LOA - Little Wayne Wonders, a brand-new daycare center started by brother and sister team Kailee and Jaden Blackburn and located at 33 S. Main Street in Loa, is getting ready to open its doors. To celebrate this special milestone, Little Wayne Wonders will be hosting a Community Open House on Saturday, August 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Attendees to the event can tour the new space, enjoy a snack, and meet some of the team, including Kaelee Parker, daycare director for Little Wayne Wonders, who is leading the way with heart, experience, and a passion for early childhood care.
For those who have expressed interest in donating to the daycare, items like wooden blocks, books, cleaning supplies,
Half-Track
Homecoming: Community Celebrates Return of Iconic WWII Vehicle
by Amiee Maxwell
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, a group of community members,
agers, and history enthusiasts gathered on Boulder Mountain to celebrate the return of a World War II-era half-track. Last summer, the half-track made headlines when it was stolen from its location on the mountain. The half-track spent last winter at the Fishlake National Forest District Office in Richfield before being hauled back up the mountain by road crews from Fishlake and Dixie national forests and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program (UCSS) volunteers on June 23, 2025.
DIXIE N.F. - A World War II-era half-track with a rich history is once again back in its place on Boulder Mountain. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, a group of community members, local
Entrada Institute Hosts a 'Classic Conversation' Remembering Paul Brown, August 7
Entrada Institute will hold a "Classic Conversation" with Craig Brown in remembrance of his father, Paul Brown.
TORREY - Paul Brown wanted to be a guest for a "Classic Conversation," but his health failed, and he wasn't able to participate. He passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Richfield, Utah, surrounded by his family. Paul’s son, Craig, agreed to join Don Gomes
for the August "Classic Conversation," to remember Paul and his accomplishments. All are invited to attend and add comments and stories to the evening.
The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. on August 7 at Robber’s Roost, 200 West and Main Street in Torrey. Paul Brown was many things to many people in Wayne County. He loved serving his community and church members in many different capacities. He was the mayor of Loa, an ambulance driver, and a member of Search & Rescue and the Loa Fire Department. He was a deputy for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for over twenty-five years.
Paul loved to be outdoors hunting, fishing, and
Paul Brown Cont'd on A5
and state officials, federal land managers, and history enthusiasts gathered at the remote mountain site to celebrate the vehicle's return.
“This was a great way to get diverse communities
100% of State in Moderate to Severe Drought
UTAH - 100% of the state is in moderate to severe drought. On average, our reservoirs have dropped around 10% between June 1 and July 1. Typically, reservoirs drop around 2% during the same period. This is due to increased demand and an inefficient spring runoff earlier this year.
“We have seen some water restrictions go in place around the state,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “Restrictions are very lo-
together, celebrate the return of the half-track, and do something fun in a beautiful place on a very lovely Saturday,” said Lexi Little, Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program (UCSS) Oper-
ations Coordinator. “It was a very wonderful event.”
The half-track made headlines last summer
Wayne County Commission
by Kathryn Chamberlain
July 21, 2025
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission held its regular meeting on July 21, 2025. After opening with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
Johanna Williams, representing the county’s indigent defense program, returned to report that Wayne County’s application for continued funding through the Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) was approved. The funding remains unchanged from previous years at $65,000. Williams emphasized that while the IDC did not offer increases this cycle, the county has received full reimbursement in the past when defense costs exceeded budget. “We're keeping all the same contractors,” she said. “There’s no change
Garfield County Ambulance Offers Public Hands-Only CPR Demonstrations During 2025 Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally by Jaynie Connor
public hands-only CPR
Department during the
PANGUITCH - During this year's Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally Saturday evening, June 28, balloon glow, numerous vendors and food trucks
took advantage of the large crowds that gathered for the event, but there was an unexpected addition this year. Members of the Garfield County Ambulance (GCA) and the Panguitch City Fire Department sat outside the fire station
Hands-Only CPR Cont'd on B3 Water Update Cont'd on A6
Amiee Maxwell
Jaynie Connor
Garfield County Ambulance representatives give 2025 Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally attendees
demonstrations in front of the Panguitch Fire
balloon glow on Saturday, June 28.
Open House
on A2
Courtesy Entrada Institute
Open House: We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s helped bring this vision to life. We want to give special thanks to the many people who lent a hand. Thank you for being part of this journey...We can’t wait to welcome you in and show you a glimpse of the space where your little ones will get to learn, play, and grow.
—Kailee
Blackburn, Little Wayne Wonders
and
Saturday, August 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
donation items, please visit Little Wayne Wonders on Facebook.
blankets, and other essentials are all appreciated.
For a full list of suggested
"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s helped bring this vision to
life. We want to give special thanks to the many people who lent a hand. Thank you for being part of this journey...We can’t wait to welcome you in and
show you a glimpse of the space where your little ones will get to learn, play, and grow," said Kailee.
—Little Wayne Wonders
Public Broadcasting Funding Cuts Could Hurt Rural Utah Communities
by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection
Most local public broadcasters cover an average of about 20% of their annual budget through government funding but in smaller states and tribal nations, the figure can be as high as 50%.
UTAH - State officials are concerned congressional cuts to funding for public broadcasters could hurt dozens of rural communities across Utah.
House members approved a bill to claw back $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is used to fund programming on Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio stations. President
Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill.
Gov. Spencer Cox is concerned the changes will hit rural communities the hardest.
"I worry about the impacts that will have on safety, security, broadcasting in our local areas," Cox emphasized. "As somebody who lives in rural Utah, I think about our tribal nations as well. These are resources that are really
Wayne Commission:
important."
PBS and NPR outlets are based at the University of Utah but rebroadcast programming across the state via remote transmitters. The bill cuts $2.5 million from Utah broadcasters. The stations must now look to other sources, mainly viewers and listeners, to make up the funding shortfall.
Republican lawmakers have long called for an
end to federal government funding for public broadcasting, claiming much of the news and other programming on PBS and NPR showed a liberal bias. While he agreed the public should not fund what he calls a "forum for partisanship," Cox stressed he is unsure the move will be effective.
"One of the things I'm most worried about is that these cuts actually won't do what some members of Congress think it will do," Cox asserted. "PBS and NPR will still go on probably doing what they do. But the locals, these are the things that are going to be cut, these are the things that will fall away."
Utah public broadcasters say the cuts will likely mean fewer regular programs and less local news. Currently, most local broadcasters cover an average of about 20% of their annual budget through government funding, but in smaller states and tribal nations, it can be as much as 50%.
A report that Wayne County’s application for continued funding through the Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) was approved, an update on the Meals on Wheels program, and a 180-day moratorium on applications for major subdivisions discussed.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
in structure, players, or funding.” The commission unanimously approved the contract for fiscal year 2026.
Doug Kirkham, the director of aging services for the Six County Association of Governments (Six County AOG), and Sharon Bullard, the nutrition manager, provided an update on the Meals on Wheels program, which the county took over one year ago. Wayne County delivered 2,596 meals over the past year—an increase of 4.6%—with a significant boost in donations thanks to one large donor. Last year’s agreement reimbursed the coun-
ty $22,647, including both frozen and hot meal delivery. The proposed MOU for the new fiscal year is slightly lower at $16,040 due to reduced state funding. However, the program remains strong, with hot meals prepared locally by Sorenson Ranch at $7.50 per meal. “It’s as much about the visit as it is about the meal,” said Commissioner Brian, highlighting the program’s social and safety benefits for isolated seniors. The commission plans to approve the new MOU at its next meeting. In response to growing concerns about infrastructure and public safety, the commission voted to impose a 180-day moratorium on applications for major subdivisions. The
temporary pause is meant to give the county time to review zoning policies, road access requirements, and coordination with local towns on future growth and annexation. “This isn’t about halting development—it’s about making sure we’re doing things right,” said Commissioner Cook. “We want to make sure roads are safe, that fire trucks can get in, and that our rural character is protected. This gives us a chance to step back, assess, and make smart decisions.”
The moratorium applies only to major subdivisions and does not affect minor or routine developments.
County Attorney Michael Winn explained that the resolution responds to “undisputed concerns from at
least three towns” about how future developments align with local infrastructure and annexation plans. “This is about consistency and planning—not just for now, but for years down the road,” he said. Public hearings will be held during the moratorium to gather input and explore potential updates to county ordinances. While the pause is set for six months, commissioners emphasized it can be lifted earlier if the issues are resolved before the deadline.
The meeting concluded with approval of vouchers and a closed session regarding personnel matters.
The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the
Insider The
Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Courtesy Little Wayne Wonders
Little Wayne Wonders, a brand-new daycare center started by brother and sister team Kailee and Jaden Blackburn (above)
located at 33 S. Main Street in Loa, will be hosting a Community Open House on
Adobe Stock
Open House
Cont'd from A1
DWR Conducting 2025 Waterbody Treatments in High Uintas to Help Restore Native Cutthroat Trout
VERNAL - For the fourth consecutive year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be coordinating with the Ashley National Forest to conduct treatments on two drainages in the High Uintas to help restore native Colorado River cutthroat trout.
Over the past decade, DWR biologists have treated different waterbodies on the north and south slopes of the Uintas with rotenone to help with native cutthroat trout conservation. The treatments utilize rotenone to remove non-native fish from the areas where native cutthroat trout will be restored.
Rotenone is a natural substance that comes from the roots of a tropical plant in the bean family. It’s a respiratory toxin to fish, but it is not dangerous to people, pets or other wildlife, especially in the extremely low quantities that biologists use to treat streams and lakes. However, there will be a lot of crews and equipment in the area during the treatments, and the U.S. Forest Service will be closing the impacted areas. The public should stay out of these areas during the treatments, so that the DWR can safely and effectively complete the projects.
"Over the past twenty years, we have made significant progress on Colorado River cutthroat trout restoration in northeastern Utah,” DWR Northeastern Region Aquatics Manager Natalie Boren said. “We are excited to be within seven years of finishing up restoration efforts and reaching our conservation team goals with this species."
This year, biologists will be conducting the treatments in the following areas in the High Uintas:
• Fall Creek drainage (south slope) from Aug. 4-7. (The area should reopen to the public on Aug. 9.)
• South Fork Sheep Creek (north slope) on Aug. 26. (This is a retreatment of the lower end of the creek and the area should reopen to the public on Aug. 29.)
A series of two to three treatments is the standard protocol for effective cutthroat trout restoration. For Fall Creek, this will be the first year of treatment, and this is the third year of treatments for the South Fork of Sheep Creek.
To encourage the harvest of fish in the area before these treatments occurred, increased fish daily limits have been in effect for Fall Creek and its tributaries since May 2024. Because the South Fork of Sheep Creek has previously been treated
and these are follow-up treatments, the DWR will not issue any fishing limit changes for any of the lakes or drainages, as there should be very few fish remaining in the system.
“The temporary closure of the treatment area only affects treated waters and prohibits the public from entering the water and obtaining drinking water from sources in the treatment area. All hiking trails and other access will remain open to public use,”
DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby said. “The treatment areas will be well signed, and will reopen after the treatment process is over and rotenone levels are no longer detectable in the streams.”
Why rotenone treatments are done
The goal of this work is to create a population of cutthroat trout that will contribute to the conservation of native cutthroat trout species and prevent them from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. In addition to increasing the diversity of angling opportunities, these project treatments will help the native fish and ensure cutthroat trout populations improve. Habitat loss, spawning with non-native trout and competition from non-native trout have caused dramatic declines in native cutthroat trout populations around the West, leading to concerns about the species' future.
The treatments will remove the brook trout, non-native cutthroat trout and rainbow trout currently found in the streams. Biologists predict that brook trout populations could completely replace cutthroat trout in these areas in less than twenty years without intervention. These efforts are also anticipated to help the DWR better meet angling preferences, which recent surveys showed include an increased preference for cutthroat trout.
“The Uinta Mountains host over 1,000 lakes
and hundreds of miles of stream,” DWR Regional Sportfish Biologist Carsen Hinkhouse said. “Our efforts are targeted at restoring Colorado River cutthroat trout in a handful of these waters. Taking part in this restoration ensures native Colorado River cutthroat trout will remain on the landscape, while also providing a diverse angling opportunity.”
After the treatments
The South Fork of Sheep Creek will not be restocked until the treatments are complete, most likely in the summer of 2026. The north slope treatment is part of a larger effort to treat the upper portions of streams connected to the Sheep Creek canal.
For the Fall Creek drainage, stocking is dependent on the success of this year’s treatment. If deemed successful, Colorado River cutthroat trout will be stocked into both Phinney Lake and Anderson Lake in 2026. If a second treatment is deemed necessary, that treatment will take place in 2026, and stocking will occur in 2027.
Angler opportunities
Even though brook trout are being removed from these treatment areas, anglers can still find them in thousands of streams and lakes throughout the Uinta Mountains. Information about different fishing opportunities is available on the DWR’s Fish Utah interactive map, so the public can easily find waters to fish by species.
The DWR plans to continue providing abundant angling opportunities for several species, including both brook trout and cutthroat trout, in the Uinta Mountains. To learn more about the cutthroat trout restoration happening in the Uintas, listen to the Wild podcast episode 57, titled "Cutthroat restoration."
If you have questions about the upcoming treatments, call the DWR’s Vernal office at 435-781-9453.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
For the fourth consecutive year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be coordinating with the Ashley National Forest to conduct treatments on two drainages in the High Uintas to help restore native Colorado River cutthroat trout.
Wills, Trusts, and More
IRS and Abusive Trusts
Can a trust be too good to be true? The simple answer is yes.
Can a trust reduce or eliminate income or selfemployment tax? Can a trust create the opportunity to take deductions for personal expenses paid by the trust? Can the use of a trust allow someone to take depreciation deductions on an owner’s personal residence and furnishings? The simple answer to the above questions is no.
Trusts that attempt to achieve the above are just “to good to be true.”
In fact, the IRS has characterized such trusts as “Abusive Trusts.” In recent years, the IRS has become very aggressive in its treatment of abusive trusts.
Abusive trusts are called many different names. Some of the more common names are “Constitutional Trusts,” “Pure Equity Trusts,” “Common Law Trusts,” or “Common Law Trust Organizations.” There have been a number of other names used to market these trusts, as well.
Generally, the trust is established when the
by Jeffery J. McKenna
trustee issues units in the trust to the settlor (person forming the trust). The trustee, someone other than the settlor, has absolute discretion over making any distributions of income or principal back to the settlor.
Promoters claim that the settlor is no longer income taxable on the income and that both gift and estate taxes are avoided. Needless to say, the IRS does not share the same belief.
The IRS has recently undertaken a national coordinated strategy to address fraudulent trust schemes. IRS Public Announcement Notice 97-24 warns taxpayers to avoid fraudulent trust schemes that advertise bogus tax benefits.
In the public notice, the IRS warns that these abusive trust arrangements will not produce the tax benefits advertised by their promoters; that the IRS is actively examining them and that in some circumstances, taxpayers who
participate in them may be subject to civil and/ or criminal penalties. IRS Notice 97-24 can be found on the Internet at www.irs. ustreas.gov.
It must be noted that the IRS has specifically distinguished the “abusive trusts” explained in this article with legitimate trusts used in estate planning and charitable giving. The Internal Revenue Code provides numerous provisions for the use of trusts for minimizing taxes in an estate planning and charitable giving context. In all IRS publications regarding abusive trusts, the IRS distinguishes between abusive trusts and legitimate trusts.
Hopefully, by writing this article, those who have unfortunately become involved in abusive trust arrangements will be made aware of the serious problems related to such arrangements and will take steps to undo the problematic trust arrangements before the IRS confronts them.
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.
Barbershop
I was in a barbershop when a man and his young son walked in to get a haircut. The man asked the barber to give his son a haircut while he shopped for groceries nearby. The barber finished the haircut but there was no sign of the father. An hour passed, and two more but nobody came.
We finally asked the son where his father was. The boy shocked us by saying, "That man was not my father. He just told me that if I wanted to get a free haircut at the barbershop, I should come with him."
Old Man's Wisdom
An old man walks into a town square with a big sign around his neck that reads, "Old Man's Message: Wisdom for a Nickel!"
A skeptical passerby tosses a nickel into the old man's hat and says, "Alright, wise guy, what's your message?"
The old man looks up, grinning ear to ear, and says, "Never spend a nickel on something you can learn for free!"
PUNishment
My wife tried to apply at the post office but they wouldn't letter. They said only mails work here.
21. *Ignatius J. Reilly, "A Confederacy of Dunces" protagonist 23. Neither's partner 24. Flipside of pros
25. What hernias do
28. Snowman's corn cob
30. 1970s dancing venues
35. Home to China
37. Biceps exercise
39. W.E.B Du Bois's org.
40. Clays or mucks
41. Quetzalcoatl worshiper
43. Viracocha worshipper
44. Muse of love poetry
46. The Hippocratic one
47. High in decibels
48. Orthopedic device
50. Egyptian goddess of fertility
52. Before, before
53. Kitten's plaything
55. Between Cancer and Virgo
57. *Beatrice Belden's nickname
60. *American Library Association's medal for children's literature
64. C in CSI 65. To boot
67. #61 Down plus E 68. Altar's location, pl. 69. Fled
70. Indian cuisine dip
71. Give an impression
Mining product
See-through
Fishing
A wealthy businessman sees a poor man fishing by the river every day. One day, he approaches him and says, "If you worked harder, you could afford a fishing boat!"
The poor man nods and asks, "And then what?" The businessman replies, "You could catch more fish, sell them, and buy a fleet of boats!" The poor man nods again, "And then what?" The businessman, getting excited, says, "You could have a fishing empire and be rich like me!"
The poor man smiles, "And then what?" The businessman says, "Then you could relax and fish all day!" The poor man chuckles, "Isn't that what I'm doing now?"
Two Robots
Two robots were discussing human emotions. One said, "I observed a human saying she was perfectly fine, but then she consumed an entire tub of ice cream." The other robot responded, "Ah, 'perfectly fine' must be human code for 'needs more ice cream'."
1. Common tropical marine fish
Part of BYO
Orpheus' instrument
*Patricia MacLachlan's "Sarah, ____ and Tall" 5. Medicinal herb 6. ____ anise, chai tea spice
*____ Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
Foreword
Whimper
Milky-white gem
Like certain people's glasses
Greatest possible
Ex grape
*"Fear of Flying"
Paul Brown: Paul Brown was many things to many people in Wayne County. He loved serving his community and church members in many different capacities.
take place at Robber’s
on August 7 at 7:00 p.m.
gardening; but his most important role was as husband and father. The highlight of his life was when his grandchildren and, later on, his great-grandchildren would come and visit him. He especially loved working with wood and created many beautiful intarsia projects, many of which he gave away. He put his carpentry skills to work building homes for many members of the Wayne County community, which he continued to do until his health no longer permitted it.
"Classic Conversa-
tions" are produced and moderated by Don Gomes, vice president of the Entrada Institute. Gomes spent twenty-five years as an award-winning public broadcaster in Utah, Indiana, and Texas and will aid everyone in remembering Paul.
To attend this program, go to www.entradainstitute.org, click on “Attend an Event,” select this event, choose “Event Registration,” and “Register.” Events are also livestreamed at Entrada Institute on Facebook, and you do not need to register to attend the livestream event.
—Entrada Institute
Pioneer Day was wonderful. It looked like the whole town turned out for the parade. It was a great honor for Pat and I to be the Grand Marshals of our big parade. We had a number of really great floats from some of our local businesses, and it was great to see the trailers hauling the Panguitch High School state champions on them. The weather was nice and warm, and I wondered where all of the kids came from. Many thanks to John Yardley for his kind words as we rounded the corner onto Main Street, and many thanks to Pat for her throwing of candy. Hopefully, by the end of the parade, every kid received plenty of the sweet stuff.
The Lions Club had another big breakfast, serving over two hundred and sixty folks. Many thanks to all of the school children and their parents for helping out. Without their help setting up and taking down all of the tables and chairs, it would have been a disaster. Five of the members were in the parade and couldn’t help out. I believe this breakfast was as big as the one for the balloon fest.
My daughter, Kelly, and I took a run down to the Triple C Arena on Friday evening, and it was packed with trailers. The high school rodeo event was going on, and Lance Miller sure knows how to put on a rodeo.
The summer is now a third over with, and the fun keeps going on. Next up is the Garfield County Fair, and it starts next Monday, August 4th. Tuesday, there is the indoor exhibit entry from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
the Garfield County Fair building. Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., is the indoor and garden exhibit entries, and at 3 p.m., is the Garfield County Fair and Rodeo Queen contest.
Thursday at 12 p.m. is the senior citizen lunch, and at 1 p.m. is senior bingo and a lego building contest. Friday at 8 a.m. will be the livestock show, and indoor exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 1 p.m., the Currant Creek Band will play, bingo will be at 2 p.m., the Baby Contest will be at 4 p.m., and Junior Talent will be at 4:30 p.m. The drive-in movie will be at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, the fun really starts, with indoor exhibits going all day starting from 9 a.m. The day will be full of fun events and will finish off with the Muddy Boots summer dance at 8:30 p.m. So, take the kids and have a big day of fun and competitions.
One last big event for the summer will be the ATV Rally, and it will be the 13th through the 16th. It is a really big event, with already three hundred riders signed up for it. I believe they have sixteen different trail rides offered, and there are plenty of local guides for each one of them. When this event started, everyone had four-wheelers, and now most all of them are side-by-sides. On one of the evenings, there will be a parade of them down Main Street. Panguitch has an ATV club, and they plan at least one ride a month or more. I believe they have over fifty members, and the cool thing about it is that you can get on the computer and say you want to go
for a ride to see if anyone is interested. This way, you don’t have to go on rides alone.
Last Monday was the first day of practice for the fall sports: baseball, volley ball and cross country. All three sports are defending champions from last year.
I belong to our new activities center up on Pigweed Hill. When we were in China, a number of years ago, they had a real problem with their retirement system and the medical aid. There were so many people that it was bankrupting the system. They limited families to only one child, and it continued to grow. The problem was that, with all of the medical help, people were now living much longer. Finally, they started a physical fitness program with all of the older people. They still lived as long, but their medical costs slowed way down. This gym that is there has everything you need to get in shape, from weight machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, a basketball hoop, a golf course, and a swimming pool. When we had a swimming pool, many of the older people used it to do low impact exercising. It is a top of the line pool, where you can swim against big fans. I think someday they will be able to teach our kids how to swim in it. Exercising won’t make you live any longer, but it will make your time here a lot better to get around with.
Their stationary bike that I ride on looks north out over the valley. It was clear, and you could really see the Monroe fire. After ten days, it looks like it is
getting bigger. Utah has had over six hundred fires so far this year. The fire that really breaks my heart is the one at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Lodge has been burned to the ground. It had a great restaurant there, with huge windows you could look out while eating. There was a lounge area, with about twenty lounge chairs, overlooking the canyon. Now, it is gone. I do wonder how it happened. It was right at the edge of the canyon, and it was surrounded by parking lots and a few really big trees. The lodge burned down back in 1945 and was rebuilt. The North Rim is now closed for the season. The Feds are cancelling the vaccination program. There always seems to be money for parades that cost millions of dollars on the president’s birthday. Now, he is in Scotland for the grand opening of one of his golf courses, at the taxpayers' expense. Doing away with no income tax on tips is a double-edged sword. It doesn’t go towards Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid. Many people who depend on tips for a living don’t make enough money to pay income tax. The business owners don’t have to pay into Social Security for you, so it will make them happy. If you are in Utah and you are making tips, your income per hour is less than $3.00 dollars. Life is so good in Panguitch.
Mack O.
Paul Brown Cont'd from A1
Courtesy Entrada Institute
Craig Brown is joining the Entrada Institute for a "Classic Conversation" to remember his father, Paul (above). This event will
Roost
Half-Track: This was a great way to get diverse communities together, celebrate the return of the half-track, and do something fun in a beautiful place on a very lovely Saturday. It was a very wonderful event.
—Lexi Little, Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program (UCSS) Operations Coordinator
when it was stolen from the mountain, sparking curiosity about its history and outrage over the loss. The vehicle, a hybrid truck with wheels in the front and tank-like treads in the back, was originally designed for rugged terrain and used in World War II before being repurposed by loggers in southern Utah. It became a local landmark after breaking down near an old sawmill and sitting abandoned there for nearly seventy years until the vehicle was discovered missing in June of 2024.
“The community loves that thing,” said Trey Outlaw, a U.S. Forest Service Special Agent, in an episode for UCSS’s podcast Beyond The 50-Year Rule. “People go up there in the summer recreating, their kids get their picture taken with it, and that is why it was such a shock to the community when it vanished.”
Since the half-track is recognized as a historic cultural resource, its theft triggered a joint investigation involving federal and state officials, which was assisted by UCSS, local media coverage, and volunteers. A concerned citizen spotted the half-track on the back of a trailer and found it suspicious enough
in terms of public support, with media help and UCSS being a great partner in the effort.”
The half-track spent last winter at the Fishlake National Forest District Office in Richfield before being hauled back up the mountain by road crews from Fishlake and Dixie national forests and UCSS volunteers on June 23, 2025. It now sits exactly where it broke down seven decades ago, looking as though it never left, although with added security.
Saturday's celebration of the return of the halftrack was more than just a homecoming for the vehicle—it was a celebration of a shared heritage in a beautiful mountain setting. The event featured the “Stewardship Strut”—twelve, five, and two-mile trail running and hiking events beginning and ending at the half-track. Attendees also enjoyed a mountaintop BBQ hosted by Fishlake National Forest Service and heard from special guests tied to the halftrack’s history.
“When I was a young boy, logging was very, very important,” said Representative Carl R. Albrecht, one of the speakers at the event who grew up in Bicknell. His father once used the half-track to haul logs to the Torval Albrecht Sawmill in Bicknell. “Farming and logging were basically the economies of Garfield
ing logs up the mountain— and the importance of preserving historic objects.
According to local legend, the half-track’s last journey came during a severe snowstorm in November 1954. Bliss Brinkerhoff, Jack Shiner, and Royce Allen were scrambling to get their loads off the mountain. Tire chains weren’t cut-
to take a photo. Although they did not capture the license plate, their description provided law enforcement with a starting point for the investigation.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video along likely routes. UCSS volunteers contacted all scrap yards in Utah and neighboring states to look for clues. Eventually, Outlaw was approached by an attorney who said, “I have a client that has the halftrack.” The person had considered it abandoned property and planned to restore it. He was willing to return it in the same condition it was taken in, with the guarantee that he wouldn’t be prosecuted. But first he wanted proof that the vehicle was a protected, historic property.
Considering the person self-reported, had no criminal record, and the vehicle was in the same condition it was taken in, “It seemed like a favorable outcome to everyone, to just get it back,” said Outlaw. “All in all, it was a really great team effort
County and Wayne County,” he added. “Anyone who wanted to get a job could get one, cutting logs up here, hauling logs to the sawmills, and working at the sawmills.”
He explained that the half-track “really helped and saved a lot of work.” Loggers would use it to drag logs to the flats, where they could trim them and load them onto trucks. Without it, they would have to use old workhorses. “This means a lot to me and to my family,” he said about the half-track’s return. “There's a lot of historical meaning here for people who were older than me, the people who have been raised in these valleys, and appreciate what went on before.”
To prevent future theft, large boulders were placed around the site to keep vehicles at a distance, while also allowing visitors to still walk up to and interact with the site. Interpretive panels, installed the day before the event, help visitors understand the vehicle’s unique history—from its military origins to its final days haul-
ting it with the depth of the snow, so they decided to retrieve the half-track and use it to pull the logging trucks off the mountain. The halftrack overheated in the deep snow in the same spot it sits today as a monument to the resilience of early area loggers.
The trio did eventually get off the mountain safely by trekking over to the Aquarius Guard Station, where they found shelter— and pancake mix. They lit a large fire within sight of Bicknell, which was seen by Sheldon Taylor, who then got a jeep along with Bliss’s brother, Dale, and rescued the loggers. Royce Allen recounted the entire ordeal in the October 4, 2017, issue of The Insider
The effort to track down the stolen half-track highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting public lands and historic sites. Utah has nearly seven million acres of national forest but only around a dozen law enforcement and one special agent position tasked with protecting natural resources, people, and prop-
erty on national forest land, and that is where the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program comes in.
UCSS was established in 2020, following the state government's allocation of funding in response to the public's desire for greater involvement in preserving heritage sites. This initiative is a collaboration between the State Historic Preservation Office, various state and federal land agencies, and volunteers. Site stewards monitor culturally significant sites throughout Utah and report any changes, including instances of vandalism. In the instance of the half-track, a volunteer monitored the site a week
before it was stolen and his report was used in proceedings to help prove that it was a heritage asset managed by the U.S. Forest Service. "This is [one of Utah's] flagship programs. And since then, it has become the largest stewardship program in the nation,” said Ian Wright, UCSS Program Manager. The program has over four hundred and fifty volunteers, and Wright says it is truly unique. “Volunteers are a diverse crew.” UCSS volunteers come from all ages, genders, and locations across the state and bring together people that might not normally belong to the same club. “But one
thing everybody seems to agree on is the need to safeguard heritage,” he said. The return of the half-track did more than just restore a historic vehicle, rather, it brought together a wide range of people who don’t always see eye to eye. From state and local politicians and federal land management employees, to local residents with deep roots and recent arrivals, the half-track’s return united people with differing perspectives on public land use and highlighted the power of public stewardship of culturally and historically significant sites.
Water Update: We have seen some water restrictions go in place around the state. Restrictions are very localized, and we rely on Utahns to be in touch with their water provider for any restrictions that may be in place.
—Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources
calized, and we rely on Utahns to be in touch with their water provider for any restrictions that may be in place.”
Water restrictions are determined and enforced at the local level, which allows for customization according to the area’s water supply conditions. During drought, some areas implement restrictions.
Great Salt Lake has seen a modest increase of about 1.5 feet since its seasonal low in November. According to USGS, Great Salt Lake peaked in mid-April at an elevation of 4193.6. We anticipate the lake to continue to decline until fall, when temperatures cool down and the irrigation season ends.
Reservoir levels are currently at 75%, which is 14% lower than last year, but still 3% higher than normal for this time of year.
“Our reservoirs aren’t just for recreation,” Hasenyager said. “They get us through droughts, provide flood protection and create a habitat for wildlife.”
Staying safe on and around water is crucial. For information on life jackets, consult the Division of
Outdoor Recreation’s life jacket safety webpage, and for Harmful Algal Blooms, visit the Department of Environmental Quality’s website. Both are valuable resources.
In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources
continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more droughtresilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
Water Update Cont'd from A1
(From left to right) Representative Carl R. Albrecht, Marcel Corbeil, and Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Mike Schultz pose for a photo with a World War II-era half-track during a celebration of the vehicle's return to the location on Boulder Mountain on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Courtesy Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program
Courtesy Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program
On June 23, 2025, a half-track vehicle that was stolen from its location on Boulder Mountain was returned to its place by road crews from Fishlake and Dixie national forests and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship program (UCSS) volunteers. Interpretive panels have been installed at the site to help visitors understand the vehicle’s unique history—from its military origins to its final days hauling logs up the mountain—and the importance of preserving historic objects.
Out and About for the Summer
Photo Gallery: 2025 Panguitch Pioneer Day Parade
by Jaynie Connor
Tera Connor
The Panguitch 1st Ward float at the 2025 Panguitch Pioneer Day parade made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26. This year's Panguitch Pioneer Day theme was "Faith in Every Footstep."
Tera Connor
Nettie's Vintage Trailer Resort drives a pink 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief in the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade procession on Saturday, July 26. Colorful floats and classic cars from local businesses and community groups lined Panguitch Main Street, preparing to shower excited onlookers with candy and treats.
Jaynie Connor
The Panguitch Pioneer Day parade made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Jaynie Connor
Panguitch cheerleaders march down Main Street during the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Jaynie Connor
Clay Meldrum (Donkey Kong) drives by on his ATV during the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade, which made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Jaynie Connor Shanon and Declan Leibbrandt carry the American and Utah State flags during the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade, which made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Jaynie Connor Burger Barn Employees on their float during the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade, which made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Jaynie Connor
Spectators outside of Henrie's Drive-In during the Panguitch Pioneer Day parade, which made its way down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Out and About for the Summer
2025 Torrey Apple Days
TORREY - The annual 2025 Torrey Apple Days took place over 4th of July weekend. Festivities began Friday, July 4, with the largest community dinner on record. The Torrey Town Council served a feast of pulled pork, hot dogs, and coleslaw—prepared by Pearl Thorndahl-Stewart and Susan Wright—to a line extending beyond the pavilion to the street. The following Patriotic Program, organized by Becky and Paula Pace, honored our beloved veterans and heritage, and at nightfall, the Star Party, led by Mary Beddingfieldsmith and Torrey Dark Skies, offered a truly stellar show.
Saturday, July 5, kicked off bright and early with the delicious LDS Youth Fundraiser Breakfast, followed by a 5K run by Scott and Tina Anderson. Congratulations to the Men's Division winners Abram Deny (18:38), Wyatt Gates (19:39), and Timothy Nefdt (20:48).
Kudos also to Women’s Division winners Gracie Lewis (23:10), Jenifer Dayle Prosot (24:00), and Lindsay Lewis (25:40).
Main Street then came alive with the Apple Days Parade, organized by Nycole Durfey and Darci King. Torrey celebrated
Celebrates the 'Best of Our Community'
by Melinda Meservy | Torrey Apple Days Director
Canal.
Ted Winder as Grand Marshal and Rob and Diane Torrey as Citizens of the Year. Clowns, horses, public servants, local businesses, and family floats all strutted
their stuff, with fire trucks spraying water to cool off the crowd, which was reminiscent of the early Apple Days. Nan Anderson emceed, while Renee Reel and
McKay Hickman judged the winning floats. 1st place went to the Diffienbach Family, 2nd place to Brown Brothers, and 3rd place to the Steadmans.
The parade crowd then hit Torrey Town Park for games, water rides, and a market full of local vendors and food. At noon, contestants filled the pavilion for
the pie-eating contest led by Carrie Torrey and sponsored by The Broken Spur. Grant Torrey triumphed in the children's category, consuming 14.5g, with Nacho (20.4g) and Tim (19.9g) taking 1st and 2nd in the adult division.
The car show brought some truly unique classics. Mike Clark took Best
in Show, with Robber’s Choice going to Lynn Harach and People’s Choice going to Mike Jeffries. Huge thanks to Richard Braaton and Steve Tippets, and many others, who rescued this beloved event from cancellation due to Kermit being out of commission—we wish him a swift recovery.
The annual Apple Derby drew a crowd of hopefuls, as apples raced down the canal. Pearl and Tamara Alaya pulled winning numbers at the finish line for prizes donated by local businesses, citizens, and Torrey Town. Special thanks to the Chuckwagon for collecting dollars for apples as they’ve done each year.
Bingo, led by Brad Wheeler, filled the pavilion. At the Big Apple, locals got down—and even line-danced—to the band Borderline as night began to fall. Before the skies went dark, fireworks drew "oohs" and "ahhs" from spectators across town with a dazzling display of stars and stripes in Torrey’s beautiful dark skies. From kickoff to closeout, Torrey Apple Days offered something for everyone this year—fun, friendship, family, and, above all, an appreciation for the best of our community. We give our wholehearted thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and all the attendees who made it happen.
Courtesy Renee Reel
The annual Torrey Apple Days Apple Derby on Saturday, July 5, drew a crowd of hopefuls, as apples raced down the Torrey
Courtesy Julia Diffienbach
The Diffienbachs took first place at the annual Torrey Apple Days Parade on Saturday, July 5.
Carrie Torrey and JaNiel Bradford (Broken Spur) prep for the annual Torrey Apple Days pie-eating contest on Saturday, July 5.
Courtesy Tina Anderson
Courtesy Tina Anderson
Courtesy Melinda Meservy
On Saturday, July 5, Abram Deny (18:38), Wyatt Gates (19:39), and Timothy Nefdt were the winners in the Men's Division of the 2025 Torrey Apple Days 5K for the Apple race.
On Saturday, July 5, Gracie Lewis (23:10), Jenifer Dayle Prosot (24:00), and Lindsay Lewis (25:40) were the winners in the Women's Division of the 2025 Torrey Apple Days 5K for the Apple race.
Hands-Only CPR:
We felt it would be an excellent opportunity to engage with the community. Our goal was to raise awareness about the significance of hands-only CPR, while allowing the public to meet those they rely on for assistance in emergencies. Additionally, it provided a wonderful chance to connect with children and show them that ambulances aren't as intimidating as they may seem. We also had the Panguitch City Fire Department bring out their new fire truck, which both kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed exploring.
—Kara Owens, Garfield County Ambulance Director, AEMT
with music playing and bright flashing lights. Located at 40 N. 100 E., they were close enough to the main drag to draw in a small crowd of children and adults. Their goal was to teach the public handsonly CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
"We felt it would be an excellent opportunity to engage with the community," said Garfield County Ambulance Director Kara Owens, AEMT. "Our goal was to raise awareness about the significance of hands-only CPR, while allowing the public to meet those they rely on for assistance in emergencies. Additionally, it provided a wonderful chance to connect with children and show them that ambulances aren't as intimidating as they may seem. We also had the Panguitch City Fire Department bring out their new fire truck, which both kids and adults thoroughly enjoyed exploring."
The agency had two CPR dummies on the ground, while their speaker played “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. This song is widely recognized for its effectiveness in teaching CPR. Its tempo, approximately 103 beats per minute, closely aligns with the recommended chest compression rate of 100-120 beats per minute. This synchronization aids individuals performing CPR in maintaining the proper rhythm and pace during chest compressions. For those that participated, GCA had coolers full of free water bottles and juice boxes, as well as some cool GCA swag for the kids, such as hacky sacks and bracelets.
While adults were allowed and encouraged to participate, as well, the main goal was to teach the children attending the event. Owens believes that learning CPR at any age is beneficial because "it prepares you to assist
in emergencies without feeling anxious. When the moment arises, your adrenaline will surge, and you’ll instinctively know how to respond. Teaching young children this skill equips them to identify when someone is in distress. Even if they aren’t able to perform CPR due to their size, they will understand the importance of seeking help."
Learning CPR can save lives, and early chest compressions often make the critical difference in a patient’s outcome before emergency responders are on scene. When teaching it to kids, GCA makes it a fun learning experience, trying not to overload them with a bunch of information and keeping things simple.
“When the opportunity arises, bystander CPR can be a lifesaver," said Owens. "In our rural community, someone in need of CPR could be hiking on a trail or located in a nearby town. If a bystander can identify that a person requires CPR and begins administering it, they are providing that individual with the best possible chance for survival. High-quality chest compressions and early defibrillation are crucial for saving lives."
Hands-only CPR, also known as compressiononly CPR, is a streamlined approach to cardiopulmonary resuscitation that prioritizes chest compressions without the need for rescue breaths. This technique is advised for bystanders to apply when an individual suddenly collapses outside of a hospital environment. The key steps to remember when someone goes unconscious include ensuring that emergency services are contacted by calling 911, or having someone else make the call, and focusing on delivering effective chest compressions to maintain blood circulation.
There are many widespread myths about CPR that may prevent individuals from taking action during emergencies. These misconceptions include the
belief that only healthcare professionals can perform CPR, that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is always necessary, and that CPR ensures a full recovery. In reality, anyone can learn and perform CPR, hands-only CPR is effective for adults, and the main goal of CPR is to buy time until professional medical help is available. Owen’s likes to remind her students, “Doing something is always better than doing nothing.”
The flashing lights of the ambulance and fire truck attracted a steady stream of onlookers throughout the evening of the balloon glow. With the doors of both vehicles wide open, children and adults alike felt at ease exploring the interiors. The agency's aim is to familiarize the public with these emergency vehicles outside of crisis situations. The participants enjoyed themselves, while also gaining valuable knowledge on how to respond in an emergency situation. Owens felt great
about the turn out. "It was a great success," said Owens. "We welcomed lots of community members and visitors who came to receive a brief lesson on hands-only CPR. The kids were fantastic; we truly enjoyed teaching them. Some even challenged us to see who would tire and stop chest compressions first."
There was a lot of interest in the Garfield County Ambulance volunteer agency and what that entails. "We are honored to have the opportunity to serve our community and to, hopefully, be the calm in your storm when you call for help," said Owens. "We offer EMT courses every other year, and we have instructors who teach CPR and first aid classes if individuals are interested in learning more."
With the amount of interest in CPR shown at the booth during the festival, GCA has decided to look into putting on more community CPR classes a couple of times a year. If
you missed your chance to get a quick lesson in CPR, GCA will be set up at the Garfield County Fair this year outside the Indoor Exhibits—the fair will be held at the Garfield County Fairgrounds the week of August 4th - Saturday August 9th. The agency is also looking at other opportunities to be involved with public events in other areas of Garfield County.
The GCA service is a volunteer-run agency that stretches from Panguitch to Boulder, with ambulances stationed in Panguitch, Hatch, Bryce Canyon, Tropic, and Escalante. Owens is beyond grateful to the over fifty volunteer EMTs they currently have running in the county. “Thanks to the many wonderful volunteers across the county, we are able to continue operating as a volunteer-driven organization,” said Owens. GCA offers a biennial EMT course, alternating between basic and advanced, to encourage community members who are passionate
about helping others to get involved. This comprehensive 140-hour training is available at a significantly reduced cost, provided that students commit to wearing a pager and volunteering with the agency.
As GCA aims to broaden its outreach programs, including participation in the upcoming Garfield County Fair, residents can anticipate more opportunities to learn and connect with the local emergency service providers. These initiatives not only provide individuals with vital skills, but also reinforce the trust and reliance between the community and its dedicated volunteer responders. Public outreach events like this offer community members a chance to meet and engage with EMS providers who might someday assist them or their loved ones. Such small interactions are invaluable in building rapport and trust with the individuals they may rely on for help in the future.
Garfield County Ambulance Director Kara Owens, AEMT, demonstrates hands-only CPR in front of the Panguitch Fire Department during the 2025 Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally evening balloon glow on Saturday, June 28.
Jaynie Connor
NOTICE TO AIRPORT CONSULTANTS ESCALANTE CITY
Escalante City, Escalante, Utah is soliciting statements of Qualifications and Experience from consulting firms to provide professional airport planning services and Professional engineering services for the Escalante Municipal Airport.
A complete copy of the request for Statements of Qualifications and Experience may be obtained from the office of Stephanie Steed, City Recorder, 56 N. 100 W. Escalante, UT 84726, 435-826-4644, ssteed@escalanteutah.gov.
DBE firms are encouraged to apply. All proposals received will be evaluated based on FAA advisory Circular 150/5100-14D and on compliance with the request. Interested consultants are to submit six (6) complete copies of the Statements of Qualifications and Experience by 4:00 p.m. Local Time on August 4, 2025 to the above address.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 17, 24 & 31, 2025
MEETING DATE CHANGE FOR AUGUST 2025
LOA TOWN COUNCIL
Loa Town Council will meet on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Loa Town Hall at 80 W. Center, Loa instead of its regularly scheduled date of Thursday, August 14, 2025. To be on the agenda, contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160 by Tuesday, August 19 no later than 5 p.m. All public welcome to attend this meeting.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 24 & 31, 2025
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE
WAYNE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following:
PROPOSED CHANGE: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT INTENDED USE: HOME OCCUPATION MAJOR - BEAUTY SALON FOR OWNER & 1 EMPLOYEE ON SAME PARCEL AS RESIDENCE CHANGE REQUESTED BY: MICHAEL & SHERI CLARK
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: AUGUST 13, 2025 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Property located at approximately 195 E 100 S Torrey, UT 84747
LEGAL DES: Located in the NI/2SE1/4SE1/4 sec 12 T29S R4E
Parcel 02-0021-0759 / 0-736-1
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 31 and AUGUST 7, 2025
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE
WAYNE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following:
PROPOSED CHANGE: FROM RES/ AG TO RESORT RECREATION WITH A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT INTENDED USE: 1 CABIN SITE CHANGE REQUESTED BY: WILLIAM JARON C. POTTER
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: AUGUST 13, 2025 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Located at: 253 S Old HWY12 Torrey, UT 84775
LEGAL DES: Being located in the NEI/4NE1/4 Section 18 T29S R5E
02-0044-0902/ 0-882-17
Parcel
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 31 and AUGUST 7, 2025 2025 TORREY TOWN COUNCIL TEMPORARY POSITION TO FILL
Pursuant to Section 20A-1-510 of the Utah State Code, notice is hereby given that the Torrey Town Council members in Torrey Town, Utah will be filling a temporary opening on the Town Council. The temporary position will be filled until the newly elected council member takes office on January 1st, 2026.
A Torrey Town resident who is interested in filling this temporary position must submit a letter of interest by August 6, 2025. Letters may be emailed to Karen@ torreyutah.gov or brought to the Torrey Town Clerk at Torrey Town Hall, 75 East 100 North, Torrey, Utah, during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 p.m.).
The vacancy will be filled during a special work meeting on August 7, 2025. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Torrey Town Hall, 75 East 100 North, Torrey, Utah.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 31 and AUGUST 7, 2025
Helper Plein Aire Competition, in Conjunction with the Helper Arts & Music Festival, Returns to Carbon County
The Helper Plein Aire Competition returns to Carbon County this summer in conjunction with the Helper Arts & Music Festival, which will take place Friday and Saturday, August 15-16.
HELPER - The Helper Plein Aire Competition returns to Carbon County this summer in conjunction with the Helper Arts & Music Festival, which will take place Friday and Saturday,
August 15-16. Artists will paint for three days “en plein aire” (French for “in the open air” or “outdoors”) in different locations throughout the county starting on Tues-
day, August 12. The event will culminate in a reception, show and awards ceremony on Friday evening at the Helper Art Workshops building at 76 South Main Street. The reception is open
to the public and begins at 6 p.m. Some of the artwork will be available for purchase before the awards announcement, while the prize-winning paintings will be sold in a live auction. It should be an exciting and lively evening. On the Saturday of the Helper Arts & Music Festival, participating artists will do a “quick” two hour painting on Helper Main Street where the public will be able to watch them paint. Quick Draw paintings will be sold by silent auction from 12-2 p.m. at the Helper Art Workshops Building. This is a great opportunity to buy a piece of art at an affordable price. For more information, go to www.helperartsfestival.com.
—Helper Plein Aire Committee
The West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company, a corporation of the State of Utah. Panguitch, Utah 84759 Phone: 435-676-8464 THERE IS DELINQUENCY UPON THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED STOCK ON ACCOUNT OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS BY THE BOARD DATING BACK TO 2016 THE AMOUNT SET OPPOSITE THE NAME OF THE RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDER AS FOLLOWS.
The estimated costs of collections are $2,000.00
In accordance with the Share Assessment Act and the Order of the Board of Directors made annually dating back to 2016 and including each annual assessment through December 2024, so many shares of stock as may be necessary to pay the delinquent assessment and penalties thereon, together with the costs of advertising and expenses of the sale, will be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction to be held in the Panguitch City Office located at 25 So. 200 East on August 11, 2025 at the hour of 1:30pm. If the shares listed above are purchased at the auction by the corporation, or a director or officer of the corporation for the benefit of the officer or director, the shares may be redeemed by the shareholder for a period of 30 days after the day on which the shares are sold.
Dated this 14th day of July, 2025.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 24 & 31 and AUGUST 7, 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 Aug. 27, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S) 97-2533 (A84727): Ryan Ellingford, Alexandria Robinson propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (East Side of Escalante) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JULY 31 and AUGUST 7, 2025
Courtesy Helper Plein Aire Committee
Calassified ds
HELP WANTED
Wayne Community Health Center Part-Time Custodian
Job Title: Custodian
Reports to: Facilities Manager
Position Type: Part-Time
Position Summary:
The Medical Office Custodian is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors at Wayne Community Health Centers (WCHC) facilities. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining infection control standards by adhering to strict cleaning protocols and healthcare-specific sanitation guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitization of exam rooms, waiting areas, offices, restrooms, hallways, and common spaces.
• Follow established healthcare cleaning protocols to disinfect high-touch surfaces, medical/dental equipment exteriors, and other sensitive areas.
• Empty, clean, and disinfect trash receptacles, replace liners, and dispose of medical and regular waste according to safety guidelines.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and polish floors as required.
• Replenish supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, and sanitizer dispensers.
• Assist with deep cleaning and special project cleaning (e.g., floor waxing, carpet shampooing) as scheduled.
• Respond promptly to spills, contamination incidents, or other urgent cleaning needs.
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and notify supervisor when reordering is needed.
• Report maintenance or safety issues immediately to appropriate personnel.
• Lock and unlock assigned buildings, secure rooms, and set alarms as directed.
• Support emergency cleaning efforts after facility incidents (e.g., infectious disease exposure, weather events).
• Follow OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control regulations, including the proper handling of biohazardous materials.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous custodial or janitorial experience required; healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of infection prevention and control standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and perform physical tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
Work Environment:
• Primarily works indoors in a clinical or administrative setting.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, biohazards, and bodily fluids (with appropriate PPE provided).
• Regular use of cleaning equipment and tools.
Supervision and Evaluation:
• Reports directly to the Facilities Manager
• Performance evaluated annually and as needed based on quality, reliability, and compliance with WCHC standards. If interested please send resume to AmberLee Ellett, aellett@waynechc.org.
Announcement of Position Preschool SPED Aide
Loa Elementary - Wayne School District is accepting applications for a Paraprofessional to work with our Special Education Department. Applicants will be required to work closely under teacher supervision with individual students or small groups of students. You will be performing a variety of tasks relating to the physical and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting, assisting with the implementation of instructional programs, including self-help and behavior management, as well as, instruction, and providing assistance to teachers in various capacities as assigned. Candidates must have the following skills: good communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, and help to establish an educational climate that facilitates student success and academic achievement.
Interested individuals should submit a General Application that can be found on the district webpage www.waynesd.org, or picked up at the District Office. Applications for any positions may be submitted in person or electronically to Jennifer.batty@waynesd.org
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled, with the first review of applications on August 6 Wayne School District is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to reject any or all applications.
C lassified a ds
We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Front Desk Agents
Laundry Services Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen
Positions to start April 1st through October 31st At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761
Position Announcements
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School
District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org
Half-Time Music/Band/Drama Teacher at Bryce Valley High School
Computer Science Para-Professional at Panguitch Elementary
Head Football Coach at Escalante High School
Para-Professional in Preschool at Panguitch Elementary
Full-Time Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist
Administrator for Garfield Online Elementary School
Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
Para-Professionals/Aides at All Schools
Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers
SALARY: Please see 2025-2026 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
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
Job Title: Pharmacy Tech (3/4 or Part-Time)
Location: Kazan Pharmacy, Escalante, Utah Kazan Pharmacy seeks a 3/4 or Part-Time Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Technician Trainee for our Escalante location. The ideal professional for this role loves personal interaction, problem solving, and improving community health and wellness in general. As part of the healthcare clinic team, they assist the Pharmacist in prescription management, communication with physicians' offices, community wellness programs and pharmacy office management. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills, and must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
The selected individual answers telephones, coordinates with providers’ offices and insurances on behalf of patients, collaborates on development of community wellness initiatives and responds to inquiries related to medications. User-level proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) is required. General familiarity with computer systems is desirable. Training via an apprenticeship is offered. We offer competitive compensation, year round employment and a comprehensive benefits package based on hours worked.
Pharmacy Technician Trainee Responsibilities:
• Provide exceptional customer service in personal interactions
• Learn and undertake duties outlined in the Pharmacy Technician job description
• Acquire and uphold a valid pharmacy technician trainee license
• Implement life coach training and certification
• Successfully complete the pharmacy technician apprenticeship
• Pass the pharmacy technician licensing examination
• Coordinate and administer clinic wellness initiatives
• Manage wholesale orders across multiple accounts and reconcile invoices
• Support daily pharmacy operations in collaboration with the Pharmacist
• Assist with daily, monthly and quarterly audits
• Manage secretarial and office management functions of the pharmacy
• Perform all functions of a clerk and office manager
• Exhibit proper phone etiquette and skillful task prioritization
Pharmacy Technician Job Description:
• Possess and apply knowledge of the 340B Program Participate in Medication Therapy Management programs
• Record and review patient information with their prescriptions
• Dispense confirmed and completed prescriptions to patients
• Manage incoming calls and address patient inquiries
• Keep up pharmacy cleanliness and adherence to regulations and protocols
• Perform daily deposits and file prescriptions appropriately
• Preferential familiarity with PioneerRx pharmacy management systems
• Administer insurance billing procedures, issues and coordinate for payment
• Maintain accurate patient profiles, including demographics, insurance details, and allergies
• Demonstrate basic and intermediate computer skills
• Assist in mandatory biannual inventories
• Attend staff meetings and incorporate policies and procedures
Compensation commensurate with experience ($15 to 25/hour)
Typical work schedule: Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM, Friday 9 AM to 1 PM Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to ztaylor@ waynechc.org or drop off in person at the pharmacy.
For people with mental health conditions Mon, Wed, Fri 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Wed 12:30 - 2:00 pm Sat 10:30 am - 12:00 pm NAMI Family Support Group - Online For loved ones of people with mental health conditions Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:00 - 8:30 pm Register at namiut.org
