luckiest Fisherman,” which was awarded to Roman Gardena after his name was drawn. First place “Heaviest Fish” went to Samuel Christianson (2.74 lbs), second place “Heaviest Fish” went to Dravin Oderkirk (2.65 lbs), “Longest Fish” went to Dravin Oderkirk (19’’), and second place “Longest Fish” went to Samuel Christianson (18.5’’). Youth “Heaviest Fish” was awarded to Ray Holt (2.01 lbs), Youth second place “Heaviest Fish” went to Hailey Brown (1.56 lbs), Youth “Longest Fish” went to Ray Holt (19”), Youth second place “Longest Fish” went to Walker Dietrich (16 3/4”). Team Heaviest Combined Catch went to the DITIS Ice Fishing Team (11 lbs), and second place Team Heaviest Combined Catch went to The Bassholes (9.6 lbs).
Zion Shuttle: Zion National Park’s shuttle service begins on Saturday, March 7, 2026. During scheduled hours, shuttles arrive about every five to ten minutes in Zion Canyon and about every ten to fifteen minutes in Springdale.
Zion Shuttle
Cont'd from A1
Canyon takes about an hour and a half. In Springdale, a round trip takes about twenty to thirty minutes.
next step is for the Public Health Board to make a determination. Following that, the county will need to consider which way to go with its own ordinance, said Figgins.
In other business, the Commission: Appointed Kaden Figgins to serve on the Five Counties Public Health Board.
• Appointed Jean Babilis to Ticaboo Utility Improvement District Board.
• Approved a business license for Jerny Destinations, LLC, a short-term rental management company.
Dixie National Forest Service, Jennifer Thomas, Escalante District Ranger: Thomas and the Commissioners again discussed road and trail maintenance schedules. They both said they are anticipating an upcoming meeting with Michael Boren, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at Department of Agriculture.
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/.
Visitors should give themselves plenty of time to catch a shuttle in the evening; if the last shuttle out of Zion Canyon is full, or if they miss the last shuttle, they may have to walk back to the Zion Lodge or Zion Canyon Visitor Center—up to eight miles or more. These schedules are subject to change. The park will maintain up-to-date information at go.nps.gov/ ZionShuttle.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Visitors should remember the following tips as they plan their trip:
• Personal vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season.
Parking fills early yearround. If parking inside the park is full, park in Springdale and ride the shuttle bus to the park’s pedestrian entrance. Explore existing alternatives to driving on the Utah Department of Transportation website.
• In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest times of day. Make reservations early if you plan to camp or stay at the lodge.
• Check for updates at nps.gov/zion.
For more information about how the park’s shuttle system works, visit go.nps.gov/ZionShuttle.
—National Park Service
Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or Springdale and ride the shuttle to access Zion Canyon within the park. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive will remain open for personal vehicles.
The 2026 Panguitch Ice Fishing Derby took place at Panguitch Lake on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Jaynie Connor
2026 Panguitch Ice Fishing Derby entrants gather in the Panguitch Social Hall following the weigh-in
raffle on Feb. 7.
Jaynie Connor
Ice Fishing Derby Cont'd from A1
Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1
Agri-Park:
We’re excited about this sale. We were only able to make this land available and sell it to R6 because of our land exchange with the BLM. It’s a great example of how land exchanges with the federal government directly benefit Utah by opening up rural economic development options for us.
Agri-Park
Cont'd from A1
up rural economic development options for us,” McConkie continued.
The property was conveyed to TLA by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the John D. Dingell Act, a large-scale land exchange involving federal and state lands across Utah. Through this transaction, the site is now positioned for careful planning and future use aligned with agricultural and economic priorities.
—Michelle E. McConkie, executive director of TLA
Over time, agricultural producers in Utah have experienced significant changes in how their products move from field to market. The Central Utah Agri-Park is a location where agricultural-related businesses can operate closer to the source of production, helping sustain farming and ranching traditions that have supported families and communities in the region for generations.
“R6 wants to commend the Trust Lands Administration’s stewardship
Legal Notices
of this land and its role in enabling thoughtful, planned development at this site,” said Travis Kyhl, executive director of R6. “We are working collaboratively with local partners and coordinating closely with Juab County and Nephi City as master planning efforts move forward to ensure the project benefits surrounding communities while supporting agricultural producers across central Utah and the state,” Kyhl continued.
—Trust Lands Administration
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AND AFFIXING THE SALARIES OF ELECTED AND STATUTORY OFFICERS OF
WAYNE COUNTY
WHEREAS UTAH CODE SECTION 17-16-14 requires that the Wayne County Commission (hereinafter “Commission”), acting as the legislative body, establish the salaries of the elected county officers; and
WHEREAS Ordinance (1948) previously established the salaries of elected officials for calendar year 1948-1949;
WHEREAS The Commission wishes to adjust the salary of the Wayne County Clerk/Auditor, Assessor, Attorney, Commissioner, Recorder/Treasurer, and Sheriff.
WHEREAS the Commission met with each County Officer and department head on October 20 and November 3, 2025, to discuss anticipated budgetary requirements for 2026;
WHEREAS each County Officer had an opportunity to ask for an increase in compensation as part of their budgetary requirements;
WHEREAS each County Officer bargained for and negotiated in good faith for that compensation;
WHEREAS the Commission received public comment on December 22, 2025;
WHEREAS notice of this hearing was provided pursuant to statute;
WHEREAS the offered commentary was analyzed accordingly (see supra);
WHEREAS the Commission considered the following when determining wages for the County Officers:
1. The Consumer Price index
2. A current market analysis of other elected officials in the State;
3. The median wage for the County (Average Household Income);
4. Any merit increases which may have been provided to the employees in the intervening period.
5. Under the supervisory authority granted in UTAH CODE SECTION 17-53-106, whether there were significant issues in the performance of the statutory duties by the elected officials which would warrant a negative adjustment to the established compensation or future compensation of that office while occupied by the current elected official including, but not entirely limited to, the following:
a. A review of allegations of misfeasance or malfeasance by the office holder;
b. Whether legal action is initiated against the county resulting from allegations of serious errors or omissions by the office holder;
c. Whether the office holder is performing or ensuring the performance of the required statutory duties; and
d. Whether the office holder is regularly available to County staff and other elected officials as may be needed.
e. The necessary qualifications to hold the office include required advanced degrees.
f. The size of the department in number of personnel managed and budget managed.
g. The total compensation package when compared to the private marketplace.
h. Occasions when long-term employees are compensated at a higher rate than an elected official or chief deputy in that department.
i. Compliance with the nondiscrimination and other provisions of these Policies and state statutes.
6. In the event the Commission determines that an elected official is underperforming their professional or statutory duties, the Commission may withhold any merit based increases as part of their consideration when establishing new compensation if formal findings have been made and provided to the Personnel Director. The disparity in compensation shall be only for so long as the censured individual holds the office. Thereafter the compensation for that office shall be adjusted to be consistent with the other elected officials.
7. Each County Officer’s pay was determined by addressing the requested needs, obligations of the office and adjustments were made accordingly.
THEREFORE, the County Legislative Body of Wayne County ordains as follows: The annual salaries of the below elected officials shall be set as below for calendar year 2026:
Treasurer/Recorder $ 81,868.80
Attorney $ 70,012.80
Clerk/Auditor $ 67,953.60
Sheriff $ 64,792
Assessor $ 60,008.00
Commissioner A $ 25,080
Commissioner B $ 25,080
Commissioner C $ 25,080
Justice Court Judge $ 15,786
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on FEBRUARY 19, 2026
NOTICE TO WATER USERS
The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before 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
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
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. NOTICE 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
C lassified a ds
HELP WANTED
Full-Time Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy
Applications and Resumes will be accepted at the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
*Positions are open until filled*
Starting Pay $19.65 per hour for non-certified individuals with no Law Enforcement experience.
Benefits
• Health Insurance: 100% of Premium paid by Wayne County, which includes Dental & Life. Vision plan available
• Vacation, Holiday & Sick Leave with longevity increases
• Equipment provided by the Sheriff's Office
• Uniform Allowance - $700.00 annually
• Cell phone stipend - $600.00 annually
Position descriptions include, but are not limited to:
• Scheduled shift work and weekends
Subject to call-outs and emergencies
• Performing law enforcement duties
• Performing investigative, evidentiary, reporting, and testimony functions
• Interact with other law enforcement officers and agencies at State and Federal levels
• Work within existing State and Federal law, case law, and policies
• Submit to and pass random drug testing
• Other duties as assigned
Minimum eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to:
• 21 years of age or older (at time of POST graduation)
• High School graduate or equivalent
• U.S. Citizen at time of employment
• Possess a valid Utah Driver's License
• Pass background check
• Pass psychological screening test
• Pass the entrance physical fitness test
Successful applicants not currently certified as Peace Officers will be paid while attending POST training in addition to room, board and travel. Applications are available at http://www.waynecountyutah.org/services/ sheriffsoffice/, or in person at Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, 18 South Main, Loa, Utah 84747. Applicants will be notified of applicable testing dates, times, and locations.
Wayne County is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information or questions, contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at (435) 836-1308
Water Commissioner Sevier River Distribution System
The water users of the Sevier River Distribution System are seeking applicants for the position of Water Commissioner. Sevier River Distribution System Committee selects the successful candidate who is then appointed to a four-year term by the Utah State Engineer.
Annual salary of approximately $50,000 and based on experience. Health insurance and retirement benefits will be provided through the State of Utah. For a full Job description, email Kerry@sevierriver.org.
Applicants should send a resume with qualifications no later than March 1, 2026 to:
Kerry Savage
Sevier River Water Users Secretary P.O. Box 383 Richfield, Utah 84701 Phone: 435-896-8386
Email: kerry@sevierriver.org
Part-Time Triple C Arena Maintenance & Events Worker
Panguitch City is accepting applications for a Part-Time Triple C Arena Maintenance and Events Worker This position works under the direction of the Triple C Arena Director and assists with event setup and teardown, arena maintenance, cleaning stalls and janitorial duties, including cleaning the facility.
This position works approximately 10–25 hours per pay period, with a pay range of $17–$20 per hour, depending on experience. Hours may include evenings, weekends, and events.
Applications are available at the Panguitch City Office 25 S. 200 E. or online at panguitch.com. Applications will be received until Monday March 2, 2026. Panguitch City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Panguitch City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
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
• Secretary at Panguitch High School
• Para-Professional at Bryce Valley Elementary School
• 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.
Fruit, Bread Pudding
Ham & Bean Soup, Corn Bread, Mixed Vegetables, Salad Bar, Peaches, White Cake w/ Cherries
Beef Stroganoff, Wheat Roll, Cheesy Green Beans, Salad Bar, Pears, Coconut Cream Pie
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.
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.
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
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 ISO
SERVICES When in Need, There are Resources in Wayne & Garfield Cos.
For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault
Canyon Creek Services Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732
New Horizons Crisis Center 145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294
Counseling Services
Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office
255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236
24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822
Southwest Behavioral Health Center
601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176
24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763
Wayne Community Health Center
128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
Wayne Community Health Center (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.
