Big federal budget bill advances with help of Utah senators
by Alex Gonzalez Utah News Connection
WASHINGTON, D.C. - After being debated for days, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, are among those who voted to advance the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" to push President Donald Trump's agenda forward. Curtis was one of a handful of Republicans who wanted to preserve clean energy tax credits but the Senate made major cuts to tax incentives for wind and solar projects. Now, the bill does not allow for a project to get the tax credit if it does not begin producing electricity by 2028.
Sean Gallagher, senior vice president of policy for the Solar Energy Industries Association, said Federal Budget Cont'd on A3
Two New Wayne County Daycares Aim to Ease Growing Childcare Need
by Amiee Maxwell
HANKSVILLE/LOA -
After years of local parents struggling to find childcare, Desert Blossoms Daycare in Hanksville received its official state license on July 2, 2025, and another new daycare is preparing to open its doors in Loa, just across from the courthouse in what used to be Linda’s
CCAW Presents a Benefit Concert Featuring Moors and McCumber, July 16
Rich Ryan
A benefit concert featuring Moors and McCumber will take place at the Teasdale Cultural Hall on Wednesday, July 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
TORREY - Color Country Animal Welfare is excited to announce a special benefit concert featuring the renowned multi-instrumental and vocal harmony duo, Moors and McCumber. Bridging the gap between classic folk rock and modern Americana, this talented pair crafts heartfelt songs inspired by life’s experiences. Their rich vocal harmonies and eclectic instrumentation create a captivating live performance. Moors and McCumber switch instruments on nearly every song, showcasing their mastery of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, ukulele, Irish bouzouki, Irish tenor banjo, fiddle, harmonica, accordion, cello and upright and electric bass. This results in melodies that are vibrant, dynamic, and electrifying to watch. James Moors, hailing from Wisconsin, and Kort McCumber, from Colorado, were both accomplished solo artists before meeting at a music festival in 2005. Their instant musical connection led to a powerful collaboration.
Flower Shop, late this summer.
“I am so excited for these communities and hope it makes a good difference for these families,” said Abby Ivory, Economic Development Coordinator with the R6 Regional Council.
State licensing is significant for daycares since it
allows families to use state childcare assistance funds to pay for care. Before July of this year, there were no statelicensed facilities in Wayne County. “Twenty five years ago, as a single mom with three kids, I had to use state assistance for childcare so I know how hard it is to find it, especially a place you can
trust,” she said. Ivory, along with community leaders, searched for solutions for Wayne County and decided to designate funds to the Wayne County Economic Development Board. The funds came from a state Rural New Daycares Cont'd on A3
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission convened for its June 16, 2025, meeting. The first agenda item featured an update from Shaun Kjar, director of the R6 Regional Council, on the R6 Regional Agricultural Industrial Park project—a proposed 920acre site northwest of Nephi aimed at supporting agricultural processing in central Utah. “Our farmers grow the food, but we export the value,” Kjar told commissioners. “We send it out of the region to get processed, and we buy it back. That’s something we’re hoping to change.” The project aims to build critical infrastructure—power, water, sewer, and gas—to help ag-based businesses operate and expand locally. The site will use a lease model to generate long-term revenue for the six participating counties: Wayne, Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, and Sevier.
New Short Term Rental Ordinance in Panguitch Goes into Effect Following Public Process
by Jaynie Connor
BRYCE - Bryce Canyon National Park is inviting the public to share thoughts on several strategies to improve the horseback riding experience at the park.
Horseback riding, including guided and private riding, is integral to the park’s history and visitor experience. Guided horseback riding tours provide thousands of visitors with a unique experience to ride among the hoodoos. Private riders are also allowed to ride their own stock (horses and mules) on designated park trails.
two recent meetings to gather citizen input regarding Short Term Rentals (STRs) in Panguitch City.
centered town
PANGUITCH - Panguitch City has introduced a new city ordinance pertaining to Airbnbs and Short Term Rentals (STR) within city limits effective June 1, 2025. Panguitch City Council held multiple public hearings about the topic
to hear from residents and listen their opinions on the topic. Public Hearing City Council Meetings were held April 22nd, and May 12th, at the Garfield County Courthouse and the Panguitch City Building. Panguitch is a tourism
by Kathryn Chamberlain
Jaynie Connor
The Panguitch City Council held a public hearing in the Garfield County Chambers on April 22, one of
Courtesy Abby Ivory | R6 Regional Council
Shandee Weihing, center, celebrates the opening of Desert Blossoms Daycare in Hanksville during a robbon cutting, grand opening event on June 27. Desert Blossoms is one of two new daycare centers opening in Wayne County.
Opinion
The Slippery Slope of E-bike Access
U.S. - When I visited Bryce Canyon National Park recently, the shared paths were crowded with electric motorcycles. They say they are e-bikes: If they can rip uphill at 20 miles per hour without pedaling, I think of them as motorcycles.
E-bikes can be class 1, 2, or 3. Class 1 provides assistance when the pedals are turned. Class 2 has a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling. Both have a top speed of 20 mph. Class 3 bikes, also pedal-assisted, have a maximum speed of 28 mph. Only class 1 and 3 are allowed in national parks.
Friends with e-bikes tell me they like them because the pedal assistance means they can ride farther with less effort, even uphill. The bikes keep them active outdoors. I ride my bike for exercise. If I ride 12 miles on what I consider a real bike instead of 20 mph on an e-bike, we probably get the same workout.
by Marjorie "Slim" Woodruff | Writers on the Range
On a recent catered mountain bike ride, one of the participants rented an e-bike so she could keep up with her husband. But the guides had to spend many hours recharging the bike before they could leave. I wonder just how practical it would have been on a multiday trip.
I recently read a plaintive screed from a mountain biker with a moral dilemma. He has a coterie of buddies who ride. When one of them had knee surgery, that person bought an e-bike so he would not hold everyone up. They group kept riding on trails where e-bikes are banned, figuring that with 10 real riders and one e-bike they were OK.
Over the course of time, Mr. E-bike started leaving the others behind, so they felt obligated to buy their own e-bikes while still poaching the non-e-bike trails. Was it now immoral, he wondered, because they were all riding illegally? He was advised to let his conscience be his guide.
Horses erode trails
At the Grand Canyon, by the end of the day the rim road is littered with abandoned rental e-bikes that ran out of juice. Rather than pedal a heavy bike with a useless battery, riders simply leave them on the side of the road for the rental company to retrieve.
worse than bikes do, and bikes wear a trail down more than hikers. If the rationale for riding an e-bike is that it allows one to go farther, that is more trail to be worn down.
E-bikes pollute less than gasoline motorcycles. However, a human-powered bike doesn’t pollute at all— unless one counts heavy breathing.
Outdoor enthusiasts are already vying for increased access to wild lands. ATV and 4X4 owners in Utah are incensed that the BLM plans to close certain roads to them and allow (gasp) mountain bikers to have sway.
On the other hand, mountain bikers are pressuring managers of designated wilderness to allow them access to these heretofore closed trails. E-bikers are upset that many trails are still open only to analog bikes.
It’s a slippery slope. When a local area was declared a wilderness, many residents complained that now they could no longer visit. “I have bad knees: I need my ATV.” But if I cannot afford an ATV, then I need a more developed road to visit in my 4-wheel drive.
Letters to the Editor
Send us your letters.
If I cannot afford a 4X4, pave the road so I can drive it in my car.
In China, there is now a plan to build an escalator to the top of a mountain so that “everyone can enjoy the view.” Where is it written that everyone must be able to go everywhere by any means necessary?
A recent article in an outdoor magazine predicts that e-mountain bikes are the wave of the future, and bicycle vendors expect ebikes to soon outsell analog bikes. If I stick with my must-pedal bike, I guess I will be considered a Luddite.
I do not suppose I really want e-bike riders to bow to me as they go by because I am doing all the pedaling myself. I would, however, appreciate it if they would not smirk as they pass. On the other hand, I guess I could refrain from yelling: “At least pretend to pedal!”
Marjorie "Slim" Woodruff is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She is an educator at Grand Canyon and doesn’t mind picking fights.
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.
The fires in southern Utah have been burning since 6-11-2025, when the France Canyon fire started. Now, on 6-28-2025, we have experienced over two weeks of smoke in Wayne and Garfield Counties, which is not good for human (or animal) health.
The fires are less than 20% contained. DOGE fired Forest Service employees who helped during wildfires. One June 28, there were over 14,00 people fighting our fires. Who will pay for them? Who will pay for the people who replace the fired Forest Service employees? Will the State pay, with new taxes? Will we let our forests and grasslands burn, and only protect the towns? What about people’s livestock, that are already on their allotments?
Our politicians are not anxious to answer these questions.
Here is information about the fires, and how many people are fighting them.
The France Canyon Fire near Bryce Canyon National Park covers 32,504 acres, with 15% containment and 760 firefighters.
• The Forsyth Fire in Washington County covers 11,642 acres which are 22% contained, with 682 firefighters battling it.”
What about FEMA? Will it help people in Utah after their homes and businesses are burned up or flooded?
Here is the latest from President Trump about that (https://www.theguardian. com/us-news/2025/jun/11/ trump-fema-phase-outhurricane-season)
“Donald Trump said on Tuesday he planned to start “phasing out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) after the hurricane season and that states would receive less federal aid to respond to natural disasters.
Trump also said he planned to distribute disaster relief funds directly from the president’s office.
“We’re going to do it much differently,” Trump said in a briefing at the White House in response to a question about when he
planned to eliminate Fema and what his message was to governors regarding states bearing more disaster-relief costs.
“We’re going to give out less money,” he said.
The article cited below shows how to analyze the Federal funding states get for disaster relief, now. It also analyzes the effects of ending Federal funding for disaster relief and shifting the costs to the states. How long will the “rainy day” funds of a state last, if it has a disaster? How else could a state fund recovery?
“Republicans and Trump administration officials have repeatedly said that they want states to bear more of the cost and responsibility for their own recoveries. “When you have a tornado or a hurricane or you have a problem of any kind in a state, that’s what you have governors for. They’re supposed to fix those problems,” the President said in June. Representative John Rutherford, a Republican from Florida, echoed the President at a May House hearing: “We don’t need someone to
come in and hand-hold us … I can tell you our governor does a fantastic job.” Rutherford is one of many officials who cite Florida—as well as Texas—as examples of states that are capable of handling disaster recovery themselves. Both experience a lot of disasters and have state emergency management agencies that are well-resourced and -staffed. But their recovery funding largely comes from federal dollars: FEMA bears 75 percent of the costs of recovery when the administration approves a response plan, with 25 percent coming from state coffers. Since 2015, FEMA has sent $7.2 billion to Texas for disaster recovery and $14.3 billion to Florida.”
Moving financial responsibility for wildfire suppression and recovery from natural disasters to the states looks like a tax on the middle class, to me. If we decide not to suppress wildfires in Utah, and/or we leave families and businesses on their own for disaster recovery, that will harm the economy, and that is another kind of tax on the middle class.
Linda Peer, Torrey
Insider The
OUR MISSION: to foster community connection, civic engagement, economic resilience and journalistic integrity for rural southern Utah.
Desert Blossoms and Little Wayne Wonders Daycares:
I am so excited for these communities and hope it makes a good difference for these families.
— Abby Ivory, Economic
Development Coordinator with the R6 Regional Council
New Daycares
Cont'd from A1 County Grant to offer child care assistance funding to incentivize people in the community to create daycare facilities. These funds could be used for startup costs like construction, equipment, and licensing fees.
Shandee Weihing, of Hanksville, was looking to try something new. She had heard about the grant being offered by the Wayne County Economic Development Board and thought it would be a
Federal Budget
the change could reverse years of progress and innovation.
great work opportunity that would also allow her to be home with her kids. “We applied for the grant, went head on with it, and created this amazing, beautiful space,” said Weihing.
The Weihing’s completely renovated their two-car garage into Desert Blossoms Daycare, the first ever daycare in the town of Hanksville. We’ve put a lot of time, money, sweat, and tears into this,” says Weihing, “and we love our safe and welcoming space."
Desert Blossoms has a capacity of 16 children and
Cont'd from A1 expressed gratitude to Senate leaders for including his changes, Gallagher hopes the concessions do not hinder the industry's ability to meet demand. The budget bill now goes back to the U.S. House for what could be the final vote.
"It has really devastating impacts," Gallagher emphasized. "Not just to the solar industry, but to American energy security and national security. Solar energy is putting more new power on the grid than every other fuel source combined in the last several years."
Curtis was able to remove a provision that would've enacted a new tax on solar and wind projects and ended a ban on solar leasing. While Curtis
Projects started before the bill is enacted would be protected from penalties and setbacks. Current projects would also retain all of their tax-credit value through December 2027. Gallagher argued the tax credits, passed under the Inflation Reduction Act, are working.
"Every dollar spent on clean energy tax cred-
she already has 11 enrolled. She’s currently processing applications and expects to be full soon.
Back in October of last year, The Insider ran an article about the growing need for childcare in Wayne County, which grabbed Jayden Blackburn’s attention. “Although I don’t have children myself,” he said, “I started to think about how hard it would be to have kids in a place with no childcare.” After speaking with family members, county commissioners, and other community
its has a $2.67 return in the form of lower energy costs for consumers, and taxes paid by clean energy infrastructure projects, mostly property taxes," Gallagher pointed out.
The Trump administration has called for energy dominance and so far has focused on supporting more development of fossil fuels over renewable energy. And while wind and solar energy are still popular across the board, recent polling indicates some people, especially Republicans, are less supportive of renewable energy than in Trump's first term.
gan renovating the vacant flower shop into a daycare facility which they named Little Wayne Wonders.
Little Wayne Wonders is waiting on a final statelicensing inspection but the Blackburns are hoping to open by the end of the summer. The center has already generated strong interest in the community, with around 25 children on the waitlist. The building is pre-rated for a capacity of 28, though they may start with a smaller number of children while they get up and running.
will be CPR and first aid trained. Both Blackburns have other full-time employment they plan to keep. “This daycare is something we’re going to help facilitate and we’re going to get staff trained to operate it themselves,” said Kailee Blackburn.
members, he, along with his sister Kailee Blackburn, decided to seriously explore the idea.
With the support from a childcare assistance grant through the Wayne County Economic Development Board, guidance from Carrie Sigler, the director of the state-sponsored Care About Childcare program, and the support of local government leaders, the Blackburns be-
Commissioners voiced their support for the project, with Commissioner Blackburn calling it “a really great project for not just Utah, but for all of our surrounding states.”The council is pursuing $500,000 in federal planning funds, with initial infrastructure construction expected to begin within 18 months.
Next, commissioners approved a special event application submitted by the Color Country Animal Welfare organization. Board member Sushiel Keswani spoke on behalf of the nonprofit, requesting permission to hold a July 16 fundraiser concert at the Teasdale Cultural Hall. The event will feature traveling musicians performing to raise money for shelter operations. Keswani emphasized the group’s all-
The facility features three separate indoor rooms designated for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, plus a fenced-in outdoor play space. Applications are currently open for multiple positions, including a director, caregivers, teachers, and a cook, with interviews beginning in mid-July.
Neither Jayden nor Kailee Blackburn has previous experience operating a daycare, but both have been actively undergoing childcare training and will have required certifications by the time the center opens. All staff will be required to complete at least fifty hours of training within the first few months of operation and all staff
volunteer role in community service and described a recent mobile veterinary clinic from Escalante: “A lot of the ranchers brought their dogs. We had 21 spay-neuters, 27 vaccinations—all at very little cost.” Commissioners unanimously approved the event.
Other items of business included:
Approval of new hires Virginia Sowell and Jeff Hardy for the Tourism Office.
Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Utah State Library for bookmobile services, with an annual contribution of $31,561 to be billed in two installments.
• Approval of Amanda Brown as the new Water Conservancy trustee to replace Phillip Hayes (pending application).
Approval of bids for equipment to support de-
Interested families can join the waitlist through the daycare’s Facebook page or by contacting the team directly. An open house is being planned in late July which will give the public a chance to tour the facility and learn more about what is being offered. The center will also hold a donation drive at the time and is specifically looking for Montessori-style toys in good condition, books, and cleaning supplies. Beyond providing a much-needed service, the Blackburns are committed to making childcare affordable. “We’ve talked to resources in surrounding counties, and they believe close to 90% of Wayne County families should qualify for state assistance,” Jayden Blackburn said. “We would love to help people get signed up for state assistance and we’ve got really good resources to help people get started.”
velopment of the Robbers Roost trail system, funded by a state recreation grant.
• Approval of an ordinance increasing the county’s Transient Room Tax from 4.25% to 4.50%. Additional funds will help mitigate tourism-related impacts in the county.
Approval of an ordinance prohibiting irrigation water on public roads. The measure addresses damage to county roads caused by irrigation systems and sprinklers and will be enforced with warnings first, followed by potential fines for repeat offenders.
The meeting concluded with approval of vouchers and a closed session regarding personnel matters.
Kailee and Jaden Blackburn, a brother and sister team, are in the final stages of preparing Little Wayne Wonders Daycare in Loa, in the Main Street space where Linda's Flowers had been located. They hope to be open by the end of the summer.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
Courtesy Jaden Blackburn
Wills, Trusts, and More
Desire Changes to Your Will or Trust?
The situation is very common. What if you need or want changes to your will or trust that you had prepared by legal counsel. The question is, how should those changes be made?
First, one should never hand write or type changes to the face of an existing will or trust. The cost of paying for a properly drafted and executed change to an existing estate plan document is far less than the amount that the beneficiaries and estate administrator would pay to separate legal counsel to determine the effect of the handwritten change.
Any estate planning attorney could share experiences of negative effects on families caused by handwritten changes to estate planning documents.
Although no one wants to create problems between beneficiaries of the estate, even small handwritten changes can create great problems. The ques-
by Jeffery J. McKenna
tion is always what should govern—the handwritten change or the original provision? The question is almost never clear and can almost always be argued either way.
Additionally, there is almost always a question as to whose handwriting it really is. The legal formalities that exist with respect to executing estate planning documents and changes to those documents were developed to prevent the first person that finds the will or trust from changing the terms by penning or typing changes of their own to the document. The necessary formalities are not satisfied when handwritten or typed changes are made to the document.
It is important to note that in almost all situations, one can, with proper assistance, effectively change an
estate plan. Although some estate tax savings trusts are not amendable (life insurance trusts, credit shelter trusts, etc.), most estate planning trusts are revocable, amendable trusts. Additionally, wills are almost always revocable and amendable.
In conclusion, almost all estate planning instruments are amendable. Although the documents can be changed, it is almost never a good idea to change the documents by handwriting or typing the changes on the face of the document. Handwriting or typing on the face of the document will almost certainly lead to questions about the effect or validity of such changes. Such uncertainty will likely result in disputes between beneficiaries. These disputes can be both financially and emotionally draining.
Now with a Panguitch and Richfield Office to Serve Clients in and around Garfield and Sevier 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 jmckenna@barney-mckenna.com or visit the firm’s website at WWW.BARNEY-MCKENNA. COM; he would enjoy hearing from you.
country roads
by Lynn Griffin
Harshad Desai for Panguitch City Council
> $ 1.5 million belongs to Panguitchians (1853 ?). We should have $750 to $1000/panguitchian as a city refund (in 2025). Why do we have this pile of money in the hands of a few city cronies? – PATHETIC. Panguitch is a sweet dream place. But to enjoy sweet/big dreams, one must be in deep sleep. TRANSPARENCY. These city cronies already have their hands in your pocket. Panguitch City Government is a public entity. (1) State Record (transparency.utah.gov) – Panguitch City – Surplus $ 1,689,579.09 (in 2020) dropped to $32,829.72 (in 2024). Where did $1.3 million go ? Garfield County – Total revenue (income) $20.84 million (year 2021) to $29.799 million (2024) – Surplus – $7,559,804.72 (2023) dropped to $390,862 (2024) ---- Where did $7.2 million go? (2) Culture/performance of local governments in Garfield County (rural, remote, mountain region with Panguitch population of 1500 in 1990 and 1500 in 2025 (1850 thru annexation) is like a father ( alcoholic, smoker, gambler, drug addict) claiming welfare (taxpayers' money) for his 14 kids. The kids have no idea about bounty and are deprived of the bounty and basic necessities (food, bath, bed, etc.). Local governments in Garfield County are like adult parents. Voters are like deprived kids who are kept in the dark. (3) This is not just about cronyism ( >90% local whites – 100% in the local gov. systems for personal gains) but is about Cannibalism (the act of one organism consuming all or part of another organism of the same species.). (4) Vote HARSHAD means a drop of chlorine (disinfectant) in a highly infested (full of bacteria and viruses) cesspool. If you don’t want to vote for HARSHAD, at least have the spine to ask your favorites about the cesspool. Are they public servants serving public interest and adopters of a culture of “You scratch my back and we scratch your’s when you get an itch. Hell with voters (public, true owners. Voters are dumb people. Hell with laws, ethics, and morality. We are owners/masters/slave owners). TRUMP said, “Only dumb people pay taxes” (meaning he balances out income with expenses). HARSHAD means all open books of public businesses and money. Paid for by Harshad P. Desai
Market
An elderly man is wheeling a shopping cart through the supermarket. In the front is a small child, making an unholy racket. They pass a woman, who overhears the man.
"It's alright, George, we're nearly done," he says.
A few minutes later she encounters them again. This time the child is clawing open a packet of chips and throwing them at the elderly man. She overhears him again.
"Patience, George— nearly there."
Two aisles over, and there they are again. The child is now howling and kicking the elderly man, while rubbing snot into his sweater Once more she overhears him.
"Not long now, George. We're nearly out of here."
Near the checkouts, she runs into them again. Now the child is throwing money out of the elderly man's wallet and swearing picturesquely at other shoppers. She can't help hearing him again.
"Soon be at the car, George, soon be time to go home. Just need to stick it out a little longer."
On the way out, she can't help herself. She goes up to the elderly man, excuses herself for butting in, and congratulates him on his patience with his grandson, George.
"I've never seen anyone deal so calmly with this sort of thing," she tells him.
"Well, thank you, miss," he replies. "But I'm George. This little brat is called Kevin."
THEME: Fictional Felines
ACROSS
1. A long way off 5. Basketball org. 8. *Dr. Seuss' cat headgear 11. Elbow-wrist connection 12. Showing signs of use 13. Legal excuse 15. "The ____ Show" (1976-1980)
16. Black and white cookie 17. Pall ____ and ____ of America
18. *Halle Berry's 2004 role
20. Small island 21. In advance 22. Santa ____ winds 23. *Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy one 26. Orbital extremes 30. Half and half 31. Casual top 34. Clerk's call
35. Fortuneteller's props
37. Pub offering
38. *Berlioz, Toulouse and ____ of "Aristocats"
39. ____perspirant
40. Silo contents
42. Philosophical system
43. More zestful
45. Army's offensives
47. Blast maker, acr.
"____ Line Is It Anyway?" 50. Long, long time
*Lewis Carroll's smiley ____ Cat 55. Star Wars attacker
First rate (2 words)
Foolish
Jaws of Life manufacturer 60. *Cereal-praising
Old Car
A blonde was trying to sell her old car. She was having a lot of problems selling it, in part because the car had almost 250,000 miles on it.
One day, she told her problem to her hairdresser.
The hairdresser told her, "There is a possibility to make the car easier to sell, but it's not legal."
"That doesn't matter," replied the blonde, "if I can only sell the car."
"Okay," said the brunette, "Here is the address of a friend of mine. He owns a car repair shop. Tell him I sent you, and he will 'fix it.' Then you shouldn't have a problem anymore trying to sell your car."
The following week, the blonde made the trip to the mechanic.
Next time the blonde was having her hair done the hairdresser asked, "Did you sell your car?"
"No," replied the blonde, "I decided to keep it now that it only has 50,000 miles!"
Ellenburg - Potter
Together with their families, Ashlee Ellenburg and JT Potter are excited to announce their upcoming marriage on July 12, 2025, in Grover, Utah.
A reception will be held that evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the residence of Chad and Kim Brian, located at 1095 South SR 12, Grover, Utah.
JT is the son of Tracy and Wendy Potter of Torrey, Utah. Ashlee is the daughter of Len and Kelli Thomason of South Carolina and Dennis and Natalie Ellenburg of Florida.
The couple will make their home in St. George, Utah, where they plan to work and continue their education.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate this special occasion.
Another great week in paradise! The Lions Club had another fine breakfast on the 4th to get the morning off with a bang. However, the bang part was from the Fire Fighters and their 6am bombs going off in my front yard. The Lions fed close to 160 folks, with the great help from the 6th graders. The breakfasts are a lot of fun and the Club could use some new members. With all of the help and the team work, these breakfasts have really run smoothly. We only have one more meal and that will be for Pioneers Days and it will be on the 24th or the 26th when the parade will be. It has been renamed as Homecoming day, when most of the families get together. The Kids parade on the 4th really went fast, with all of the electric bikes and scooters zipping along.
In the evening, it was the truck show, it keeps getting bigger and better each year. Main street is blocked off and the trucks are set in the middle of the street for everyone to look at. These are really works of art, I really wonder if they are used for hauling. This is a great time to have the truck rally, it fills in the void, before the fireworks.
As usual the Fire Fighters' fireworks came on time and were finished in about 20 minutes. I used to help with the fireworks, looking for the ones that don’t go off at the right time. Believe me if you don’t like fireworks that’s where you need to be, because you can’t see them go off. Did you ever wonder how they figure out how to make
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
them come out all over the place and with such beauty? I wonder how expensive they will be next year, with all of the tariffs the president has put on. One of the nice things about the evening, the trucks stayed there till the fireworks were over. It seemed like there were as many folks walking around the streets for the Truck Rally as were at the Balloon Festival.
This Saturday will be the annual Hatch, Frandsen reunion, out at Widtsoe. It is usually around 60 and 70 relatives there. I inherited a big family when I married Pat. It is a fun time, good food and games to play and of course the raffle that always helps with the next year's get together.
It looks like our little rain storm had a lot to do with putting out our really big fire east of Hatch. It has burned so far 48,000 acres of brush. Thanks to the many firefighter that fought the fire to a standstill. These guys are really in great condition, being a City firefighter we always had water to put out our fires, these guys just have shovels and saws to do the work. With the wind shifting around here, really expanded how much area the fire burned. We were down in Kanab today to celebrate Pat’s birthday and on the way home it looked like the fire burning south of Zion was still out of control.
Saturday, Pat and I went down to visit with an old neighbor, who had eight kids and many of them are grown up and one has a beautiful baby girl. The father was killed in an
ATV accident and Rosalie had all of the children to raise. Her brothers took charged and helped them out, big time. They left here and bought a house in Vernal and when the work slowed they moved back to Hillsdale. Well she sold the home in Vernal and the brothers took the money for supplies to build her a new house in Colorado City. The house is beautiful and big, with five bedrooms. Well what I am getting at is you should see the really multi-million dollar homes that have been built there.
It used to be when you got married, you got a small home and as you had children you got a bigger house. The problem was all of the land was owned by their church and they didn’t pay property tax on the land. Well the Feds finally figured out the scheme and they had to pay a lot of taxes on the land. Since no one would pay the Feds said if you would pay $1,000 for your land you could stay on it well most of them felt that they shouldn’t have to pay anything.
The land became available and now there is a lot of building going on there, it is only 23 miles to Hurricane to travel to work. The rock formations that are their back drop are beautiful.
Well I lived long enough to see the dumbest person that ever lived, it is Elon Musk, the head of Tesla motor company. They build electric cars, he decided to back our current president in the election with $280 million dollars,
plus another $20 million to back a judge running for office. $300 million, plus and for his reward the president cut all of the clean air projects, solar, wind power and his 7% refund for electric cars. He really did a lot of screaming, but to no avail. Musk’s TESLA stock has lost 40 billion dollars and still going down. Musk is looking into making his own party and the president wants to know how to deport him.
The eight GOP congressmen who said that they wouldn’t vote for the budget because of all of the problems, some even were worried about the National Debt, which with the 5 trillion the budget will cost and with the interest that it causes will be another 5 trillion. All changed their minds after a visit with the president and receiving gifts and promises. They all change their mind the next day and voted for the bill. The next president will inherit this debt and that’s all we will hear about for four more years. Every GOP president, since Reagan, has cut the tax for the wealthy and the Democrats get stuck with the after math. I believe this tax cut will be forever. Our 4H club has closed because the government has cut their funding. With the cuts in Medicaid, the rural areas, which have the most of this health plan will mean possible closing of our Hospital, down the road. The limits on what you can do is only in your mind. Mack O
PANGUITCH GEM Theater Showtimes
Check panguitchgem.com/showtimes for more info
Obituaries
Beverly Jean Thompson
HENRIEVILLE - We announce the passing of Beverly Jean Thompson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On June 22, 2025, at the age of 78, Beverly passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. We celebrate the life she lived and cherish her memory.
Beverly was born on April 16, 1947, in Spokane, Washington to Harold and Vivian Wiseman. She was raised on a small family farm by parents who taught her the importance of family bonds, and to care for plants and animals. After her parents both passed within three years of each other, Beverly moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of 17, she graduated from East High. She then attended and graduated from the University of Utah, with a degree in elementary education. She met Guy Wallace Thompson while working summers in Bryce Canyon National Park. Beverly and Guy were sealed for time and eternity on March 20,1969 in the Salt Lake City temple.
Beverly’s life was one spent serving and giving of herself to others. In Beverly’s own words, “If life is worth living, then it is worth giving.” During their early family life, Guy and Beverly opened their home to over 40 children and youth for fostering and adoption. Her kitchen fed the neighborhood and the hungry, and every opportunity was taken to teach about life. Beverly’s faith and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ was evident in how lives changed around her.
Above all, Beverly loved and cherished her family. Her home was a gathering place for family dinners and summer reunions. She highly valued the education and integrity of her posterity and taught by example a strong work ethic. Beverly filled her life with love, and enjoyed baking, caring for her plants and pets, reading, and writing notes to those she loved.
Beverly Jean Thompson is survived by her husband of 56 years, Guy Wallace Thompson; her children Guy (Raquel) Thompson, Rachel (Garrett) Breit, Brook (Phoebe) Wiseman, Heather (Carlon) Johnson, Beverly Cecile Thompson, Heidi (Patrick) Ostler, Savannah (Aaron) Weech, Dixie Thompson; twenty grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and her siblings Donna (Ron) Pierce, Paul (Toni) Wiseman, and Paulette Wiseman.
Through this season of grief, we have faith and trust in God’s plan for eternal families. We find peace and comfort in the promise of resurrection, and we look forward to reuniting with Beverly.
Services were held at the LDS church building at 2434 East Riverside Dr., St. George, Utah on Friday, June 28th with the viewing from 10:30-12:00 and the funeral from 12:30-1:30. Graveside services were held on Saturday, June 29th, at 11:00 at the cemetery in Henrieville, Utah. We, the family, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the great love and support received up to and during this time.
Garfield County 4-H Afterschool Programs Face Imminent Threat as Federal Funds Withheld
GARFIELD COUN-
TY - A recent decision by the Trump administration to abruptly withhold nearly $6.8 billion in federal K-12 education funding, including critical allocations for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, has cast a dark shadow over afterschool and summer programs nationwide, with Garfield County's vital 4-H Afterschool initiatives facing an uncertain future.
The funding in question was already signed into law on March 15, 2025, and was legally set to begin flowing to state education agencies by July 1. However, a last-minute directive halted these funds, leaving approximately 10,000 programs serving 1.4 million children nationwide in limbo. In Utah alone, this impacts 83 programs supporting nearly 7,000 students.
For Garfield County, the implications are immediate and severe. "21st CCLC is our current funding, and as of right now, we don't know if we will have programs at the new
school year," stated a local program spokesperson, highlighting the profound uncertainty facing families.
These programs are more than just after-school care; they are essential lifelines for working families and a critical support system for student success.
The programs spokeseperson said that the abruptness of this cut leaves parents, many of whom are low-income and cannot afford alternative arrangements, scrambling to ensure their young children are not left home alone, and quoted a favorite statement of Franklin Roosevelt as apt to the moment: 'The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
The 4-H Afterschool programs in Garfield County offer a wide range of services that go beyond basic supervision, addressing critical needs within the community:
*Three of Four State Regulated Child Care Facilities in Garfield County.
Water Advisory for Lake Powell
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, UTAH, ARIZ. – The National Park Service has detected the presence of cyanotoxins in Antelope Canyon in Lake Powell in concentrations that are at the high end of safe exposure levels. Cyanotoxins are produced by certain types of algae blooms and can be harmful to humans and animals.
The National Park Service recommends boaters to use caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to reservoir water if fishing, boating, or recreating in this area of Lake Powell. Other areas of Lake Powell may also contain these toxins, please use caution. Recreation on the lake remains open throughout Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Algal blooms can occur for a variety of reasons. Warm, still water is the perfect breeding ground for cyanobacteria and the addition of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that enter the lake from outside sources, encourage the growth of algae and bacteria. Harmful algae, also known as bluegreen algae, is common and natural to our waters and found throughout Arizona and Utah. The algae can multiply rapidly to form blooms and scums, particularly in areas of shallow, warm water.
Some algae may be harmless, but please follow
*Targeted Tutoring: Three certified teachers provide one-on-one support to students, addressing specific academic needs that may not be met in larger classroom settings.
*School Advisory Boards: School Advisory Boards serve as crucial liaisons, identifying student needs and optimizing facility use.
*Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: 4-H After-School staff run a program at least three times a week, introducing students to healthy eating habits.
*The Backpack Club: To combat food insecurity, the program distributes an average of 72 food bags per week to students across the county.
Parents consistently express their reliance on these programs:
“I am a working single mother and need the help with childcare.”
“This program provides my daughter a safe place to go to while I have to work. It also helps her with her homework which is extremely helpful because I work at a hospital
and some days can be very long and homework isn't always the first priority and we only have so much time each night before bed. It has also provided us food which has helped a lot for
mer to keep the kids active and engaged as not to get into things they shouldn't.”
“You guys are doing an amazing job all while providing much needed assistance to the community.
our family. She learns a lot and she has grown into such a social person when before she was very shy and reserved.”
“Qué sigan con 4-H a mis hijos le encanta“ (Continue with 4-h, my children love it.)
Community and teacher evaluations further highlight the program's value:
"It is a great program and especially in the sum-
This is accomplished while keeping students engaged and excited for the program.
Thanks for all you do!”
According to surveys issued by 4-H program coordiators, 75% of parents say they are "Extremely satisfied" with the overall 4-H Afterschool program, with 68% considering its continuation "Extremely or Very Important." The Afterschool Alli-
ance, a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure that children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs, has issued an urgent call to action, emphasizing that this is not about new spending but about releasing funds already appropriated by Congress. They have issued a nationwide campaign to urge citizens to contact their U.S. Senators and Congressional Representative immediately to demand that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) release the FY2025 21st CCLC funds.
"If we want to cut a meaningful pattern for controlling federal spending, we don't start cutting giant holes in the middle of the financial fabric of our federal government," a local Garfield County advocate stated. "We take the time to trace a pattern, to determine what material is needed and what is remnant, and carefully cut out pieces that can be sewn together in a way that creates a fiscally complete garment that serves the nation's people."
the following guidelines on how to stay safe during Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs.) Don’t swim in water that has an algal bloom.
• Don’t boat, water ski, or jet-ski on scummy water. These activities can cause toxins to become airborne, increasing the likelihood you will inhale them.
• Clean harvested fish in treated water. As always, remember to clean, drain, and dry all boats and fishing gear.
• Keep children away from scum in the water or along the shore. Keep pets or livestock from swimming or drinking from scummy waters.
• Always take a shower after coming into contact with any surface water whether or not an algal bloom appears to be present. Rinse/wash animals immediately if they swim in scummy water and don’t let them lick their fur.
• Contact medical care (doctor or veterinarian) if, after exposure to the water, individuals or pets exhibit nausea, vomiting, digestive distress, breathing problems, seizure, or unexplained illness.
Water quality staff are sampling and monitoring the situation. Watch our website, www.nps.gov/glca or follow on our social media sites.
—National Park Service
Algae observed at the mouth of Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell.
National Park Service
Out and About for the Summer
4-H Day Camp at Pine Lake Brings County Youth Together
PINE LAKE - It was a day to remember at Pine Lake as youth from all across Garfield County came together for the "Feelings Factory" 4-H Day Camp, a fun-filled event packed with outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, and meaningful conversations about emotions and leadership.
This year’s theme, “Feelings Factory,” was inspired by a well-loved animated film (you know the one — with those colorful characters that live in your head!). The idea sparked a day full of activities designed to help kids explore their feelings in fun, creative ways.
4-H members spent the day canoeing on the lake, testing their aim with axe throwing, and working through team-building games and boredom busters. They did that all while learning healthy ways to understand and express their emotions.
by Callie Adams | Utah State University Extension Associate Professor
Courtesy Callie Adams
year
and
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was a service project where campers practiced JOY through serving others. The youth assembled hygiene kits to be donated to local organizations
throughout Garfield County. It was a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness not only help others, they
Dixie National Forest and Great Basin Team 5 Take Opportunity of Balloon Rally Crowd to Share Information about France Canyon Fire by
Jaynie Connor
PANGUITCH - The annual Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally attracts between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors to Panguitch during the last weekend of June. With so many people exploring the area, the Public Information team from Great Basin Team 5, which is managing the France Canyon Fire, seized the opportunity to promote wildfire prevention awareness, featuring a special guest, Smokey the Bear. The firefighters set up a tent where attendees could receive free Smokey-themed swag bags, filled with entertaining games and educational materials for children about wildfire and fire safety tips.
A giant Smokey the Bear figure and a Smokey the
Bear mascot mingled with the crowd, posing for photos and engaging with guests.
Alyssa Archuleta, a Public Information Officer (PIO) for Great Basin Incident Management Team 5, spent the event taking photos of Smokey the Bear with his visitors. She holds a master's degree in Soil Chemistry and Fire Ecology. When she isn't engaged in managing Wildland Fires, she serves as a Fire Prevention Technician, focusing on educational outreach in the Manti La Sal National Forest. In her role, she collaborates closely with county commissioners and their communities, educating them on how to enhance fire preparedness in their areas. As a Public Informa-
tion Officer, Archuleta's primary objective is to keep the local community informed, providing daily updates about the fire through various channels, including Facebook, X, and inciweb. wildfire.gov. Multiple Fire Information boards are strategically placed around town, where they share daily updates. These boards feature QR codes that the public can scan to easily access the latest information.
Archuleta says the most effective strategies for reducing wildfire risk around homes is to keep yards clean and shrubs away from the home. “Make sure that your yards are cleaned
help us feel better, too. And here’s the best part: the entire event was planned and led by the Gar-
field County 4-H Junior Teen Council. These incredible teen leaders spent nearly a year dreaming up
Proposed Changes:
the camp theme, organizing the schedule, preparing supplies, and making sure everything ran smoothly. Their leadership and commitment made the day unforgettable for everyone involved.
4-H, offered through Utah State University Extension, continues to give youth in our county opportunities to learn by doing, build lifelong skills, and connect with their peers and communities. The Feelings Factory Day Camp is just one example of how 4-H helps young people grow into confident, capable leaders. And they’re not done yet! The Aggie Adventures Summer Program is happening every Tuesday and Thursday in Panguitch. It’s not too late to sign up, and there are two great field trips planned. Visit 4h.zsuite.org and check the events tab to get started.
For more information about 4-H in Garfield County, call 435-676-1113 or follow @usuextensiongarfield on Instagram.
The park is assessing ways to provide access for horseback riders, while also protecting natural and cultural resources and providing for a safe and enjoyable experience for both private users and guided tour groups.
Proposed Changes
Cont'd from A1
The popularity of horseback riding within the park has grown significantly over the past ten years. The park is assessing ways to provide access for horseback riders, while also protecting natural and cultural resources and providing for a safe and enjoyable experience for both private us-
ers and guided tour groups. Details on the strategies the park is considering are included in the newsletter available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BRCAEquestrianUse.
A thirty-day public comment period began on June 23, 2025. Interested individuals, organizations and agencies are encouraged to provide written comments regarding the
Benefit Concert:
proposed strategies for stock use online at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/ BRCAEquestrianUse. Comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to: Bryce Canyon National Park, Attn: Equestrian Use, P.O. Box 640201, Bryce, UT 84764. The deadline to submit comments is July 23, 2025.
—Bryce Canyon National Park
The benefit concert will take place at the Teasdale Cultural Hall on Wednesday, July 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This is a family-friendly event, so bring everyone along.
Benefit Concert Cont'd from A1
Though it may sound cliché, Moors and McCumber truly are more than the sum of their parts. Moors is a gifted singer-songwriter, while McCumber brings vocal harmony and unique arrangements to life through his inventive use of
instrumentation.
In 2023, the duo released their tenth fulllength studio album, Wired to the Moon—a testament to their enduring creativity and musical evolution. The benefit concert will take place at the Teasdale Cultural Hall on Wednesday, July 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This is a family-friendly event, so bring everyone along. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music in support of a great cause.
—Color Country Animal Welfare
Courtesy Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is inviting the public to share thoughts on several strategies to improve the horseback riding experience at the park.
The Garfield County 4-H Junior Team Council spent a
organizing
preparing their mid-June 4-H "Feelings Factory" Day Camp, where they explored emotional health and team building.
Courtesy U.S. Forest Service Great Basin Team 5
Smokey the Bear was on hand at the Dixie National Forest information booth during the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, helping rangers share information about fire management and fire safety.
Airbnb/STR Ordinance: The Panguitch City Council has introduced new ordinances governing short-term rentals within residential and agricultural zones which went into effect June 1, 2025. Key changes include a cap on the total number of allowed short-term rentals in residential/agriculturual zones If a short term rental ceases operations and a vacancy arises, a lottery system will be used to select the new allowable short-term rental.
Airbnb/STR Ordinance
Cont'd from A1 visited locations regionally, such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. With tourists comes a need for lodging, whether that is through motels, or through Airbnbs and short term rentals. Residents of the town have expressed concerns about the shortage of long term housing due to the popularity of STRs, and also about the proliferation of short term rentals in town in residential areas.
A short term rental is defined as one rentable unit. It can be a single family dwelling unit, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or detached living space, an internal accessory dwelling such as a room or a basement with a private entrance. These rentals offer occupancy for thirty days or less. This does not pertain to more than one rentable unit such as a hotel/ motel, RV parks, cabins, or camper resorts in commercially zoned areas of the city.
Panguitch City has just recently approved the usage of ADUs for rentable units and are currently rewriting city ordinances pertaining to this, this was just passed on June 10th.
The Panguitch City Council had imposed a sixmonth moratorium on all new STR applications as they spent time to evaluate and address the issue, while closely examining the city's existing ordinances for STRs. At the time the moratorium was enacted, the town had around forty-one short-term rental units total, with twenty-eight located in residential zones, twelve in commercial areas, and one in agricultural zoning. Historically, the number of short-term rentals in the town has peaked at sixty.
On April 22nd, in response to concerns raised by city residents, the Panguitch City Council convened in the Garfield County Chambers to accommodate the large number of individuals wishing to express their views on short-term rentals during a public hearing. However, only eight members of the public were present. Those attendees were given the opportunity to share their opinions on the matter, with a time limit of three minutes each, and almost all of them spoke.
Panguitch resident Maegan Cooper shared her perspective on supporting both sides of the issue. She
recounted her family's experience upon returning to Panguitch, noting that there were no long term rental options available while they constructed their home, forcing them to either stay in a camp trailer or live with their in-laws. But, also touching on how her family, now that they have their home built, rents out the mother-in-law quarters as a short term rental and has been able to see the added financial benefit of being able to do so. “I feel like we need to protect both sides of the spectrum to make it so that it is beneficial to our community, but not over monopolized to where nobody can move here and find a home.”
City Councilman Mike Sarles voiced his opinion that he feels property owners should be allowed to do with their property as they choose, but there should still be ordinances in place. “I think there need to be rules and regulations around short-term rentals as far as the standards of the building and things like that that have to be met...I'm not totally against a limit to the number that people can have, but I still feel very strongly about you have the freedom to do with your property whatever you want, so as long as it's not infringing on someone else's rights. So I think that we should lean that direction and shouldn't tighten things down to where people can't make money on the things that they own,” said Sarles.
A concern of many of the council members was the shortage for housing in the area, and the shortage of housing for new working professionals hoping to come to the area. They feel the overabundance of short term rentals in the area has affected this, and has made it difficult—or even not feasible—for families to move back into Panguitch or professionals such as doctors and teachers to move in, due to the inability to find housing. City Councilman Paul Dastrup stated at the April 22nd meeting, “My biggest concern is I believe they have taken up homes that would be available for couples as a first home.”
Councilwoman Tracy Wright expressed her findings that business owners have nowhere for their employees to live, “It's finding long-term rentals for the employees, for our residents, for our citizens who are here. So families can
come back, that's where my concern is. We want to bring in more businesses, we want to bring in more people, but we have no homes for them to move into unless they're brand new. And they're $450,000 homes which they're unable to afford. Occasionally some lower ones, less expensive ones pop up, but that is far and few between.”
City Councilman David Dodds wants the residential areas of the city protected, “The residential area has been protected for generations as a place for residents to enjoy their homes and there's a bit of sanctity to that.” He expressed his concern about other towns in the county such as Tropic and Cannonville, and even as far as Springdale that have seen this level of growth and been effected by short term rentals. “I think Panguitch is trending towards that. It's not moving as fast as maybe those towns, but we have that trend and I do want to protect the character of our community.”
Kaden Figgins, a private land use consultant with High Mountain Consulting, was hired by Panguitch City to draft up options for the city moving forward and help write and explain the new ordinances to city council members and citizens. He attended each of the public hearings regarding this topic and answered numerous questions. When asked how
he felt about the process Figgins responded, “Collaborating with Panguitch City on their short-term rental ordinance has been a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Their focus was to develop a policy that respects the community’s values, ensures responsible rental practices, and enhances Panguitch’s appeal as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.”
In conclusion, the Panguitch City Council has introduced new ordinances governing short-term rentals within residential and agricultural zones which went into effect June 1, 2025. Existing short-term rentals currently in operation will be grandfathered in, meaning these new regulations will not impact them. Any sale or transfer in residential/agricultural areas STRs forfeits the conditional use permit and new owners need to enter a waiting list if the cap has been reached. Key changes include a cap on the total number of allowed short-term rentals in residential/agriculturual zones, which is set at thirty. (There is no cap on short term rentals operating within commercial zones.) Once this limit is reached, no additional short-term rentals will be permitted. If a short term rental ceases operations and a vacancy arises, a lottery system will be used to select the new allowable
short-term rental.
Other changes to the new ordinance are that active STRs need to prove their annual active use, meaning the rental cannot sit vacant for more than thirty days consecutively, or the permit may be revoked. They must have at least one off street parking spot per bedroom, and the spots cannot block rights-of-ways. The properties must be well maintained with trash stored properly. Pets must be contained to the property by a privacy fence, this is required for new STRs and those existing that allow pets. STRs must display a sign, 8 to 15 sq ft, with STR name, address, and property manager contact information. The sign must be down-lit, except in the historic Main Street dis-
trict. Enforced quiet hours are also to be in effect (10 PM–8 AM), and manager/ local contact must be available to respond within one hour to any contacts or complaints. Short term rentals and new short term rental applications are allowed in commercially zoned areas of the city, this new ordinance is enforced in agricultural or residentially zoned areas. All short term rentals in Panguitch have to have an approved business license from Panguitch City with a Utah transientroom and sales tax number, a conditional use permit (if operating in a residential or agricultural zone), and go through a safety inspection by the Garfield County Building Inspector.
Jaynie Connor
Maegan Cooper speaks to Panguitch City Council at a public hearing held April 22 about short term rentels in the city. A combination of citizen input and consulting services contributed to development of a new STR ordinance which went into effect on June 1, 2025.
NOTICE OF SUMMONS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF The Jose A. and Liselotte A. Hernandez Trust, dated August 29, 2022, and Estate of Jose Antonio Hernandez
Liselotte A. Hernandez, whose address is c/o ProvenLaw, PLLC, 216 W. St. George Blvd., Ste. 200 St. George, Utah 84770, is the Trustee of the The Jose A. and Liselotte A. Hernandez Trust, dated August 29, 2022 (the “Trust”). Jose A. Hernandez Jose, also known as Antonio Hernandez, Grantor of the Trust, died on March 27, 2025. Utah Code Ann. § 75-7-508 and 75-3-801, provides that any creditor having a claim against the Trust or the Estate of Jose Antonio Hernandez, must file their claim with Liselotte A. Hernandez, Trustee, or Phillip G. Gubler, attorney for Liselotte A. Hernandez, Trustee, at 216 W. St. George Blvd., Ste. 200, St. George, Utah 84770 within three months after the date of first publication of this notice or be forever barred from presenting their claim.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 26 and JULY 3 & 10, 2025
NOTICE TO WATER USERS
The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Jul. 30, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3171 (a52871): Dean Investment Group LLC, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 2.8 ac-ft. from groundwater (1/2 mile east of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; OTHER: 6 RV pads for 163 days (0.3 AF).
WAYNE COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-5575 (a53313): Mesa View Oasis LLC, Wayne County Water Conservancy District propose(s) using 0.0197 cfs OR 10 ac-ft. from groundwater (5 miles west of Hanksville) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; OTHER: 20 Accommodation sites (60 gpd/person x 5 persons/site x 275 days/yr) 5.064 AF; OTHER: Seasonal food/beverage prep (0.896 AF); STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 3 & 10, 2025 INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PANGUITCH MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TURNAROUND, RUN-UP AREA, AND APRON PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PANGUITCH, UTAH UDOT NO. XXX
Online bids for improvements to the Panguitch Municipal Airport will be received by Panguitch City Corp. through Quest CDN at www.hwlochner.com beginning on July 21, 2025, and extend through bid closing on July 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (MDT).
The work involved includes the following: SCHEDULE I TURNAROUND, RUN-UP AREA, AND APRON PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
A digital download of Project Documents and other related contract information may be ordered online at www.hwlochner.com. These project documents may be downloaded for $60.00. Payment must be made directly to QuestCDN. This cost includes access to online bidding. There will be no refunds. The QuestCDN project number is 9758073. Bid quantities and schedules may be viewed prior to purchase under the “view bid documents” section on QuestCDN.
Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond executed by a Surety Company in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the total bid made payable to Panguitch City Corp.
The Bidder must supply all the information required by the proposal forms and specifications and must bid on all items of every schedule. Panguitch City Corp. reserves the right to waive any informality in, or to reject any or all portions of, the various bid items. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days from the opening thereof.
A non-mandatory virtual pre-bid meeting for all prospective bidders will be held via Microsoft Teams on July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (MDT). Meeting access instructions will be sent to all plan holders or you may request an invitation to the pre-bid meeting by contacting Connor Butterfield with Lochner at cbutterfield@ hwlochner.com.
The proposed contract is subject to:
• Civil Rights Title VI Assurance (49 USC § 47123 and FAA Order 1400-11)
Minimum wage rates as established by the Secretary of Labor are applicable to all schedules awarded for this project.
Any questions regarding this project are to be directed to Connor Butterfield at cbutterfield@hwlochner. com or the office of Lochner, Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 644-8294 for interpretation.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 3, 10 & 17, 2025
Sean R. Conner, #18891
ANDERSON, FIFE, MARSHALL & JOHNSON, LC
2500 N. University Ave. Provo, UT 84604
Telephone: (801) 375-1920
Facsimile: (801) 377-9405 Email: sean@wasatch.law; Attorneys for Plaintiffs IN THE SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WAYNE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
CARCASS CREEK COMPANY LLC, a Utah limited liability company; and SHERRY BRIAN, Trustee of the PAT BRIAN AND SHERRY BRIAN REVOCABLE FAMILY TRUST, dated September 7, 2004; Plaintiffs, v. WAYNE COUNTY, a Legal Subdivision of the State of Utah; STATE OF UTAH; and ALL OTHER PERSONS UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN, OR LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS JOHN AND JANE DOES 1-X; Defendants.
SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION TIER 3
Case No. 240500021
Judge: Hon. Mandy Larsen
The State of Utah To: ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN, OR LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS JOHN AND JANE DOES 1-X:
A lawsuit has been started against you. You must respond in writing for the court to consider your side. You can find an Answer form on the court’s website: utcourts. gov/ans
You must file your Answer with this court: Wayne County District Court, 18 South Main, PO Box 189, Loa, UT 84747-0189. You must also email, mail or hand deliver a copy of your Answer to the other party or their attorney: Sean R. Conner, Anderson, Fife, Marshall & Johnson, LC 2500 N. University Ave, Provo, UT 84604. sean@wasatch.law;
Your response must be filed with the court and served on the other party within 21 days of the last day of this publication, which is JULY 10, 2025
If you do not file and serve an Answer by the deadline, the other party can ask the court for a default judgment. A default judgment means the other party wins, and you do not get the chance to tell your side of the story. Read the complaint or petition carefully. It explains what the other party is asking for in their lawsuit. You are being sued for Quieting title in and to the property more specifically described in the Complaint.
Se ha iniciado una demanda en su contra. Usted debe responder por escrito para que el tribunal considere su versión. Puede encontrar el formulario de Respuesta en el sitio de la red del tribunal: utcourts.gov/ans-span
Usted debe presentar su Respuesta en este tribunal: Wayne County District Court, 18 South Main, PO Box 189, Loa, UT 84747-0189. También debe enviar por correo electrónico, correo postal o entregar personalmente una copia de su Respuesta a la otra parte o a su abogado: Sean R. Conner, Anderson, Fife, Marshall & Johnson, LC 2500 N. University Ave, Provo, UT 84604. sean@wasatch.law;
Usted debe presentar su Respuesta en el tribunal y entregarla formalmente a la otra parte dentro de 21 días después del último día de esta publicación, que es 10 DE JULIO
Si no presenta y entrega formalmente una respuesta antes de la fecha límite, la otra parte puede solicitar al juez que dicte un fallo por incumplimiento. Un fallo por incumplimiento significa que la otra parte gana, y usted no tiene la oportunidad de exponer su versión de los hechos. Lea cuidadosamente la demanda o la petición. En esa se explica lo que la otra parte está pidiendo en su demanda. Se le está demandando por (describa brevemente el asunto y la cantidad de dinero u otra reivindicación exigida): Título de propriedad en y sobre la propiedad descrita más específicamente en la Demanda.
ANDERSON, FIFE, MARSHALL & JOHNSON, LC /s/ Sean R. Conner
Sean R. Conner
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 26 and JULY 3 & 10, 2025
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE
The real property described in Exhibit A will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, payable in lawful money of the United States, at the front entrance of the Sixth District Courthouse, Garfield County, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, on August 5, 2025 at 3 p.m. on said day, for the purpose of foreclosing a Deed of Trust originally executed by Holm Square LLC as trustor, in which HS Bryce Canyon, LLC is named beneficiary and Southern Utah Title Company as trustee, and filed for record November 5, 2024, and recorded in Book 582, Page 876, Records of Garfield County, Utah, with recorder's entry No. 287786 (the "Trust Deed"), covering that certain real property described in Exhibit A (the "Trust Property").
The current beneficiary of the trust deed is HS Bryce Canyon, LLC and the record owners of the property as of the recording of the notice of default is Holm Square LLC.
Said Trust Property will be sold without warranty as to title, possession, or encumbrances, and will be subject to all prior liens and encumbrances.
Bidders must tender to the trustee a $5,000.00 deposit at the sale, and the balance of the purchase price must be paid by 2:00 p.m. the day after the sale. Both the deposit and the balance must be by cashier's check or certified check payable to Fabian VanCott.
Notice to Tenant
As stated in the accompanying Notice of Trustee's Sale, this property is scheduled to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder unless the default in the obligation secured by this property is cured. If the property is sold, you may be allowed under federal law to continue to occupy your rental unit until your rental agreement expires, or until 90 days after the date you are served with a notice to vacate, whichever is later. If your rental or lease ageement expires after the 90-day period, you may need to provide a copy of your rental or lease agreement to the new owner to prove your right to remain on the property longer than 90 days after the sale of the property.
You must continue to pay your rent and comply with other requirements of your rental or lease agreement or you will be subject to eviction for violating your rental or lease agreement.
The new owner or the new owner's representative will probably contact you after the property is sold with directions about where to pay rent.
The new owner of the property may or may not want to offer to enter into a new rental or lease agreement with you at the expiration of the period described above.
DATED this 24th day of June, 2025.
Robert G. Crockett, Trustee
Fabian VanCOtt
95 South State Street, Suite 2300
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Telephone: (801) 531-8900
STATE OF UTAH
COUNTY OF SALT LAKE
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 24th day of June, 2025 by Robert G. Crockett, Successor Trustee, who, in his capacity as Successor Trustee, signed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as Successor Trustee. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. TRUSTEE INFORMATION
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE IS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NOTICE OF DEFAULT OR NOTICE OF SALE TO WHICH THIS DOCUMENT IS ATTACHED.
1. Name of Trustee: Robert G. Crockett, attorney at law.
2. Mailing address of Trustee: Robert G. Crockett | Fabian VanCott | 95 South State, Suite 2300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111-2323
3. Address of Trustee's Bonafide Utah Office: Fabian VanCott | 95 South State, Suite 2300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
4. Trustee's Regular Business Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Unavailable Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and vacations, secretary will be available on vacation days.
5. Trustee's Telephone Number: (801) 531-8900 Exhibit A
Parcel 1: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot 1, Block 1, Plat "B", TROPIC TOWN SURVEY: and running thence West 238.92 feet; thence South 217.80 feet; thence
feet; thence North 157.80 feet to the point of beginning. SUBJECT TO a right of way and easement for ingress and egress 15.00 feet in width with a centerline described as follows: Beginning at a point 184.5 feet West of the Northeast comer of Block 1, Plat TROPIC TOWN SURVEY; running thence South 217.80 feet to the point of beginning.
Parcel 2: All of Lot 2. Block 1, Plat TROPIC TOWN SURVEY.
Balloon Rally/France Canyon Fire Info: Defensible space is the one thing we talk about all the time, and that's just clearing a lot of things from directly around your house.
— Alyssa Archuleta, Public Information Officer (PIO) for Great Basin Incident Management Team 5
the Dixie National Forest information booth during the Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, sharing information about the France Canyon Fire and fire safety in general.
up. If you have propane tanks, don't have fuel next to your propane tank. If you have piles of wood, try to keep those piles of wood away from your house.”
“Defensible space is the one thing we talk about all the time, and that's just clearing a lot of things from directly around your house, not having branches touching your roof, not having brush up against a wooden porch, something like that.”
Archulata recommended firewise.org as a good resource for tips and education about how to protect your home, and even recommendations for what should be kept in homeowners “Go Bags” in case of an emergency or evacuation, as well as information about pets and animals.
At an event like the Balloon Festival, the education tent aims to achieve several key objectives. According to Archuleta, these include providing information about the France Canyon Fire, promoting fire safety within the community, and addressing any questions that the public may have.
Archuleta described working the France Canyon Fire from within Panguitch as a positive experience. “It was really cool to see the community supporting us and being okay with all of these firing operations.” She said there are moments when it can be challenging to enter an area and begin burning as a method to
help contain the fire. This approach may cause public concern and increase smoke in the area, but it is an effective technique for fire management. “So It was really nice to see this community come forward. Everyone's basically nothing but supportive. We come in and say, ‘we have this plan,’ and people are saying, ‘go forth and do great things.’ I've never seen a community really push the way this community has to get this fire out.”
This is not this community’s first fire, and many residents are either a wildland firefighter themselves, or friends with/related to one. Wanderlust Cowgirl Coffee provided complimentary coffee for the firefighters during their stay. They set up a self-serve station right outside their shop, allowing firefighters to refill their containers as needed while traveling to and from the fire, fire camp, and incident command. Shop owner Stacie Hall-Owens said, “I have had the privilege of serving the firefighters and their crews twice now since moving to Panguitch. First, with the Brian Head Fire (2017) and now with the France Canyon Fire.” During the Brian Head fire, she discovered the crews' deep affection for coffee and reminisced about how invaluable they were to her shop at that time. Now, with a new opportunity to serve the fire crews, she and her family eagerly embraced it. She continued, “This time around our family shares
a greater appreciation, for the sacrifice these men and women along with their families endure.”
Stacie’s husband, Zach Owens, is an Engine Captain with the Dixie National Forest and was out working the fire. “Our daughter Amalia decided she would take on the task of serving the firefighters outside on our patio area. I have to share, this act of giving struck a huge amount of generosity with our other customers, we had many customers donate a ‘pay it forward’ for the firefighters as well.”
The France Canyon Fire began on June 11th at around 3 p.m. MST in the Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest. It is actively burning in rugged terrain approximately 6.5 miles southeast of Hatch, Utah. From June 11 to June 22, the fire was managed by Color Country Incident Management Team 1, which is a Type 3 Incident Management Team. On June 22, command was transferred to Great Basin Team 5. As the France Canyon Fire becomes increasingly contained, the towns of Panguitch and Hatch will see a significant reduction in personnel in the area. The fire is now more controlled and winding down and burning out, reducing the necessity for a large number of personnel on the fire. Personnel numbers reached close to 800 this week, but the numbers are quickly reducing and as of July 2 there are approximately 300.
Dixie National Forest Issues Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of June 26
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Dixie National Forest: Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
a. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); or
b. A stove or grill solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuel; or
c. An enclosed stove or grill, portable brazier, or a pressurized gas stove, in a developed recreation site. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building or a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
IMPLEMENTATION
This Order shall be in effect from June 28, 2025 at 12:01am and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2025 or until rescinded, whichever is sooner
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Dixie National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Cedar City, Utah, (435) 865-3700, for more information about this Order.
—Kevin Wright, Forest Supervisor, Dixie National Forest
Fire Information
Cont'd from B1
Jaynie Connor
U.S. Forest Service staff were busy at
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
Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers
SALARY: Please see 2024-2025 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.
FREE TO GOOD HOMES FREE GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES DUE TO RELOCATION, THESE PUPPIES NEED FOREVER HOMES: * 1 Male, 1 Female * Excellent Temperament * House Trained INTERESTED?
EMAIL FIRST AT: STEPHANIE CHRISTENSEN59@ GMAIL.COM IF NO REPLY, THEN TEXT 541-655-9477
SERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY! WILL NOT RE-HOME TO JUST ANYONE.
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. Escalante AA Meeting
Tues. & Fri. at 6pm Call 435-676-3653
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
FOR RENT
APT FOR RENT
2BR/1BA
partially furnished
No Smoking, No Pets at 35 N. Main St., Panguitch Above Straight Arrow Saddlery Call 801-870-8004
$$ PAYING TOP DOLLAR $$ for Sports Card Collections & Pokemon. Premium Paid for Vintage. Please leave a detailed message and phone number. Call Corey 541-838-0364.
Wayne Community Health Center
Part-Time Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental
Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant.
Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?
• Escalante Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team. Why choose Escalante Dental
• Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours
• An inclusive and supportive work environment
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
Position Overview:
As a Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice. Your responsibilities will include:
• Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner
• Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures
• Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems
• Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments
• Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus:
• Dental assisting experience
• Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry
• Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays
• X-ray Certification
• CPR Certification
How to Apply:
We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. I you’re passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with Escalante Dental.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!
The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial, geographic and/or cultural barriers to healthcare.
Employment Opportunity | Wayne County Road Department
Position:
Full time with benefits
Construction / Maintenance Mechanic/ Noxious weed control
Required Duties and Responsibilities: Be a Team Player—Work well with others
Qualified applicant must possess the ability to perform entry levelconstruction, repair, maintenance, and up keep of county roads, bridges, culverts and flood channels.
Knowledge and qualifications to locate and treat noxious weeds and operation of Weed-mosquito abatement spraying equipment. Understanding of regulations relating to chemical storage and application, (training provided.)
Some mosquito abatement duties may require working evenings.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Utah Commercial Drivers License
• Willingness and ability to obtain chemical applicator licensing
• Entry-level knowledge of;
• General maintenance and construction,
• Vehicle repair and specialized equipment operations.
General Purpose:
This is an entry-level position, which includes job training and experience. The position will report directly to the Wayne County Road Foreman and Supervisor.
Wayne County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to political, religious or labor organization affiliation or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, age, national origin, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap.
Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Clerk's Office. Please include cover letter and resume. Job is open until filled. Call the Wayne County Clerk's Office at 435-836-1300 with any questions.
NAMI Utah Connection Support Group -
mental
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
YARD SALE
The U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture recently announced it would try to roll back the “roadless rule,” a decades-old policy that prevents road construction and logging on nearly 4 million acres of national forest in Utah.
Brooke Rollins, the department’s secretary, called the rule “overly restrictive” and an “absurd obstacle” to forest management when she made the announcement during a Western Governors’ Association meeting in New Mexico. The rule, she said, prohibits agencies from properly managing forests and preventing wildfire, while stifling the timber industry.
Utah leaders celebrated the decision, with House Speaker Mike Schultz, RHooper, calling it a “big win” for the state.
But in Utah, proponents of the rule say it’s a vital tool for protecting the state’s forests, which in turn keep water clean, provide habitat for wildlife and allow recreation opportunities.
“This rule protects almost half of the forest service land in Utah,” said Kate Groetzinger, communications director for the Center for Western Priorities. “This opens about half of Utah’s forest land to logging that has been previously protected. That can drastically change the feel of some of our most popular forests.”
The scope of the roadless rule in Utah
The roadless rule was established during the Clinton administration in 2001 and restricts road construction and reconstruction,
What the end of the ‘roadless rule’ could mean for Utah’s national forests
and timber harvests, on roughly 58.5 million acres of the country’s national forests and grasslands. The goal, according to the Forest Service, “is to provide lasting protection” on some of the country’s most remote areas.
Called inventoried roadless areas, the forest service created boundaries around roads and existing infrastructure to identify stretches of forest eligible for more stringent protection. Inventoried roadless areas are typically sorted into two categories — places where road construction or reconstruction is allowed, and places where it isn’t allowed.
There are roadless areas along the Wasatch Front, in places like Big, Little, Millcreek and American Fork canyons; in vast sections of the Uinta Mountains; in southern Utah, near Moab and Monticello. They can be recreation hotspots, with some of the state’s most popular hiking trails on or near roadless areas.
Utah has roughly 8.1 million acres of national forest, according to the federal government, spread out across eight regions — Ashley, Caribou, Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-La Sal, Sawtooth, Uinta and Wasatch-Cache national forests.
According to forest service data, about 4 million acres is inventoried roadless area — road construction and reconstruction is allowed on about 3.5 million acres, and prohibited on the
by Kyle Dunphey | Utah News Dispatch
remaining 446,000 acres.
But according to Tim Peterson, the cultural landscapes director for Grand Canyon Trust, the distinction can be misleading.
“We haven’t built a lot of new roads in our national forests over the last two to three decades,” said Peterson, who’s been involved in Utah’s roadless areas since the 1990s and helped conduct inventories for environmental groups. “Road building is so expensive and the forest service already has a maintenance backlog … we can’t even maintain the roads that we have, let alone build new roads.”
In 2005, the Bush administration tried to replace it with the State Petitions Rule, which allowed governors to tailor their own national forest protections. Some states submitted plans that aligned with the original protections — others, like Idaho, asked for drastically reduced protections.
The Bush administration’s rule was challenged in court and ultimately overturned.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert also tried to petition the government for a Utahspecific roadless rule in 2019, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
What to expect if the roadless rule is rescinded
Assuming the administration is able to scale back the rule, there would be 4 million extra acres of forest service land in Utah that would be open for timber
harvesting — the state says that would allow for increased wildfire mitigation and forest management.
“We are excited with this new direction by the United States Department of Agriculture, allowing the federal government, state partners and industry to address a variety of forest health and ecosystem services issues, like water quality/quantity, wildlife, forage and air quality,” said Johnson. “We are looking forward to engaging with the Trump Administration, USDA, and the Forest Service to promote healthy, diverse and productive forests here in Utah and across the country.”
Rollins, in a recent oped for the Deseret News, said to date about 8 million acres of roadless forest around the country have burned in wildfire, and rescinding the rule would free up forest managers who she argues are constrained by the rule.
The USDA also said rescinding the rule will help boost the state’s economy.
“Utah alone estimates the roadless rule alone creates a 25% decrease in economic development in the forestry sector,” reads a press release from the department.
Advocates for the rule, however, are skeptical. According to an analysis from the forest service, the roadless rule has led to an estimated reduction of just 59 jobs related to timber harvesting in Utah and Peterson said the logging industry in
the state was never that robust to begin with.
“There has never really been a huge timber industry in Utah,” he said, “and getting rid of the roadless area rule would not make for a big timber industry in Utah, because roads are so expensive to build.”
If the forest service is serious about expanding timber harvesting, he said, it’s going to need a bigger budget. The agency’s deferred maintenance backlog for roads and bridges was estimated at $4.4 billion in 2022 and the president’s budget proposal would slash millions from forest service operations.
“If we’re going to be building roads and doing timber sales, it’s not reflected in the budget that the administration has put forward to Congress,” Peterson said.
Regardless of whether new road construction is or isn’t allowed, the rule generally prohibits timber harvesting in covered areas. There are exceptions, Peterson said, including mechanical thinning, removing trees killed by insects, or for fighting fire.
In an email, Redge Johnson, the director of the Utah Public Land Policy Coordinating Office, acknowledged the exceptions, but said the state is still confined in its ability to manage forests to improve habitat and reduce fire danger.
“While the roadless rule allows for limited timber harvest it has so many restrictions it makes it near-
ly impossible for timber projects to be completed,” Johnson said. “Our forests are overgrown and unhealthy, it is past time that we start to actively manage our national forests.”
Johnson shared a picture with Utah News Dispatch that he took while on a recent horsepacking trip through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, that shows an entire ridge with mostly dead coniferous trees.
“Even though there are old logging roads on the ridge shown, we can not use them to remove the dead timber due to the restrictions from the roadless rule. Removing this dead timber would reduce wildfire risk, increase wildlife habitat and protect our watersheds,” Johnson said.
What’s next?
Despite Rollins’ announcement, the federal government still needs to go through a formal process to rescind the roadless rule.
That includes preparation of an environmental analysis, making sure the action complies with the Endangered Species Act, and consulting with local governments and tribes, according to the forest service.
Johnson called Rollins’ announcement a first step.
“Our office is awaiting more information on what the process will entail,” he said.
Peterson noted that the Trump administration isn’t the first to try and rescind the rule.
“It’s much more complicated than just saying you’re going to get rid of it,” he said.
