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Thursday, January 8, 2026
St. George Regional Hospital Welcomes Utah’s First Baby of 2026; Cedar City Wecomes First Delivery ST. GEORGE / CEDAR CITY - The New Year began with joy and celebration in southern Utah. Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital celebrated Utah’s first baby of 2026 born at 12:09 a.m. on January 1st when Valley Zohner made her grand entrance into the world. Her delighted parents, Kenedi and Zach, are thrilled to welcome their precious daughter to their family. The Zohners live in Cedar City but chose to deliver at St. George Regional Hospital because their OBGYN works there. They had been anticipating the baby's arrival, and wanted to be prepared, so they had been staying Christmas week with family in St. George.
Alberto Vasquez Retires from Karate Instruction with Final Belt Test by Jaynie Connor
Jaynie Connor
Karate class photo with their new belts following their test with Alberto Vasquez at the Bryce City Wellness Center on Dec. 19. After decades of teaching karate in Garfield County, Vasquez has decided to retire, and this will be his final belt test.
GARFIELD CO. - For decades, children in Garfield County have been learning a sport unique to the area, karate, once a week under the guidance of Alberto Vasquez. He began
this journey in 2005, shortly after relocating to Panguitch for a role as the hospital administrator at Garfield Memorial Hospital. Retired from the hospital since 2022, Vasquez has now also
Utah Wildlife Board Approves Updates for Bison Hunting, Other Changes
New Rules for SNAP/ EBT Purchasing of Soft Drinks
First Babies of '26 Cont'd on B4
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates for bison hunting and a few other rule changes during a public meeting held Thursday, Dec. 4. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates for bison hunting and a few other rule changes during a public meeting held Thursday, Dec. 4. Bison hunting changes The wildlife board approved adjustments to some of the existing bison hunts, as well as the creation of a new cow bison hunt that would be held during the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons. As part of the hunting season changes, the board also
Issue #1649
insiderutah.com
confirmed that the bison archery hunt would continue to be the final hunt of each season, ending on Jan. 31. “These changes will help us to better manage the herd to the population objective and maintain the bull-cow ratio, which will help address current drought conditions,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Northern Region Wildlife Biologist Sam Robertson said. “The upWildlife Board Updates Cont'd on B5
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST
SALT LAKE CITY Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Utah residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are no longer able to use those funds to buy soft drinks in Utah. “The SNAP program helps those who are facing food insecurity and in need of nutrition,” said Rep. Kristen Chevrier. “We don’t want to undermine health and fuel chronic disease by subsidizing the purchase of sugary drinks. This innovative change will improve our nutrition program and overall health outlook in the state of Utah.” New Rules Cont'd on B3
decided to retire from teaching karate in 2025, and held the final belt test for his students at the Bryce Canyon City Wellness Center on December 19th. Vasquez began study-
ing karate at Brigham Young University under in 1982 Bobby Lawrence, a student of Grandmaster EdAlberto Vasquez Cont'd on B2
Countdown to Tuacahn’s '26-27 Season Begins IVINS - With the arrival of the new year, the 2026-2027 Tuacahn Broadway season is on the horizon as well—with a lineup of a shows that has everyone counting down until there’s just “One Day More” before music like “Summer Lovin’” “Just Keep Swimming,” and more fill the Outdoor Amphitheatre and holiday favorites, hijinks and hilarity pepper the Indoor Hafen stage. “We are planning for an absolutely spectacular season,” Scott Anderson, producing artistic director for Tuacahn, said of the season that features Les Misérables, Grease, Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: a 70-minute Family Musical, Holiday Inn and The Play That Goes Wrong. “We’ve already had such positive feedback from patrons with everyone clamoring to get their season packages, Tuacahn Cont'd on B2
Annual Christmas Bird Count Draws Record Number Of Participants In Torrey by Dave Cushing
Dave Cushing
A group of local volunteers peer through binoculars to spot birds in Torrey during the annual Christmas Bird Count, a function of the National Audubon Society, on Dec. 20, 2025. TORREY - In December 1900, on Christmas Day, two dozen and two volunteers set out to take a census of birds in the United States and Canada. Within a few years, the or-
ganization that put this together would become the National Audubon Society, dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats. And each year since then, a growing num-
ber of bird watchers in ever-expanding locations have continued this effort, known as the Christmas Torrey CBC Cont'd on B3
UPCOMING EVENTS... Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19
Valentine's Day
February 14
FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. JAN. 8 - WED. JAN. 14
Chances of snow showers (50%) on Thursday, and sunny the rest of the week. Temps range from the high 20s to the high 40s; lows from the single digits to the 20s. **Weather is subject to Change
And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. —Rainer Maria Rilke
INSIDER CONTENT DEADLINE ALL content for THE WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER MUST BE submitted by FRIDAY AT NOON to be included in the following Thursday edition of the paper.
The Insider
A2
January 8, 2026
BLM Makes More Lands Inhabited by Greater Sage-Grouse Available for Energy Development by Alixel Cabrera | Utah News Dispatch
Bob Wick | U.S. Bureau of Land Management via Flickr
Populations of greater sage-grouse have dropped from in the millions to fewer than 800,000 due to habitat loss, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. ment’s ability to manage public lands for other uses with states’ input. “We are strengthening American energy security while ensuring the sagegrouse continues to thrive,” acting Bureau of Land Management director Bill Groffy said in a news release. “Healthy sagebrush country powers our communities, sustains wildlife and supports the economies that make the West strong.” The greater sagegrouse have been iconic in the Intermountain West, their only habitat, and are recognizable for their chunky bodies and their mating dance. They have been in sharp decline with populations reduced from millions to now fewer than 800,000, according to the BLM. That’s largely because of “habitat loss exacerbated by drought, increasing wildfires and the spread of invasive species.” In the newly approved Utah plan, areas in the state with the highest conservation standards for
greater sage-grouse account for 5.4 million acres and would exclude solar and wind resources, but allow fluid mineral leasing, including geothermal, with “major stipulations.” In those areas, the BLM also increased requirements for permits. Other areas where greater sage-grouse can live seasonally or year-round, but in smaller numbers and with less quality of life, include 1.6 million acres. The Center for Biological Diversity said in a release the plan strips protections for the bird, including removing “protections from 4.3 million acres of prime sage-grouse habitat” and reducing the amount of protected habitat in Utah. Other changes include looser habitat protections in Nevada to allow the construction of the Greenlink North transmission line, which, according to the environmentalists, “would destroy nesting and mating grounds.” The new plan also re-
moves grass-height standards for nesting habitat, “a shift driven by livestock-industry pressure in Nevada, California and Idaho that further threatens the birds’ existence,” the group said in the release. The Center for Biological Diversity is planning to sue the administration over the amendment. “Trump’s reckless actions will speed the extinction of greater sage grouse by allowing unfettered fossil fuel extraction and other destructive development across tens of millions of acres of public lands,” Randi Spivak, public lands policy director at the Center for Biological Diversity said in the release. “Every president starting with Obama has screwed over these iconic Western birds and the hundreds of other wildlife species that depend on the beautiful sagebrush sea.” This article was originally published in utahnewsdispatch.com on Dec. 22, 2025.
Judge Allows Legislature to Appeal Redistricting Ruling to Utah Supreme Court by Ben Winslow | FOX 13 News SALT LAKE CITY Judge Dianna Gibson will allow the Utah State Legislature to appeal one of her rulings in the redistricting case to the Utah Supreme Court. But it may not quickly grant the legislature a victory in overturning her rulings imposing a new congressional map. In an order issued late Friday, Dec. 26, Judge Gibson noted that the legislature repeatedly ignored opportunities to appeal her rulings since August. "The December 22, 2025, hearing confirmed what the Court suspected," she said, referencing a hearing earlier in the week. "With election deadlines imminent, the Legislative Defendants repeatedly stated they intended to appeal but then intentionally elected not to utilize the more appropriate appellate tools available to them." Still, Judge Gibson said she would allow the legislature to appeal an August and September ruling she made. However, she refused their request to close the case. Instead, she turned to the
state's top court to decide if their appeal is appropriate. "The Court leaves it to the Utah Supreme Court to determine if, as a matter of law, this suffices to establish appellate jurisdiction," she wrote in an order obtained by FOX 13 News. What the decision means is the Utah Supreme Court will ultimately decide if the legislature can appeal the map Judge Gibson accepted, creating a more competitive Salt Lake County-centric district. The League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government sued the Utah State Legislature arguing it improperly overrode Proposition 4, a citizen ballot initiative passed in 2016 that allowed for independent redistricting. "It appears the judge was as confused as we were about why the legislature didn't appeal earlier," Katharine Biele, the president of the League of Women Voters of Utah and a plaintiff in the lawsuit said in a text message to FOX 13 News. "We continue to feel confident about the strength of [the] case, and will continue to oppose the legisla-
ture's efforts to undermine the will of the voters." The plaintiffs argued that the legislature bypassed an independent commission to draw maps, imposed its own and created congressional districts that gerrymandered to favor Republicans. Judge Gibson agreed and threw out the legislature's map, picking a map that created a new district that Democratic candidates have clamored to run in. The Utah State Legislature has maintained it has the sole constitutional authority to draw boundaries in redistricting. In her ruling, Judge Gibson said "this was not an easy call," chastising the legislature for failing to appeal earlier. "Until there is a final decision on these legal issues from our Supreme Court, there will be a cloud on Utah's congressional elections and an open question regarding the power of the Legislature and the power of the people," Judge Gibson wrote. "The Utah Supreme Court can decide now if the Legislature is the sole and exclusive authority over redistricting in Utah or if it shares
that responsibility with the people. It can decide if the people of Utah, through the exercise of their right to alter or reform government through a citizen initiative, can also pass binding laws regarding how the Legislature performs its redistricting duty." Spokespersons for the Utah State Legislature's Republican majority did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday from FOX 13 News. This article was originally published on https:// www.fox13now.com on December 26, 2025. This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.
Insider
The
WESTERN U.S. The Trump administration is planning on making more acres of public land available for energy and mineral development in eight Western states, a move worrying environmentalists watching for the declining population of greater sage-grouse. The Bureau of Land Management announced plans to modify its greater sage-grouse land use plan on about 50 million acres of sagebrush across Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nevada, California, Utah and Wyoming. The bird has been eligible for some Endangered Species Acts protections since the early 2010s, establishing limits on mining oil, gas, transmission lines and other heavy industry operations, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. The federal agency says the plan addresses threats to the birds’ habitat while balancing the govern-
P.O. Box 105 Escalante, UT 84726 435-826-4400 email snapshot@live.com OUR MISSION: to foster community connection, civic engagement, economic resilience and journalistic integrity for rural southern Utah.
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The Insider
January 8, 2026
A3
GCSO Search and Rescue Logs Highest Call Volume Since 2016
A total of 143 incidents in 2025 spanned varied terrain and required specialized training, technology and volunteer response across Grand County by Andrew Christiansen | The Times-Independent
Courtesy The Times-Independent
Grand County EMT Allison Jensen tends to an injured man stranded on a hoodoo at Pucker Pass in Long Canyon, an example of a low frequency, but high consequence rescue. GRAND CO. - From injured hikers and stranded climbers to motorized incidents, river responses and flooded washes, Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to 143 calls as of Dec. 26, reflecting steady demand across the county’s diverse recreation landscape. The team logged nearly 3,000 incident hours by Dec. 26, just shy of last year’s total and approaching the county’s 2016 high of 155 incidents, according to Vice Commander Scott Solle. “In 2025, I wouldn’t say we saw one type of incident more than others,” said Solle, who has been with Search and Rescue since 2019. “I think the difference is we’re climbing the ladder in volume of calls.” Since 2016, Grand County Search and Rescue has averaged about 133 incidents per year, reflecting a sustained level of activity over that period. Solle said the 2016 peak was driven in part by staffing shortages within the National Park Service’s search and rescue operations, shifting more rescues in Arches and Canyonlands national parks to the county team. That factor did not play a significant role in 2025, he said, though he estimated the National Park Service continues to handle roughly 100 rescues annually in the area in addition to county responses. When county and National Park Service rescues are combined, Solle said Grand County would be the busiest county in Utah for search and rescue calls. A wide range of incidents Search and Rescue’s calls in 2025 spanned
nearly every type of terrain and recreation found in the area, from canyoneering and climbing to motorized travel, mountain biking and river use. The agency’s end-of-year summary highlighted incidents including climbers stranded partway up Castleton Tower, a canyoneer tangled in a rappel device and motorists trapped in flooded washes. Many calls involve relatively straightforward carry-outs, where teams transport injured or exhausted recreationists using litters. Others are far more complex, requiring rope systems, swiftwater operations or helicopter coordination. In 2025, the team responded to nine incidents requiring technical rope rescue skills and ten calls involving boats or swiftwater expertise. Solle said those calls, while less common, carry higher risk and require significant training. “We do a lot of what I call low frequency, but high consequence rescues,” Solle said. Solle added that few search and rescue teams nationwide train across such a wide range of disciplines. “I don’t know of a lot of other organizations that have 13,000-foot mountains out the back door with avalanche terrain, a couple of really big rivers that run through their county and draw a mecca of base jumpers, climbers, mountain bikers and hikers,” he said. “It’s like this magnet of recreation.” The team relies on members with diverse outdoor backgrounds, supported by regular cross-training to ensure they can operate safely in unfamiliar terrain. As of Dec. 12, the roster included thirty-four members and trainees, six of them ac-
tive trainees. A total of forty individuals participated on the team at some point during the year, Solle said. Technology and preparation Solle said advances in communication technology have changed how rescues begin and how quickly teams can locate people in distress. Satellite communicators, crash detection alerts and newer smartphones now allow people to contact 911 from remote areas with precise location data. “It is easier than ever to reach out to first responders,” Solle said. “For the people that really need rescue, you’ve got a great way to contact 911, and we generally get an exact pinpoint on planet Earth as to where you are, so there’s less searching in search and rescue.” While that precision has reduced time spent searching large areas, Solle said it also requires careful public messaging. He emphasized that people should not hesitate to call for help in true emergencies, but said the widespread availability of recreation information online has made it easier for people to access challenging terrain independently, sometimes without the experience or equipment those routes demand. “Twenty years ago, you would need to be with somebody familiar with that area or that activity and have the right gear,” Solle said. “And now the internet has opened it up to the possibility that a lot of people can do this, and they get in trouble.” Solle said preparation remains critical in Grand County’s backcountry, where conditions can change quickly and small miscalculations can esca-
late into serious emergencies. The toll and the motivation Solle said some search and rescue missions— particularly recoveries—leave lasting emotional effects on responders, including those that do not end in rescue. “There are missions that you can go on, where you might see something that you’ll never be able to unsee, and it’ll stay with you,” Solle said. “You kind of learn how to deal with that, but it can trigger something unexpectedly. Maybe it’s because it’s a young human, or it’s someone who you can relate to within your family, or they look like your spouse, or something else—you never know.” Search and Rescue members are paid volunteers who balance rescue duties with full-time jobs, families and other responsibilities. Solle said fatigue can build during busy stretches, particularly for those assigned to 24-hour on-call shifts, and that the cumulative strain can be both physical and emotional. He said the team relies
on peer support, county resources and an internal culture that treats mental and emotional health as seriously as physical injury. “I like to look at our team as kind of a family,” Solle said. “Physical injuries are easy to see, but emotional, mental fatigue, those sorts of things can be tougher to see, but there are signs and we do what we can to support that.” Despite the toll, Solle said the work motivates people who want to apply outdoor skills in meaningful ways and attracts others who love being outdoors and problem-solving, including some who later volunteer after being rescued themselves. “It’s gratifying to be able to take your passion and apply it to a situation where your knowledge is really what helps somebody out of their worst day,” he said. Funding and community support Grand County Search and Rescue operates under the Grand County Sheriff’s Office and is funded primarily through the county budget, including transient room tax mitigation fund-
ing. The team also relies on state reimbursements, grants and community donations to support specialized training, equipment purchases and longduration missions. Solle said donations are especially important for covering training costs, replacing aging equipment and supporting members during extended or overnight incidents, noting that even small contributions help keep the team prepared. He added the team faces ongoing equipment and training costs as vehicles and specialized tools wear out and calls overlap. “Those small contributions really add up over time,” Solle said. “They allow us to take advantage of training opportunities and keep the team prepared.” This article was originally published on www. moabtimes.com on December 26, 2025. This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.
A4
Wills, Trusts, and More
The Insider
Trusts Don’t Always Avoid Probate by Jeffery J. McKenna
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You created a trust to avoid probate and facilitate the administration of your estate. This is a good decision. However, it is critical to know that trusts only avoid probate if your assets are transferred into the trust. This process of transferring assets to the trust is called funding the trust. The type of asset determines the method of transfer. If you think in terms of how you obtained the asset, you will have a clue to transferring it. For example, you obtained your house when you received a deed. In order to transfer real estate to your trust, a deed is prepared from you, as the present owner, to you, as the trustee of your trust. Once the deed into the trust is recorded, the transfer is complete. Let's look at some other common assets and see how they are transferred to your trust: • Motor vehicles - re-title the vehicle in the name of the trust (note however that in many states including Utah, Nevada and Arizona, motor
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vehicles can usually be transferred upon death without probate). Bank accounts, including CDs - a change of name form is filled out at the bank or credit union. Savings bonds - special forms are provided by the Federal Reserve or your bank. Stock certificates - the transfer agent for the stock is contacted and a change of name form is completed. A signature guarantee may be required. Brokerage accounts similar to individual stock. Personal property - a document called an assignment or bill of sale is executed that transfers all categories of personal property that do not require special treatment. IRAs and other "Qualified" money - never transfer OWNERSHIP of this type of account to your trust. Transfer-
ring ownership would trigger all taxes and penalties that result from withdrawing this special asset. Rather than transferring ownership the beneficiary designation(s) may need to be changed. Note: If you have accounts or policies with beneficial designations, IRAs, life insurance, annuities, etc., make sure that the designations are consistent with your current estate plans as they will control where that property goes. Some of the assets you transfer to your trust will be covered by one or more insurance policies. For example, your home is usually covered. The insurance company should be notified to add the trust as an "other insured.” Just keep in mind that a little paperwork is required to fund your trust. Once your trust is fully funded, future additions will be relatively simple.
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.
Comics
January 8, 2026
tHe lAuGhiNg High pOiNt!! Steaks
A guy walks into a bar and sees three pieces of meat hanging from the ceiling. He asks the bartender, “What’s up with the meat?” The bartender explains, “If you can jump up and hit one, you drink for free tonight. If you miss, you have to buy everyone else a drink. You want to try?” The guy says, “No thanks, the steaks are too high.”
Choose Your Own Hell
A guy dies and is sent to hell. Satan shows him the doors to three rooms, and says, “Choose one of these doors to decide where you will spend eternity.” In the first room, a group of people stands in dirt up to their necks. The guy says, “No, let me see the next room.” In the second room, people are standing in dirt up to their noses. The guy shakes his head and says, “Nah, not this one either.” Then, Satan opens the third door to reveal a group of people standing with dirt up to their knees, drinking coffee and eating pastries. The guy perks up and says, “I pick this room.” He wades in and starts pouring a cup of coffee. Satan turns to leave and then says, “OK, coffee break’s over. Everyone, back on your heads!”
Smart Drinking
A guy walks into a bar and asks for 10 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!”
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. She said, “There’s no change yet.”
PUNishment
At the seafood restaurant, I asked for directions to the restroom. The waiter said, “Just follow the current."
sudoku To Play: Complete the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
This week's answers on B6
THEME:
country roads by Lynn Griffin
The Grammys
bug
ACROSS 1. Inundated 6. Word before hum-
9. Jim Carrey's 1994 disguise 13. Rough, as in voice 14. Kimono sash 15. Misrepresent 16. Do like ivy 17. Go for the bronze? 18. Poem of lament 19. *Grammy nominee Bad Bunny's first language 21. *KPop Demon Hunters' nominated song 23. Sought at crime scene 24. Lord's worker 25. Rob Manfred's org. 28. Jab, in speech 30. *____.com Arena 35. Rowboat engine, pl. 37. ____ gum, ingredient 39. Cowboy's cry of joy 40. Big attraction 41. Spring holiday honoree 43. Live bait 44. Daytime moth 46. Puerto follower 47. Finger move 48. Colonnade 50. Invitation letters 52. "Zip it!" 53. Trash bag brand 55. Polar helper 57. *Lady Gaga's nominated album 60. *Tyler of CHROMAKOPIA, with The 64. Prejudiced one 65. Busy one 67. Do penance 68. Approves 69. Make a mistake 70. Sans-____ font 71. "I, Claudius" role 72. Jack and Jill did this 73. Changes to a manuscript
DOWN 1. Parentheses, e.g. 2. "Star Trek" speed 3. Away from port 4. Not be frugal 5. What TikTokers are often doing 6. This and that 7. Legal grp. 8. Door holder 9. Mix together 10. Away from wind 11. Leo or Libra, e.g. 12. *Wonder's "Songs in the ____ of Life," Album of Year (1977) 15. Where bats are? 20. Eurasian goat-like antelope 22. Middle-earth dweller 24. Pelican or albatross, e.g. 25. Person in an ad 26. One of Florida Keys 27. Health food pioneer of liquid aminos fame 29. *Nominated "Drop Dead Years" comedian Bill ____ 31. Swerves 32. Sound units
33. Synagogue scroll 34. Zing or pizzazz 36. *Justin Bieber's nominated song 38. Fabled fliers 42. Red one, send somebody over! 45. Unalienable ones are in the Declaration of Independence 49. Draft pick 51. Give satisfaction 54. Spot for prehistoric fly 56. Doomed 57. *MCA, Ad-Rock and ____ D, Grammywinning Beastie Boys 58. Culture-growing turf 59. Walk-the-dog toy 60. What concerning and discernable have in common 61. *Nine-time Grammy-nominated Amos 62. Fonzie's comeback: "Sit ____ ____" 63. Whistle blowers 64. *____ Iver of SABLE, fABLE fame 66. Historical period Solution on B6
January 8, 2026
The Insider
Obituaries
A5
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
James Lee Taylor 02/25/1933 - 12/23/2025
PANGUITCH - James Lee Taylor, 92, passed from this mortal life into the loving arms of his eternal sweetheart on December 23, 2025. He left this earth surrounded by family and stepped through the veil into the biggest family reunion possible. He may still be complaining about all the laughing, hugging, and “noise.” We think he will adjust. During his passing, he repeatedly had only one word to say, “Momma.” When she came through to take his out reached hand, there was such joy on his face. Jim was born February 25, 1933, in Bement, Illinois, to George W. and Florence Edna Meadows Taylor. He was raised in the area of Terre Haute, Indiana. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving in Korea. After his release from the service, he worked on a seismograph drilling crew in the Panguitch area, where he was introduced to Sybil Woodard. That was the beginning of their forever love story. To say that they were obsessed with one another may not be strong enough. They were each other’s worlds. The rest of us were simply bit players. Jim and Sybil were married on April 29, 1956, in Fredonia, Arizona. Three daughters were born from their love for one another: Cindy, Suzanne, and Deborah. Jim worked in the local timber industry as a truck driver, mechanic, superintendent, and mill manager. During that time, he made many friends and earned the respect of the men he worked with. He was a perfectionist, and all things had to be done the “Jim Taylor” way. Jim was a talented mechanic with the ability to fix anything. That talent led him to Panaca, Nevada, where he worked for Jim Wilkin Trucking. Jim and Sybil loved their time in Nevada, and considered Jim Wilkin and family as their family. Jim became ill in 2006, requiring a liver transplant. He understood the gravity of the gift he had been given. From that point on, he lived for that liver. Sybil nursed and loved him well beyond the normal years of a transplant recipient. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living transplant recipient in the country. Jim and Sybil loved to travel and explore. He would meticulously plan out their adventures in a big old Rand McNally Road Atlas. We could not plan a trip without running it past Dad. He would tell you where to go and how to get there, the “Jim Taylor” way. He never steered you wrong. Jim and Sybil—On the Road Again! Jim is survived in death by daughters, Cindy Stewart, Suzanne (Burton) Honey, and Deborah Taylor; 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sybil Woodard Taylor; grandsons, Jefferey Stewart and Jimmy Stewart; son-in-law, Kyle Stewart; siblings, Grace Taylor, Esther Nipple, Dorothy Riolo, Verna Moke, William “Bill” Taylor, and Shirley Higgins; and parents, George Taylor and Florence Edna Meadows. Graveside Services and Interment will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Panguitch Cemetery with Military Honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti An online guestbook and livestreaming can be found on www.maglebymortuary.com
We got through the coldest two months of the year with record high temperatures. November was nine degrees above normal, and December was eleven degrees above normal. January brings new hope that there will be some cold weather and maybe some snow. Brian Head has gotten more snow than the lifts up north. Skiing is a really big part of the economy in our state, and with only man made snow on the bunny runs, it really hurts the pocket books. We were supposed to have gotten some last Sunday and again more on Tuesday, but it just doesn’t seem to be coming. There is ice skating out at Ruby’s, and some of the kids I know are having a lot of fun skating. I was pretty sure that there was going to be a New
Year’s Eve party at the Triple C Arena, but I heard that the Panguitch City Council decided it was too expensive to do anymore. That was about a month ago, so I probably am the only one that didn’t know about the change. Instead, Pat and our daughter, Kelly, and I went to the Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe where they were having prime rib. We got there at about 6, and they were out of prime rib. Ralph said that they had sold over sixty prime rib dinners before we got there. So, I had the rib steak, which I think was better than the prime rib. There are some changes that are coming about, I think. The Flying Goat Cafe restaurant is going back to the Big Fish building, and it should be ready
by summertime to eat there. Because the weather has been so good, the dam up at the lake should also be up and running by the summer. It has been so warm that the lake has not frozen over, and our ice fishing derby may have to be done from shore. It is still flu season, and many people are not getting the shots for it, and 3,200 have died from this. Another shot that will take care of the problem is for whooping cough, and over 25,000 cases of this have been reported. As of January 1st, the government is no longer funding low cost health insurance. Our current president took this to court over sixty times the last time he was in office and failed each time. Now all he has to do with his puppets is say
something, and they jump to it. He always has a better idea for health care, but he has had five years to come up with one. The twentyfive billion he gave to the dictator in Argentina would have gone a long way to help fund the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Utah has about 70,000 people on this health plan. The cost will now more than double, and when people start dropping the plan, it will increase the cost of everyone else's plans. When a politician tells you to quit something that will kill you if you don't, they have only one thing in mind, and that is how much is going into their wallet. We all do better when we are together. Mack O.
UT Student Loan Borrowers in Default Could Face Collections by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
Adobe Stock
Student loan default rates within the Utah System of Higher Education are lower than the national average. For example, the national total default rate was cited as 11.8%, while the Utah rate is 8.3%. UTAH - As 2025 nears its end, the new year will mean nearly 43 million Americans with student loan defaults will have to start repaying. Beginning next month, the U.S. Department of Education will send notices of administrative wage garnishment to owners of loans in default. It will affect people who have these federally based loans and have not made a payment for 270 days. The Education Data Initiative reported Utah has around 321,000 student borrowers with a total debt of almost $11 billion. Jack Wallace, director of government and lender
relations for the student loan refinancing firm Yrefy, said borrowers need to be proactive. "We need to not put our heads in the sand and pretend like this is going to go away," Wallace urged. "If you're getting an email from your servicer soon, which you should be, or getting an envelope by the U.S. Post Office from your servicer, you need to open it up and find out what's going on." The Treasury Offset Program is the automated system the federal government will use to collect delinquent debts. Garnishments can include up to 15% of a borrower's wage
and also applies to 2026 federal tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability benefits or other government payments. Wallace pointed out options exist for borrowers who want to change the status of their loan. Contacting the Department of Education's Default Resolution Group is the first step. They provide guidance on managing student loans, refinancing and getting loans out of default. He explained borrowers need to make timely payments on a new repayment plan in order for this option to succeed. "There’s ways to do it," Wallace outlined. "Begin to make on-time payments
and get it entered into the rehabilitation program so you get out of default, but you've got to make your payments on time, and you've got to make nine of them on time to get yourself back in good graces and get out of default." Wallace added if you're still attending school and are unable to repay a loan, you can request the loan be put in forbearance or deferment. According to the Education Data Initiative, Utah has one of the lowest average student debts in the nation, at approximately $19,000, compared to a national average close to $28,000.
Obituaries Eve Marsh ESCALANTE - Eve Frodsham Marsh born March 24, 1943, died December 25, 2025, in Cedar City, Utah, surrounded by family. Eve was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 24, 1943, as the third triplet daughter of George and Portia Frodsham. Her mother, Portia, died 11 days later from complications of childbirth. She was raised by her father who never remarried. At her birth, she had two older brothers, Joseph Frodsham and George Frodsham. Her triplet sisters are Mary Darling and Ruth Peterson. She graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City in the class of 1962. She married Larry Bybee in 1962, and they had three children: daughter, Debra Sovinsky; son, Scott Bybee; and daughter, Michelle Warr. Larry and Eve divorced in 1990. She married Sharon Dale Marsh on September 28th, 2002. After her marriage to Sharon Dale Marsh, she moved to Escalante, Utah, and spent 22 years retired spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and spouse. She loved serving faithfully in her local ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Eve loved being a mother, a grandmother and homemaker. She loved her family and close friends. She is survived by her husband, Sharon Dale Marsh; her triplet sisters, Ruth Peterson, Mary Darling; her children, daughter, Debra Sovinsky; son, Scott Bybee; daughter, Michelle Warr; stepdaughter, Jill Woolsey; stepdaughter, Michelle Givan; stepson, Ryan Marsh; stepson, Justin Marsh; and 58 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Tuesday January 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Escalante Utah Stake Center (80 S. Center Street, Escalante, UT). A viewing was held prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will be held on Thursday January 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.
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Schools and Sports
Snow College Receives Approval to Launch New Respiratory Therapy Program Program addresses growing healthcare workforce needs in central Utah
The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business Welcomes Professor Travis Rosenberg by Taylen Hadlock | Southern Utah University
Courtesy Southern Utah University
The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is pleased to welcome Professor Travis Rosenberg, one of the newest additions to the faculty. He will be teaching undergraduate courses such as Human Resource Management and Management & Organizations, as well as classes in the MBA program with the new HR emphasis.
Courtesy Snow College
Snow College has received official approval from both the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to launch a new Respiratory Therapy program, marking a significant expansion of the College’s healthcare education offerings. EPHRAIM - Snow College has received official approval from both the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to launch a new Respiratory Therapy program, mark-
ing a significant expansion of the College’s healthcare education offerings. The new program will prepare students for careers as licensed respiratory therapists—highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients
with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. “This approval represents an important milestone for Snow College and for the communities we serve,” said Michael Austin, Snow College provost. “Respiratory thera-
PHS Sports Sidelines It used to be that when the Christmas holidays came around, there weren’t any games. This is not the case anymore. I believe that the Lady Cats played seven games during this period. Some of these scores are out of order. The ladies beat Water Canyon, 56 to 21, and Tayt Miller scored nineteen points. On Tuesday, they beat San Juan, 68 to 61. During the 1st quarter, the Cats were up, 15-4, and they carried that score for the rest of the game. Tayt Miller had a game high of twenty-one, and Makena Owens finished with eighteen and four three-pointers. On the 29th, the ladies beat Wendover, 5350. The Cats rallied in the 4th quarter to take a narrow win, outscoring them 22-18. Tayt Miller was high scorer with sixteen. On the 19th, the Cats lost to Tabionia, 39-35. The next day, they also lost to Duchesne, 51-43.
by Mack Oetting After Christmas, it was all the ladies. On Tuesday the 30th, the Cats beat Gunnison Valley, 43-36. The Cats had a strong 4th quarter led by Lillee Torgersen with a game high eighteen points. On the 31st, they played up in Manti and beat them 5140. The Cats had a strong game led by Makena Owens with eighteen points and six three-pointers, and Tayt Miller had fourteen and three three-pointers. On the 2nd, the Lady Cats started off the year on the right foot, beating Valley 45-28. The Cats beat up on the Buffalos with two strong quarters—the 2nd and 3rd. Makena Owens had twenty-four points with eight three-pointers. The Lady Cats have another home game against Escalante on the 8th, and there will be a sophomore tournament at Piute on the 9-10. The boys had a game on the 19th against Tabiona, and they had it their way with a 60-42 win.
The Cats pulled ahead in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the the Tigers, 19-7. Coby Bently was high scorer with twenty-one points and four three-pointers. On the 19th, the Cats beat Pinnacle, 59 to 36. The Cats had a strong 3rd quarter, outscoring the Panthers 18-7. Trenton Virga had nineteen, and Coby Bentley had sixteen. On the 20th, the Cats had a game against Rockwell, and they played real well. Coby Bentley had a game high with twentyfive points, and Trenton Virga finished with fifteen. They won the game, 6738. In the Mesquite tournament, the boys didn’t fair too well. They lost to Virgin Valley, 73 to 45, and to Elko, Nevada, 61-54. The new year for the Cats starts off with a game on the 6th at Escalante and on the 9th at Parowan. Finally, they have a home game on the 13th against Bryce Valley and on the 15th against Valley.
pists are in high demand across Utah and the nation, and this program will help meet that need while providing students with a clear pathway to a meaningful, well-paying healthcare career.” The Respiratory Therapy program was developed in response to strong workforce demand and in collaboration with regional healthcare partners. Graduates will be eligible to sit for national credentialing exams and pursue employment in a variety of clinical environments. Approval from CoARC confirms that the program meets national standards for respiratory care education, while Northwest accreditation ensures the program aligns with institutional and academic quality requirements. Snow College President Stacee Yardley McIff said, “By adding Respiratory Therapy to our healthcare programs, Snow College continues its commitment to providing highquality, workforce-aligned education that strengthens rural and regional healthcare systems.” The program is currently accepting students for the spring 2026 semester. Additional details regarding admissions, prerequisites, and more can be found at snow.edu/program/rt. —Snow College
CEDAR CITY - The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is pleased to welcome Professor Travis Rosenberg, one of the newest additions to our faculty. He will be teaching undergraduate courses such as Human Resource Management and Management & Organizations, as well as classes in the MBA program with the new HR emphasis. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and continuous professional growth through realworld application. “I want students to walk away with an understanding of how HR can positively shape organizations and support people,” he said. Professor Rosenberg is no stranger to SUU or Cedar City. Born in Cedar City while his father attended SUSC (now SUU), Rosenberg spent his childhood across various parts of Utah before settling in the St. George area, with frequent visits to Cedar City to spend time with grandparents and other relatives. Following two years of church service in Italy, Rosenberg returned to southern Utah and chose SUU for his undergraduate studies. “It was far enough from home to feel independent, but close enough to still feel supported,” he said. Although he originally studied criminal justice, Rosenberg discovered a passion for human resources while working in SUU’s payroll office. It was a decision that would unknow-
ingly shape his future career. Rosenberg went on to work in the Payroll and HR offices at SUU, and for the past decade, he served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Utah Tech University. These experiences expanded his professional expertise and strengthened his leadership, strategic planning, and human resources capabilities. After more than twenty years as an HR practitioner, he was drawn back to SUU by a unique opportunity to teach HR and management at his alma mater to inspire and mentor the upcoming generation of HR professionals. When he’s not teaching, Rosenberg enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, going for long walks, and exploring both the great outdoors and historic buildings, especially ones with a little mystery. “I love visiting national parks, old churches and castles —places that you know have been around a while and can tell you stories,” he said. “When I retire, I would love to spend three to six months out of each year in Italy, staying in different Italian regions and exploring a new European country each trip.” The Leavitt School of Business is proud to welcome him back to SUU once again and looks forward to the many ways in which Professor Rosenberg will contribute to the learning of students and faculty here on campus.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: UPCOMING GAMES... Bryce Valley High School Boys Basketball: 01/13: Against Panguitch (Away) 01/15: Against Piute (Away) 1/16 & 17: Sophomore Tournament Girls Basketball: 01/08: Against Valley (Home) 01/09 & 10: Sophomore Tournament 01/14: Against Panguitch (Away) Wrestling: 01/09: Battle at the Mine Tournament 01/17: Milford Tournament 01/31: Divisional Tournament 02/14: State Tournament
Panguitch High School Boys Basketball: 01/09: Against Parowan 01/13: Against Bryce Valley 01/15: Against Valley 01/21: Against Milford 01/23: Against Wayne Girls Basketball: 01/08: Against Escalante 01/14: Against Bryce Valley 01/22: Against Piute 01/27: Against Beaver 01/28: Against Valley 02/05: Against Milford
Wayne High School Boys Basketball: 01/09: Against Valley 01/15: Against Milford 01/21: Against Valley 01/23: Against Panguitch 01/28: Against Water Canyon 01/29: Against St. Joseph 01/30: Against Wendover 02/03: Against Whitehorse 02/04: Against Piute 02/06: Against Whitehorse
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Alberto Vasquez: It has been an honor to meet and participate in the lives of so many wonderful individuals. I had
the opportunity to see students as they started karate at 6-8 years-old and then see them graduate from high school and beyond. I did my best to set an example of someone who cared about them and who believed in them. —Alberto Vasquez
Jaynie Connor
Alberto Vasquez (far right) poses with his students before their final belt test at the Bryce City Wellness Center on Dec. 19. After decades of teaching karate in Garfield County, Vasquez has decided to retire, and this will be his final belt test. For his students, he has a final message: “I want them to know that they are amazing individuals; that they have great potential." Alberto Vasquez Cont'd from A1
mund Parker, the founder of American Kenpo. This contemporary martial art, created by Parker, centers on practical self-defense. It highlights rapid, powerful strikes, logical techniques, and the ability to adapt to real-world scenarios instead of relying on fixed forms. The system integrates traditional karate with principles from Western boxing, focusing on efficiency, movement, and a deep understanding of the effectiveness of the techniques. “I earned my seventh degree black belt under Master Lawrence, something for which I will always be grateful,” said Vasquez. He is fascinated by the mental, physical, and spiritual concepts of karate, which is an art dating back thousands of years. “All martial arts are based not just on self-defense and powerful skills, but upon becoming a better human and loyal member of society,” said Vasquez. After four years of instruction under Lawrence, Vasquez secured a position teaching karate classes at the university. Lawrence set up a studio in downtown Provo, where Vasquez was also employed. Upon graduating from college, he became an instructor, collaborating with a friend for a few years in Sandy and later in Holladay, Utah. Vasquez found his love for teaching. “I truly enjoy not only doing karate, but sharing it. I never really cared how many
students I had. My motivation for karate was never to make money, but to interact with all students and their families in a way that helped them to understand important life skills and values. I didn’t do much advertising because I liked to focus on whoever was interested in taking my classes and learning.” When he retired as the hospital administrator and had more time on his hands, he started traveling to Circleville and Bryce City/Tropic to hold classes, though interest in Circleville eventually declined. Vasquez says that he is most gratified by seeing students change as they learn, especially those who are shy, lack self-confidence, or come from a tough background. “Karate is a unique discipline that helps students learn how to work through really challenging skills and gain a belief in their capabilities,” said Vasquez. “I have seen students who could barely manage to step out onto the dojo become strong and independent leaders who help others who struggle.” Vasquez also loves to watch parents see their children become students of the martial arts and notice how much the sport can do for participants. “I’ve watched my students become courageous; they learn to speak up, stand out, and become leaders in their classes, sports, families, and communities. Each time I see this, I remember that this is exactly why I do what I do,” said Vasquez. Vasquez believes that karate encompasses a wealth of lessons and skills and emphasizes two key
points: tackling difficult challenges and successfully navigating life's hurdles. He recognizes that not all children are drawn to traditional sports, and karate offers a unique experience where students seldom find themselves performing in front of an audience. This martial art is structured as an internal journey, allowing mastery of skills without the pressure of competition or public performance. While
tournaments and competitions can be enjoyable for some students, others may not require the validation that comes from earning a trophy or medal. “Students can do this just for themselves if they prefer,” said Vasquez. “Anything you do for a long time needs to be for the life lessons, for the journey, and it can take a long time or a short time, depending on the person. Even a student
who competes who gets last place learns from the challenges he or she decides to face.” Vasquez highlighted two moments in his teaching career that he believes reflect the significance of this work. “A young student in Holladay was one of the most uncoordinated children I’d ever seen. He could not do two things at once and constantly fell over. Yet through his dedicated work, he became one of the most talented student teachers I’ve ever had.” More recently, one of his students was severely shy and not confident in his abilities. “I would regularly see his frustration and fear as he strived to learn,” said Vasquez. “Helping him to work through his fear was challenging, but by the last belt test, it was an emotional time when his parents just gasped as he volunteered to lead the group by yelling, ‘Bring it on, Sir!’” Teaching in a rural area can pose various challenges, in addition to the numerous demands on students' time from other interests, such as drama programs, family, and other sports. Vasquez consistently encouraged his students to take breaks to engage in different sports and activities. “They were always welcome to come back later,” said Vasquez. “If they didn’t, that was okay. I would go and support them in their new adventure.” In addition, Vasquez strived to make his lessons affordable and provided some equipment in class so students
did not have to purchase it, and if they did need to purchase equipment, he offered it to them at cost. “It was always important to me to teach anyone who wanted to learn without the financial worry. While most martial arts studios require contracts and much higher fees, I just wanted to teach in a way that was accessible to all.” Reflecting on his teaching career, Vasquez said, “It has been an honor to meet and participate in the lives of so many wonderful individuals. I had the opportunity to see students as they started karate at 6-8 years-old and then see them graduate from high school and beyond. I did my best to set an example of someone who cared about them and who believed in them.” For his students, he has a final message: “I want them to know that they are amazing individuals; that they have great potential. The circumstances of how a person starts out in life doesn’t matter. What does [matter] is that they keep pushing forward. I want them to be patient in their progress. Sometimes we quit an activity because we haven’t mastered it in a month. I wish that is how life was, but, unfortunately, it isn’t. It takes time and dedication to master life. Just keep on the path and keep looking forward. Forgive yourself of your mistakes and look at them as opportunities to learn and to grow.”
Tuacahn: We are planning for an absolutely spectacular season. We’ve
already had such positive feedback from patrons with everyone clamoring to get their season packages, so they don’t miss a single show. —Scott Anderson, producing artistic director for Tuacahn
Courtesy Tuacahn Amphitheatre
The 2026-2027 Tuacahn Broadway season lineup includes Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: a 70-minute Family Musical, Les Misérables, Grease, Holiday Inn and The Play That Goes Wrong. Tuacahn Cont'd from A1
so they don’t miss a single show.” While the highlights of this upcoming season are too numerous to narrow down, one unique element that will set this year apart from the past is the addition of Tuacahn’s first nonmusical, The Play That Goes Wrong, in the Indoor Hafen Theatre. “We’ve been wanting to try a nonmusical for quite a while, just to offer something a little different," said Shari Jordan, associate artistic director for Tuacahn. “We’re really excited it worked out to be this particular show.” Filled with slapstick comedy, perfectly timed gags and enough laughs to leave everyone in the audience gasping for breath, The Play That Goes Wrong takes audiences behind the scenes of a play within a play, where everything that can go awry, does.
“It’s hilarious,” Jordan said. “I think people will really enjoy something farcical and fun.” The Play That Goes Wrong will open the 2027 year, preceded at the end of 2026 with the Irving Berlin classic Holiday Inn. “The last Irving Berlin we did (White Christmas in 2023) sold out every performance,” Anderson said. “We really feel like Holiday Inn is in that same vein with its great, classic Christmas tunes and nostalgic story.” But before either of the Indoor Hafen Theatre shows open, the highly anticipated summer Broadway season will take the outdoor stage, bringing the streets of 19th century Paris to life in the heart-wrenching Les Misérables, playing in rep with the popular 1950s-era depiction of Grease and an all-new stage musical experience with everyone’s favorite clown fish in Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: a
70-minute Family Musical. “If I were to put a bucket list out there of shows that I wanted to do in my life, Les Mis would be right at the top,” Anderson said. “The story and the music…it’s one of the better things ever written for the stage.” Anderson’s enthusiasm is echoed by numerous patrons who cannot wait to witness the story of Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine and Eponine come to life in a way that only Tuacahn can provide. “We are so excited to produce Les Mis again,” Jordan said. “What an epic story on an epic stage.” Tuacahn first produced this highly acclaimed production in 2008, which proved to be a turning point for Tuacahn itself, and left audiences anxious to see it in the red rock amphitheater again. To be joined by the equally popular Grease, along with a regional premiere of one of Disney and
Pixar’s favored musicals, it’s shaping up to be a season unlike any before. “We’re giving the people what they want,” Jordan said, referring to the many customer surveys over the years in which Grease received some of the highest marks on customers’ wish lists for shows. “I think people will like the contrast available in each of these musicals.” The 2026-27 season kicks off in May and continues through October for Les Misérables, Grease and Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: a 70-minute Family Musical. Holiday Inn takes place Nov. 20 to Dec. 22, and The Play That Goes Wrong happens in Jan. 29 to March 12, 2027. Season packages for all five productions are on sale now. Check out the details online at www.tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-6523300. —Tuacahn Amphitheatre
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Torrey CBC: You don’t have to know much about birds to participate. We need as many eyes as possible to spot the
birds and notify someone who can identify them. Torrey CBC Cont'd from A1
Bird Count (CBC). This grassroots initiative has transformed into one of the most influential citizen science projects in the country, engaging more than 70,000 volunteers across more than 2,500 count circles. On the mild but windy morning of December 20th this year, thirty-six people met at the Chuckwagon in Torrey, split into six groups and set off for several hours of bird spotting and identifying along established routes. Another seven individuals counted birds at their backyard feeders, for a total of forty-four participants. “This was the largest number of volunteers we’ve had since the event came to Torrey in 2009,” said Sandy Borthwick, one of the two organizers. The other, Joanne Stenten, added, “Last year, thirtyfive folks participated. The bird count is becoming a really nice way to build community while participating in this important national effort.” Borthwick and Stenten, who live in Torrey and Grover, respectively, both worked for decades as biologists with various federal agencies including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. “You don’t have to
know much about birds to participate,” Stenten said. “We need as many eyes as possible to spot the birds and notify someone who can identify them.” Despite the large human turnout, the birds didn’t exactly cooperate. Between this year’s warm autumn temperatures— which may have delayed many birds from beginning their southward migrations—and the legendary Wayne County winds, birds were somewhat scarce, Borthwick and Stenten said. Last year, for example, 35 volunteers spotted 55 species and just over 2,600 birds. This year’s tally was a record low 32 species and slightly shy of 1,440 birds. Topping the list of this year’s observations were the pinyon jay (356), the red-winged blackbird (350), the house sparrow (125), the European starling (101) and the common raven (81). Noticeably missing or in very low numbers this year were Canada geese (0), wild turkeys (0), bald eagles (3), whitecrowned sparrows (6), and Townsend’s solitaire (1), appropriately enough. Last year, the dark-eyed junco was most-spotted at three hundred and seventy-six, with Townsend’s solitaire also charting in at one, appropriately enough. The solitaire seems to enjoy solitude. Potential bird spotters met at Etta Place on De-
Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Hosts Scientists, Artists by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection GRAND CANYON most cities." Riesenberg said the N.P. - As part of its mission to share the culture Grand Canyon still inspires and history of one of the musicians, artists and scienworld's most significant tists across the nation, and landmarks, the Grand added that the artist and asCanyon Conservancy is tronomer-in-residence prohosting artists and astrono- grams are also intended to mers to share their work be a form of public educawith the public. The art- tion. Grand Canyon Nationists in residence will carry al Park is designated as an on the canyon's legacy by international dark sky park. creating pieces inspired These residency programs by the natural wonder. As- are intended to provide intronomers and light pollu- formation about the value of tion experts also have the dark night skies and explore opportunity to share their society's relationship with research and passion. The light pollution. "So, not everyone who conservancy's chief communications officer, Min- is part of our astronomer-indy Riesenberg, believes residence program is necesthe Grand Canyon pro- sarily an astronomer. We've vides people with sights had a poet. We've had a they can't find anywhere pianist. But it's all about the else. dark skies at Grand Canyon, "Grand Canyon is one and why it's so important to of the few places left where lessen light pollution so that you can see the Milky Way people can see the stars," with the naked eye," said she continued. Riesenberg. "That is someThe artist and astronothing that many, many mer in residence program people in the United States runs year-round. The latest never get to experience be- pair arrived at the canyon cause of light pollution in last month.
—Joanne Stenten, one of the two Torrey Christmas Bird Count organizers
Dave Cushing
A pair of volunteers peer through binoculars to spot birds in Torrey during the annual Christmas Bird Count, a function of the National Audubon Society, on Dec. 20, 2025. cember 11 to mingle and listen to a presentation by Borthwick that covered the history of the bird count; reviewed logistics for the event; and provided a quick guide to major bird species, complete with audio tracks of bird calls and songs. Borthwick, joined by Stenten, also spoke about the ongoing results and impact of the count. Over the last 125 years, the data collected from the CBC has provided critical insights into trends affecting bird populations. Studies have shown alarming declines in many species. For example, grassland birds have experienced a significant drop, with some populations facing a decline of more than 50% since the 1970s, according to the Audubon Society. In contrast, some adaptable species, such as American robins and northern cardinals, have shown stable or increasing populations. The CBC data also
Dave Cushing
Fred Swanson of Grover peers past bushes in Torrey during the annual Christmas Bird Count, a function of the National Audubon Society, on Dec. 20, 2025. reveals changing migration patterns due to climate change. Many birds are shifting their ranges either northward or to higher altitudes, which could disrupt existing ecosystems and alter species interactions. The continuous monitoring enabled by the CBC plays a vital role in informing conservation strategies.
This data is crucial for organizations, policymakers, and researchers striving to mitigate the effects of habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental pressures on bird populations, ensuring a more sustainable future for avian species. The Torrey bird count—and potluck din-
ner for the counters—is held the first Saturday on or after December 14st; next year’s will be on Dec 19th. For more information, visit www.audubon. org and search for Christmas Bird Count. You can also write to Borthwick at robinwick10@gmail.com or Stenten at jobodan01@ gmail.com.
New Rules: The SNAP program helps those who are facing food insecurity and in need of nutrition. We don’t want to undermine health and fuel chronic disease by subsidizing the purchase of sugary drinks. This innovative change will improve our nutrition program and overall health outlook in the state of Utah. —Utah House Rep. Kristen Chevrier
Adobe Stock
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Utah residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are no longer able to use those funds to buy soft drinks in Utah. New Rules Cont'd from A1
This change is due to a new state law (H.B. 403), which was passed by the Utah State Legislature in 2025. The Department of Workforce Services asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for special permission to stop the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits, and
that request was approved. The bill defines a soft drink as a flavored drink that has carbonated water and is sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. The rule does not include milk or drinks made with milk, drinks made with milk substitutes (like soy or rice) and drinks that are more than half real fruit or vegetable juice. “This is not a change
to the amount of SNAP benefits eligible individuals receive,” said Becky Wickstrom, Workforce Services public information officer. “It is a change to what the benefits can purchase.” SNAP benefits can be used to help households purchase healthy foods that can be prepared and eaten at home. Customers should separate their soft drink purchases with other in-
eligible items such as hot prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other tobacco products, non-food items, personal hygiene products, vitamins and medicines. More information about what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits is at jobs.utah. gov/whatyoucanbuy. —Utah Department of Workforce Services
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Legal Notices MEETING SCHEDULES FOR 2026 BICKNELL TOWN Bicknell Town Board meeting schedule for 2026 Meetings are held at 7:00 PM at the Bicknell Town Hall at 64 W. 100 N. in Bicknell. 2026 dates for Town Council Meetings & Town Work Meetings January 8 June 25 January 29 July 2 February 5 July 30 February 26 August 6 March 5 August 27 March 26 September 3 April 2 September 24 April 30 October 1 May 7 October 29 May 28 November 5 June 4 December 3
January 8, 2026
First Babies of '26: This delivery was very easy and went very well. Baby
came very fast and easy compared to my last baby. All of the nurses have been nice, and lovely. They are great at their jobs. —Kenedi Zohner, mother of Valley Zohner, Utah’s first baby of 2026 born at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital
Planning and Zoning meeting schedule for 2026 Meetings are held at 7:00 PM at the Bicknell Town Hall at 64 W. 100 N. in Bicknell. 2026 dates for Planning & Zoning Meetings January 20 July 21 February 17 August 18 March 17 September 15 April 21 October 20 May 19 November 17 June 16 December 15 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 1 & 8, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ZONING CHANGES BICKNELL TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION Bicknell Town Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a zoning change for properties that border Highway 24 and Main Street which are not presently in the Commercial Residential Zone. The town proposes changing all properties that border Highway 24 and Main Street to Commercial Residential Zone which will extend the Commercial Residential Zone. The hearing will be held before the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting at 6:45 p.m. on January 20, 2026, in the Bicknell Town Hall. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 1 & 8, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ZONING DESCRIPTION IN THE GENERAL PLAN AND THE BUILDING AND ZONING ORDINANCE BICKNELL TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION Bicknell Town Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to allow comments regarding the description of the Commercial Residential Zone in the General Plan and in the Building and Zoning Ordinance. The hearing will be held at the beginning of the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, in the Bicknell Town Hall. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 1 & 8, 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 Jan. 28, 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) 97-2537 (A84927): Nicholas Vincent propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (4 miles S of Boulder) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 61-3588 (a53935): Justin Spencer, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.5328 ac-ft. from groundwater (Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. 61-3475 (a53949): Tyson Brinkerhoff propose(s) using 0.0023 cfs OR 0.45 ac-ft. from groundwater (2.25 miles south of Widtsoe) for DOMESTIC. 61-3468 (a53950): Asa Bradford propose(s) using 0.0013 cfs OR 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (2.25 miles south of Widtsoe) for DOMESTIC. 61-3218 (a53954): Panguitch Diamond, LLC propose(s) using 0.25 ac-ft. from groundwater (1/2 mile SW of Panguitch Lake) for DOMESTIC. 61-3593 (a53955): Driven Horizons LLC, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 1.2 ac-ft. from groundwater (6.5 miles NE of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. EXTENSION(S) 97-2358 (A78667): Full Moon Farms LLC, is/ are filing an extension for 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (Boulder Town) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 95-5584 (A84924): Linda Hale propose(s) using 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile northwest of Grover) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. CHANGE APPLICATION(S) 95-5088 (a53956): Jeff and Dana Williams propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 0.7065 ac-ft. from groundwater (2.5 miles south of Torrey) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E. State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 1 & 8, 2026
Courtesy Intermountain Health
Valley Zohner (left) is Utah’s first baby of 2026 born at 12:09 a.m. on January 1st at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital. Her parents are Kenedi and Zach Zohner. Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital also welcomed Tommy Woodward (above), born to Jordan and Reagan Woodward, at 7:02 a.m. on January 1st. First Babies of '26 Cont'd from A1
The plan was to arrive on New Year’s Eve to start her inducement, only to be surprised to find that she was already mid-labor when she arrived for her appointment. Kenedi said she just was not feeling the contractions. With no inducement needed, the baby was near her arrival. "This delivery was very easy and went very well. Baby came very fast and easy compared to my last baby,” said Kenedi
Zohner. “All of the nurses have been nice, and lovely. They are great at their jobs.” Valley weighed 6 pounds, 1 ounce, and measured 20.5 inches long. Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital was just on the heels as they welcomed their first baby at 7:02 a.m. on January 1st as well. Jordan and Reagan Woodward welcomed their new baby boy, Tommy. He was born at 6 pounds 5 ounces and is 19 inches long. All Cedar City Hospital babies born this year are
Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE TORREY TOWN TORREY TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2026 The Torrey Town Council will meet on the second Thursday of every month. The following are the dates and times in 2026. Meetings begin at 6:30 PM, Mountain Standard Time. (November 1, – March 7) Meetings begin at 7:00 PM during Daylight Saving Time. (March 8 -November 1.) MEETING DATES January 8 July 9 February 12 August 13 March 12 September 10 April 9 October 8 May 14 November 12 June 11 December 10 TORREY TOWN, PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2026 Torrey Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on the last Thursday of the month, except the November and December meetings will be on the third Thursday. The following are the dates and times in 2026. All meetings begin at 6:30 PM, Mountain Standard Time. MEETING DAYS January 29 July 30 February 26 August 27 March 26 September 24 April 30 October 29 May 28 November 19 June 25 December 17 Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 1 & 8, 2026
also being gifted handmade quilts from the Cedar Chest Quilters Guild in honor of America 250th celebration. The Woodward family is the first to receive their quilt. In 2025, there were 2,753 babies born at St. George Regional Hospital and Cedar City Hospital welcomed 818 babies.
The new parents received a prize basket from Intermountain Health to celebrate the New Year's birth which included generous donations from Utah-based baby product vendors: Minky Couture; Loulou and Company; and Over the Moon. —Intermountain Health
Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE ANTIMONY TOWN BOARD All Antimony Town Board meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Community Center Board Room (unless otherwise posted) BOARD MEETING DATES: January 8th, 2026 February 5th, 2026 March 5th, 2026 April 2nd, 2026 May 7th, 2026 June 4th, 2026 July ** none August 6th, 2026 September 3rd, 2026 October 1st, 2026 November 5th, 2026 December ** none ** = Due to the holiday in the month, there will be no town board meeting. (unless otherwise posted) To put items on the agenda or for any questions, contact Tiana Phillips, town clerk (801) 822-4976. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JANUARY 8, 2026
The Insider
January 8, 2026
B5
Wildlife Board Updates: The Utah Wildlife Board approved some updates for bison hunting and a few other rule changes during a public meeting held Thursday, Dec. 4.
Wildlife Board Updates Cont'd from A1
dates should also improve hunter distribution and hunt quality, while avoiding changes in bison distribution.” The changes will be implemented for the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons. The board also approved a new Book Cliffs Bison Management Plan. The previous plan was approved in 2007, and a committee was formed to address the challenges facing this particular herd and hunting unit. The new plan will increase the bison population objective and split it between the three subunits—Bitter Creek, Little Creek and South—for a total of 650 wintering adult bison, rather than 450. “The reason for this increase is because the distribution of the bison herd on the Bitter Creek subunit has greatly increased,” DWR Northeastern Region Wildlife Biologist Clint Sampson said. “Thousands of acres of habitat have been restored in recent years to provide additional feed, and we have also repaired ponds, built more guzzlers and worked on spring developments. This has helped the bison herds to spread out more across the entire Book Cliffs area.” Updated hunting relief options related to natural disasters Recent wildfires and other natural disasters prompted the DWR to propose updates to its administrative rule, adding some relief options for affected permit holders. The board approved the changes, which include allowing one or more of the following options for hunters (both residents
and nonresidents) when a natural disaster impacts them and prevents their participation in the hunt listed on their permit: • Reinstating their bonus or preference points • Waiving their waiting period, if applicable • Refunding their permit fee, minus a $25 processing fee In order to be eligible for the relief options, the hunter must fill out an application and submit it to the DWR within 30 days of the last day of the hunting season listed on their permit. They must also include documentation of the natural disaster that caused the impacts and include notarized statements of how the disaster restricted their ability to travel, displaced them or restricted them from being able to safely hunt. The associated permit for the affected hunt must also be submitted to the DWR. If a natural disaster is impacting a hunting unit, this rule change will allow the DWR director to grant relief to the affected hunters if the following criteria are met: • More than 50% of hunting opportunities are unavailable. • Access to more than 50% of public land within an individual hunt unit has been closed due to administrative actions of the state or federal government. If these criteria are met, the DWR director could offer one or more of the following types of relief: • Reinstate bonus or preference points • Waive the waiting period, if applicable • Refund the permit fee, minus the $25 processing fee • Extend the hunting opportunity (for the same
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season and unit) to the subsequent year Updates to the West Cache elk extended archery hunt The board also approved modifications to the hunt boundary for the 2026-27 West Cache elk extended archery hunt and the extension of the season to Jan. 31. (Previously, it ended on Dec. 15.) These changes will help reduce depredation concerns in the areas that see property damage and safety concerns, which have been increasing in recent years. The changes will also provide hunters with additional hunting opportunities, particularly in areas where rifle hunting would be unsafe. The wildlife board also requested that the DWR look into the memorandum of understanding for hunting on Antelope Island and to do more research on the current hunting season dates and hunting structure and make any needed adjustments. This would be in an effort to balance the number of hunters on the island and to possibly adjust the hunting season dates to earlier before deer antlers break during mating-season battles. Approved CWMU permits The DWR oversees the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit program, which allocates hunting permits to private landowners who then provide hunting opportunities to public and private hunters for a variety of wildlife species. The CWMU program in Utah has opened more than two million acres of private land to the public for hunting. The board approved applications for two new CWMUs, six application changes for existing CWMUs and the renewal of
fifteen other CWMU applications, for a total of one hundred and thirtythree CWMUs for the 2026 hunting seasons. The board also approved two variance requests for two existing CWMUs. The wildlife board also approved an additional 582 private permits and 125 public permits for CWMUs in 2026. Previously, a total of 2,805 private permits and 458 public permits were approved for CWMUs in 2026. Mandatory testing for chronic wasting disease During the board meeting on Dec. 4, the DWR also provided information to the Utah Wildlife Board about a 2026 requirement for hunters to submit a sample from deer harvested during the general-season any-legalweapon buck deer hunt in the Ogden hunting unit, in order to test for chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is a transmissible disease that affects the nervous systems of deer, elk and moose. The disease was first discovered in Utah in 2002, in a buck deer taken during the rifle hunt near Vernal. The disease is caused by a misfolded protein, called a prion, that accumulates in the animal’s brain and spinal cord. (The same type of misfolded protein causes “mad cow disease” in cows and scrapie in sheep.) Infected animals develop brain lesions, become emaciated, appear
listless and have droopy ears. They may also salivate excessively and will eventually die. Deer in the early stages of chronic wasting disease appear healthy—including animals that may be harvested by hunters—so the only way to know if your deer is infected is to get it tested. Infected animals may shed prions in their urine, feces and saliva, even when they aren’t showing symptoms. Transmission may occur directly through contact with an infected animal or indirectly through environmental contamination. (A dead carcass can contaminate the soil.) Prions are extremely resilient in the environment and can stay infectious for many years. State law allows the DWR to identify units where hunters can be required to submit samples for chronic wasting disease testing. “Previously, it was only required for hunters to submit a sample from deer harvested in the limited-entry any-legalweapon buck deer hunts in the La Sal, Castle Valley and the La Sal, Moab Valley areas,” DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Ginger Stout said. “However, we are seeing a few other hotspot areas for the disease in our deer and elk populations, so we will be implementing mandatory CWD testing for the Ogden unit as well. These additional samples will help us better track the preva-
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lence of this disease and its spread in Utah.” The mandatory CWD testing for the Ogden unit will only be for the general-season, anylegal-weapon buck deer hunt. The hunt runs from Oct. 17-25, 2026, and any hunter who harvests an animal will be required to submit the lymph nodes for disease testing. “The Ogden unit was selected because it has the most recent detection of CWD in the state, with the closest positive on the East Canyon unit,” Stout said. “That detection was in an elk, with no other deer detections nearby, which is abnormal for the typical progression of CWD. We would like to learn more about how CWD is behaving in this unit and determine an accurate prevalence of the disease.” In addition, the DWR will continue to set up monitoring checkpoints—rotating between various hunting units across the state on a fiveyear schedule—in order to sample Utah’s deer populations for CWD. Hunters who voluntarily go to the check stations will receive a free CWD test if they harvested a deer on one of the units being sampled that year. You can watch the entire wildlife board meeting on the Utah Department of Natural Resources YouTube channel. —Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
The Insider
B6
C l a s s i f i e d ads
January 8, 2026
To place your ad, call 435-826-4400 or email snapshot@live.com
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MEETINGS
We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests. P O S I T I O N S AVA I L A B L E: Front Desk Agents Laundry Services Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen Positions to start April 1st through October 31st At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761
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 • Part-Time Custodian in Bryce Valley • 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.
TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion.
Escalante AA Meeting
Tues. & Fri. at 6pm 190 W. Main St., Escalante The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
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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
SENIOR CENTER MENUS
PANGUITCH SENIOR CENTER HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
87 N 50 W • 676-2281/676-1140 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. Jan 13th
Wed. Jan 14th
Thurs. Jan 15th
Taco Salad, H a m b u r g e r, Beans, Tomatoes, Onions, & Olives, Jell-O Salad, Manadarin Oranges, Cinnamon Rolls
Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Salad Bar/Roll, Applesauce, Apple Crisp
Chicken Fettuccine w/ Alfredo Sauce, Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Pineapple 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.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
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
Medical Assistant (As-Needed / PRN) Wayne Community Health Centers (Rural Health Clinic)
Location: Wayne Community Health Centers (Rural Health Clinic) Position Type: As-Needed / PRN Position Summary: Wayne Community Health Centers is seeking a Medical Assistant (PRN) to support our clinic provider team on an as-needed basis. The Medical Assistant works closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to deliver high-quality primary healthcare services. This role includes limited direct patient care, clinical support, laboratory procedures, and administrative responsibilities in a fast-paced rural healthcare setting. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Patient Relations • Prepare patients for examinations, including obtaining vital signs, height, weight, and chief complaint. • Update and reconcile patient health histories at each visit, including medications, allergies, medical/surgical history, family and social history. • Maintain patient comfort and provide clear communication throughout the visit. • Ensure efficient patient flow throughout the clinic. Clinical Support • Assist providers with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. • Administer medications and vaccines per standing orders and current guidelines. • Conduct routine screenings (vision, hearing, blood pressure, etc.). • Collect and process specimens and perform in-house laboratory testing in a moderately complex lab. • Prepare specimens for outside laboratory testing and document results accurately. • Assist with in-house X-rays as directed. • Perform quality control, proficiency testing, and equipment maintenance in compliance with OSHA, CLIA, CQI, and infection control standards. • Maintain and process instruments for minor surgical procedures. • Monitor inventory and ensure laboratory and clinical supplies are stocked and viable. Administrative Duties • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the clinic’s EMR. • Manage incoming and outgoing patient communications, including phone messages, referrals, and test results. • Enter clinical and administrative data efficiently and accurately. • Support streamlined clinic operations and patient scheduling flow. Team Support & Performance Improvement • Collaborate effectively with providers, nursing staff, and clinic leadership. • Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives. • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Medical Director or Nursing Director. Safety & Infection Control • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment. • Adhere to infection control standards and proper use of PPE. • Follow all safety protocols to ensure patient and staff well-being. Qualifications • High school diploma or higher. • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. (can be obtained after hire) • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. • Demonstrated compassion and professionalism when interacting with patients and providers. Preferred (Not Required) Due to our rural location, Wayne Community Health Centers encourages staff to pursue additional training such as: • Certified Medical Assistant (training provided) • ACLS • PALS • Emergency/code response training (Training is encouraged but not required at the time of hire.) Compensation Salary: Competitive; based on experience and qualifications Schedule: As-needed / PRN, hours vary based on clinic needs
Corrections Officer
Garfield County is accepting applications for a Corrections Officer. Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office or online at www.garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until Friday, January 23, 2026. Anyone interested in applying for this position must pass the National Peace Officer Selection Exam prior to making application. The Exam is given at the Browning Learning Center on the Dixie College Campus. For additional information regarding the Exam and registration requirements, contact the Browning Learning Center at (435) 652-7696. The exam is also given at Southern Utah University. Call 435-586-5419 for additional information. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.
SERVICES
NAMI Utah Connection Support Group Online For people with mental health conditions Mon, Wed, Fri 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Wed 12:30 - 2:00 pm Sat 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
NAMI Family Support Group - Online For loved ones of people with mental health conditions Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Register at namiut.org