WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met for its regular meeting on June 2, 2025. The session ran over two and a half hours and covered a wide range of topics.
The meeting started on a high note with EMS Director Tiffany Martineau recognizing twelve newly certified EMTs and advanced EMTs. She praised their dedication, sacrifice, and the vital role they’ll play in Wayne County, especially given its rural challenges. “Their ability to respond quickly and provide quality care will not only save lives, but also strengthen the bond between our community and the services we rely on,” she said. Martineau also thanked their families for supporting them through the demanding training.
Wayne Commission Cont'd on A6
by Erica Walz
Doc and Roxy, and Marcyne Blythe with her horse, Panda, arrived in Escalante on June 11, 2025 at the end of their four-year, segmented journey from Nauvoo, Illinois.
ESCALANTE
Late in the afternoon of Wednesday, June 11, a group of weary travelers made their way down Main Canyon, on what was
the fifth day and the final twenty miles of the current leg of their long expedition. They’d spent their previous night on Barney Top, beneath stars. Two
men and a woman drove a wagon pulled by a couple of stalwart mules, which was trailed by another woman on horseback. Having made it down the
mountain, they reached the flats along Birch Creek and passed the old home-
Days
to Host Annual Yard Sale During '25 Torrey Apple
Courtesy Color Country Animal Welfare Color Country Animal Welfare will hold their annual yard sale on July 5 at The Old House at Center and Main in Torrey from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. alike, offering an incredible variety of items while helping our furry friends in need. Proceeds from the sale will go directly to supporting dogs and cats in our community, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care.
TORREY - On Saturday, July 5, get ready to find some fantastic treasures while supporting a great cause at the annual Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) yard sale at The Old House at Center and Main in Torrey from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This beloved community event is back, and it’s sure to be a highlight of the Torrey Apple Days festivities.
The CCAW yard sale has always been popular among locals and visitors
If you have items to donate, CCAW would love your contributions. Donations can be dropped off on July 3 and 4 between 10
Teasdale Park Committee Holds 2025 Town & Park Cleanup Day/ Dedication
TEASDALE - The Teasdale Town and Park Cleanup Day and dedication was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025. At 11 am, a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the new ADA paved walking path, fourteen wayside signs about the history of the area, and the unique solar fin. Park highlights include a mold of an allosaurus dinosaur foot print, a petrified log, an xylophone and frisbee golf cages.
GARFIELD CO.Commissioner Jerry Taylor reported Garfield County having the highest unemployment rate in the state, double the state average. Commissioner Tebbs wanted to see the monthly breakdown on how seasonal employment is handled. Regardless, all three commissioners expressed concern about availability of good jobs in the county.
Commissioner Taylor also noted the reopening of construction on the Uintah Basin Railway, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. According to Taylor, the railway "should increase the amount of funding available to CIB (for communities)."
Taylor requested that all federal agencies work with the county on any road closures, saying the Forest Service is good about that, but he’d
Garfield Commission Cont'd on A3 Trek Cont'd on B4
Zions Bank Employees Brighten Up Bicknell Nonprofit During 33rd Annual Paint-a-Thon
Thirty volunteers—including Zions Bank employees and their family members—gathered on Tuesday, June 3rd, to spruce up the Wayne Community Health Center in Bicknell during Zions Bank's 33rd annual Paint-a-Thon.
BICKNELL - Zions Bank employees traded in balance sheets for paint brushes to give a Bicknell nonprofit a makeover during the bank’s annual Painta-Thon.
About thirty volun-
teers—including Zions Bank employees and their family members—gathered during the first week of June to spruce up the Wayne Community Health Center. Volunteers painted
ening the healthcare experience for future patients.. The Wayne Community Health Center provides June 9, 2025
Courtesy Zions Bank
CCAW Hosts Successful Community Vet Clinic
Escalante Community Animal Clinic Director Morgan Flynn. On May 31, Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) partnered with the Escalante Community Animal Clinic (ECAC) to host its first-ever high-volume, low-cost veterinary clinic in Wayne County.
TORREY - On May 31, Color Country Animal Welfare (CCAW) partnered with the Escalante Community Animal Clinic (ECAC) to host its first-ever highvolume, low-cost veterinary clinic in Wayne County. The event provided essential spay/ neuter and vaccination services for local pets,
SPACE - As the climatic summer turns into Astronomical Summer, and as the temperatures rise, we still have nature around us, and we can take a hike. When it turns to dusk, and then to nighttime, we can look at the jewels in the sky for wonder, magic and comfort.
Arcturus still comes up, and the moon tours through the planets and constellations on its own path, giving us tides and life. Lots of friends and neighbors are talking about the full strawberry moon in June, which is named this by some Native American tribes, as it is the month when some tribes start harvesting wild
making a significant impact on animal welfare in the community.
Led by ECAC Clinic Director Morgan Flynn and veterinarian Dr. Suzy Pape, Medical Director, the team transformed CCAW’s lobby and exam room into a fully functioning veterinary clinic. With the help of two volunteer veterinary technicians
and a team of dedicated CCAW volunteers, the event ran smoothly and successfully.
In total, twenty-two cats and dogs were spayed or neutered, and twentyseven animals received vaccinations.
“This clinic is a big step toward making affordable, accessible veterinary care available in our
SkyWatcher Leo T
June's Strawberry Moon
by Leonard Thomas
strawberries. June's full strawberry moon lit up the night sky on June 9, treating sky watchers to a rare once-in-an-eighteen-year display as it rode low across the southern horizon. I saw it out my bedroom window, and it was very low and huge. It is a reminder that life and the eternal tides of the universe go on around us.
This is thanks in part to a quirk of orbital mechanics known to astronomers as a "major lunar standstill." This phenomenon occurs over a two-year period when the moon's tilted orbit is at its greatest inclination relative to our planet's celestial equator.
This year, June's straw-
berry moon occurs close to the summer solstice, and even the nights that follow the solstice, the huge moon will be fun to watch. As we move towards the summer solstice on June 20th, we look forward to the Skywatcher Leo T star party on June 21st—which starts at dusk or before, if you choose—at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex in Stansbury, Utah, in the Tooele area. Come join us and enjoy the friendly star guides from Salt Lake Astronomical Society and their stories and deep space telescopes. I also hope to do some star parties in Escalante, Capitol Reef and Moab this summer. Keep public and com-
Letters to the Editor
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rural area,” said CCAW Facility Manager Lorelei O’Day. “We’re incredibly grateful to ECAC and our volunteers for helping us make it happen.”
CCAW hopes to host more mobile clinics in the future to continue serving the pets and people of Wayne County.
—Color Country Animal Welfare
Leonard Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Broadcasting and worked as a park ranger as a star guide at Capitol Reef National Park. He is a resident of Torrey, Utah, and is the creator of the podcast SkyWatcher Leo T, which is available to listen to on Spotify.
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.
Generosity, as Opposed to Hate, Will Make Us Stronger
Dear neighbor, Our system of democracy has been hijacked. Money has shown itself to be the prime ingredient in politics today. The Supreme Court has been bought, the media have been procured, congress people and senators have all been subsumed by the almighty dollar.
Donald Trump understands this well. He has proposed more money for the military to insure their support. (Most of that goes to weapons suppliers for ongoing conflicts.) Why do you suppose he went to visit the middle east oil producers?
Trump has chosen cabinet heads that are lackeys that tell him how wonderful he is, swelling his already enormous ego. The exceptions to this incompetence are a few white nationalists
such as Russel Vought (author of project 2025), Steven Miller (deputy chief of staff, designer of emigrant expatriation), Tom Homan (civilian tough guy from Texas to bring out the guns), and J.D. Vance (to provide enough brains to help sell Trumps agenda).
Trump has followed the model of other dictators around the world, especially his idols, Putin of Russia, Kim Jong Un of North Korea, Erdogan of Turkey, Xi of China, and Victor Orban of Hungary.
He wants to be a big shot and uses his mighty pen to get his way. He is aware that the (unbought) courts take many months to catch up with him. How about a multi million dollar parade to show off his power? His latest plan is to provoke opposition to his policies in order to use the military for more sensational headlines—all in
order to deflect attention from his Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate. To anyone paying attention, this bill will cut Medicaid to millions, close rural clinics, close FEMA that helps with increasing weather disasters, shrink NOAA which predicts weather, defund public radio and TV, cancel $300 billion for supplemental nutrition, eliminating health care coverage for 13.7 million people, basically shrink or eliminate anything that helps the 90% of Americans that have built this country. All to give more money to the billionaires who feel entitled. These are the people who give a portion of their money to the think tanks, foundations, media companies and political parties that influence our lives.
We citizens need to stand up against the tyranny that this administra-
tion is engaging in. We can push back by being more informed. Look outside your normal information bubble by checking out other sources of facts. Think about how events affect our lives. Dictators depend on complacency. Don’t sit back and expect others to speak up about the injustices taking place NOW. What we have, especially in the rural parts of our country, is community. We have the ability to help our neighbors, be it expertise in something, such as computer chaos, or rides to town, extra vegetables from the garden, or watching the kids for a bit. Generosity, as opposed to hate, will make us stronger. Let's unite to take us back to the country that we built and know that we have learned to live in.
Brian Swanson, Teasdale
Courtesy Color Country Animal Welfare
munity broadcasting alive, and look around and get a little bit lost in space.
News from Wayne County
Charles Darwin: 'Survival of the Fittest'
WAYNE CO. - If records exist that Charles Darwin ever visited Tucson, Arizona, in the summer, it is without question that his in-depth research on the subject of “the survival of the fittest” would directly reflect the findings that, indeed, “nature can and continues to adapt to its surroundings.” As a recap of seventh grade science, the phrase “survival of the fittest” originated from Darwinian evolutionary theory as a way of describing the mechanism of natural selection. The biological concept of fitness is defined as reproductive success. In Darwinian terms, the phrase is best understood as "survival of the form that in successive generations will leave most copies of itself."
Case in point, the temperature in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday, June 13th, 2025, coming in at an eye popping 103 degrees, would surely stress to the limit any Dollar Store outdoor thermometer that you can buy in Utah. Plants have strategically learned to survive in such conditions. With the modern invention of air conditioning, humans have too.
Hard as it may be for anyone living at an elevation of 6,800 to imagine, life does not only exist at 103 degrees, but flourishes. Just ask any thirtyfoot-tall saguaro cactus.
The desert in southern Arizona is a virtual Garden of Eden of sorts, filled with spiny flowers, prickly pears, barrel cactus, vines and stubby plants that defy grav-
by Adus F. Dorsey
ity. There are plant species that stretch the mind and imagination past the point of hallucination.
Unlike petunias and pansies that you can sink your nose into, the cacti have evolved itself to discourage such an invasion of its privacy. Extreme measures must be adhered to when in close proximity to our distant cousin the cacti. Consequences abound, and tweezers are a necessity when living or visiting such climes.
For humans, life in the desert also has its curiosities, challenges and advantages.
It is said that people who love heat often enjoy warm climates and activities that involve heat. For many, vacations are center around the heat, and some individuals may also be more comfortable in
Utah Celebrates 21st Annual World Refugee Day
SALT LAKE CITY -
The 21st annual Utah Refugee Day celebration is being held on Friday, June 20, at Big Cottonwood Regional Park (4300 S. 1300 E., Millcreek). The community can enjoy free activities, music and entertainment, along with a global market and cuisine from around the world.
“This celebration is an excellent opportunity to forge connections within Utah’s community,” said Mario Kljajo, director of the Refugee Services Office. “World Refugee Day is a time to celebrate our diverse backgrounds and cultures, and also find common ground and connection.”
The festivities run from 4 to 11 p.m. with
food, music and family and kids activities, sports tournaments, and a global market with refugee-created products. There will also be a free health fair and a petting zoo featuring refugee-raised goats. At dusk, the movie “Moana 2” will play for families to enjoy.
A variety of refugeerun food businesses and food trucks will share their global cuisine.
World Refugee Day is presented in partnership with VentureOut, the City of Millcreek, refugee, community and business organizations. Read more information at refugee. utah.gov or facebook.com/ UTRefugeeServices.
—Utah Department of Workforce Services
Garfield Commission: Garfield County's high unemployment rate, problems with the emergency system pagers, Tropic Reservoir and the GSENM RMP, approval of abandonment of Mammoth Creek Circle, and the county's TRT increase discussed.
received complaints about BLM roads closing.
Commissioners Taylor and David Tebbs agreed that the emergency system pagers are causing problems, with the 4-10-minute lag between a call and pager notification being “an eternity.”
Taylor said he would like to see June 14 designated as a day of service in the county. “I don't care whether you're serving your neighbor, your community, somewhere in the county...We honor our flag and those who serve, but let's make it a day of service and make it a positive thing.”
hot weather than in cold weather. Science has proven that sunlight exposure in warmer months stimulates vitamin D production, which is beneficial for bone health and may have other positive effects. Heat can relax muscles and promote a sense of calm, while cold can cause tension. Some people naturally have a higher tolerance for heat due to factors like genetics and acclimation to warmer climates. Hot weather often means less need for layering clothes, which can be a convenience for some.
Unlike places like Wayne County, where people flock to in the summer months, Tucson sees a lot less congestion in the summertime, and wineries and Airbnb options are in much more abundance and fun to visit.
Like anywhere, visiting Tucson is what you make it.
Stay hydrated.
Commissioner Leland Pollock announced that the GSENM manager has been notified not to implement the current Resource Management Plan. He said, "If we can bring back jobs— timber jobs, mining jobs, grazing—that’ll solve our problem on federal public land, and that’s 93 percent of the county." Regarding Tropic Reservoir, Pollock said it’s "pretty much empty." He and the irrigation company will testify before the state water commission on the lack of logic behind draining a reservoir intended for irrigation use.
The Commission opened a public hearing on Road Abandonment. Public Works Director Dave Dodds said the issue involves a bridge in the Mammoth Creek community currently serving a seven-lot subdivision created in the 70s, owned by two individuals.
Darren Harris, one of lot owners, acknowledged the county’s right to aban-
donment, but requested $20K of compensation, calling it an "inverse condemnation taking." The second speaker, Morgan Harris, noted other current owners who use the bridge as access and suggested donating materials to the county. Dodds read two other letters submitted by Mammoth Creek landowners, one reiterating the request for compensation and the other assuming the bridges were privately owned.
Upon reopening the regular session, the Commission approved abandonment of Mammoth Creek Circle, citing lack of funding to similarly address all such bridges that effectively serve as a private road.
The Commission returned to a public hearing on the county’s Transient Room Tax increase. Tourism Director Falyn Owens said the Transient Tax Increase Amendments (HB456) provide for statewide TRT increase of .75 percent starting July 1 and optional county increases of .25 percent starting October 1.
General Manager of Ruby’s Inn, Lance Syrett, said he agreed with the increases, but wanted the Commissioners to note that "the lodging industry is uniquely burdened" by this. He said business is often booked eighteen months in advance, much being prepaid. There’s no way to recoup the amount of the tax increase without calling individuals, which also costs money. So, he said, most hotels just eat [the increased tax]. Plus, hotels are required to send a confirmation with the exact amount to be charged. This increase won’t show up [for
those who book now]. He said, "Again, I support this, but we’ll end up paying the majority of those increases for the first six months of the year." For Ruby’s, his estimate was "at least $100K." He suggested the state going after "tax cheaters" who don’t send in what they collect as a better way for the state get more tax money. Panguitch motel owner Harshad Desai said the county should be able to get a cut from the state’s .75 percent. However, Owens said they will, but only if their county passes their own .25 option. As final business, the Commission approved: • ordinance 2025-3 adopting a .25 percent county TRT increase; • Economic Development Director Kaden Figgins’ recommendation for $39.5K for Brinkerhoff Custom Cuts (10 percent of the $393.5K Rural County Grant Request) for a mobile meat packing trailer to be housed in Tropic; • business license for Color Country Consulting, a home-based engineering business; and Resolution 2025-2 abandoning Mammoth Creek Circle The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the Garfield County Courthouse in Panguitch. There is no set up for electronic participation, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https:// www.utah.gov/pmn/. —Insider
Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1
Adus F. Dorsey II
A saguaro cactus in Tucson, Arizona.
Wills, Trusts, and More
Death Can Complicate Title to Assets
You or someone you know may own unmarketable assets as a result of the death of a previous owner. The asset may be real estate, stock in a corporation or some other asset. The title is unmarketable because the property is in the name of the deceased individual.
Many times when someone dies owning property in his or her name, the surviving family members do not take the necessary steps to clear title to the property. Although this is common, it can create future problems.
If a parent, grandparent or some other ancestor died with real estate, stock or other assets in just his or her name and no probate proceeding was commenced, the assets are likely still in that person’s name and presently unmarketable. The assets cannot be sold or transferred because title is in the name of the deceased.
by Jeffery J. McKenna
If someone dies with a will, the will states who is to serve as personal representative of the deceased. If there is no will, the intestate statute of the state where the property is located specifies the priority for who is to serve as personal representative.
Once someone is appointed personal representative, the person appointed has authority to sell or transfer assets of the deceased. However, in Utah, if the probate proceeding is not commenced within three years after someone’s death, a personal representative cannot be appointed. In these situations, a legal action to determine the heirs of the deceased must be commenced.
Although a determination of heirs is usually a more involved process then a probate proceeding, it is an effective way to clear
title to otherwise unmarketable assets.
Many families know of assets within their family that were owned by a family member that died more than three years ago. Often, the family does not know what to do about the assets. In some situations, the assets may have significantly increased in value. Family members are often relieved to know there is a process to clear title.
Determining the heirs of a deceased individual usually involves several steps. Although the process can be involved, it rarely gets easier with the passage of time. Fortunately, with a little effort and sometimes a brief genealogical review to determine the heirs of a deceased property owner, property that is presently unmarketable can once again be sold or transferred.
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
Boots
It's the middle of winter, and a primary school teacher was helping one of her pupils put on his boots at the end of the day. He asked for help, and she could see why.
Even with her pulling, and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on.
By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.
He then announced, "These aren't my boots."
She bit her tongue, and resisted the temptation to say, "Why didn't you say so," like she wanted to.
Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.
No sooner had they got the boots off when he said, "They're my brother's boots. But my mum made me wear 'em today."
Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots BACK onto his feet again.
Helping him into his coat, she asked, "Now, where are your mittens?"
He said "I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots."
PUNishment
I wanted to learn how to drive a stick shift, but I couldn’t find a manual.
THEME: Fourth of July
ACROSS
1. Croat, e.g.
5. Reverential respect mixed with wonder 8. Island near Java
12. From where to eternity?
13. *"Land of the ____" 14. Rowed
Diabolical
Mideast bigwig
Unleashes 18. *Star-spangled banner (2 words)
20. Type of ski lift
21. *Day before Independence Day 22. Quilting party
23. Sherlock Holmes' confidant
26. Formal dinner
30. U.N. workingconditions agency
31. Sextet plus one 34. Cancel 35. Holey confection
37. Electric swimmer
38. Frame job
39. Comparison word
40. Type of deodorant
42. Skater's field
43. *Like "America the Beautiful" skies
45. Covered with a ceiling
47. Tennis do-over
48. Surfer's stops
50. Not guilty, e.g.
52. *Yankee Doodle's feather
55. *"To Freedom!", e.g.
56. Tel ____, Israel 57. Bébé's mother
Pseudonym
*Cup at a picnic 61. Do like exhaust pipe
62. Late George Wendt on "Cheers" 63.
Truck Driver
A truck driver stopped at a roadside diner one day to grab some lunch. He ordered a cheeseburger, a coffee and a slice of apple pie.
Just as he was about to eat them, three big hairy bikers walked in.
The first biker grabbed the trucker's cheeseburger and took a big bite from it.
The second biker picked up the trucker's coffee and downed it in one gulp.
The third biker ate the trucker's apple pie.
The truck driver didn't do anything or say a word as all this went on.
When they finished, he just paid the waitress and left.
The first biker said to the waitress, "He ain't much of a man, is he?"
"He's not much of a driver, either," the waitress replied. "He's just backed his 18-wheeler over three motorbikes."
Obituaries
Mary Leta Coleman Oyler
1933 - 2025
LOA - Mary Leta, or "Leta" as she is known by most people, was born on April 3, 1933, in Teasdale, Utah. Her parents were Eva Washburn and Evan Coleman. She was the youngest of three children, having an older sister and brother.
She had many happy memories of growing up in Teasdale. In the summer months, they lived on a ranch above Teasdale, and in the winter months, they moved back to town. She loved cats and would dress them up and take them for buggy rides. One morning when she was ready for school, her dad, who was a tease, told her there was a new black cat outside. She picked up the cat and rubbed it against her face and cuddled it only to find that the black rubbed off the cat. Her dad had rubbed lamp black on a white cat. Her dad got a good laugh out of the situation, but her mother was less than pleased for she only had three dresses, and it was laundry day.
Oh what a beautiful week here in Panguitch! The weather was great and so was the Quilt Walk Festival. It started off with the Chocolate Fest, put on by April Hookham. April did a great job with everything, from the decorations, to getting all of the volunteers to donate all the great treats. She tried something new this year with some great soup and it was a lot and it was gone in the first ½ hour. April had local talent for the entertainment and it was a great success. Thank you April for all of the many hours you put into this event.
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
one of the men told the kids standing next to me, that they were the best part of the play. Ward really works well with the adults, complimenting them on their parts. I stay on stage for most of the play and I really can’t tell how things go, but my family said it was the best ever and they have seen all 25 productions. Amber and her husband Ward are a breath of fresh air in town, with all of their enthusiasm, I hope they will be here for many years. Elaine Baldwin will be missed, she has been a big part for years and years.
going to be a war between the two of them. All of the meetings we had with Iran have been called off. The Stock Market went down a lot on Friday, more than 600 points and oil went way up, by $7.00 a barrel. You might want to fill up your car before gas goes up even more. In Utah, Nevada, and California, the only states that I have been in, the gas has only gone up from last year, instead of coming down.
16 million without insurance. Cutting our FEMA next year, cutting most of the Departments that run our country's business, like Social Security that you paid for since 1935. These cuts were done along with many more to cut taxes on the 1%ers. This will increase the National Debt even more than the 8 trillion he did in his last term of 4 years.
When her brother and his friends were driving to a dance, she and her cousin would sneak into the back seat and hide. Once they got to the dance, the guys had to let them stay. She married Ernest Oyler in 1951. She was at a basketball game sitting in the balcony. She saw him standing in the doorway wearing a pair of dress slacks, sweater and loafers. She knew immediately that was the man she was going to marry. Together, they raised seven children and two granddaughters.
Some fun memories of mom were wading in Spring Creek with all of us kids or grabbing a broom and saying "Here comes an old lady, a stick, and a staff, neither smile nor laugh"—which always brought uncontrolled laughter from all of us kids.
She was an immaculate housekeeper. She used to put paste wax on the floors and let us kids shine it up by sliding across the floor in our stocking feet which was great fun.
As a child, a bolt of lightning struck not too far from her which left her with a healthy respect for thunder and lightning. When thunder started to rumble, she would gather all of us kids around. She made us put on our socks and sit on the bed. We would say, "why do we have to put socks on? Why are we sitting in the middle of the bed?" Her reply was always "shush be quiet." With the younger kids, she had them put on socks and sit in the hallway. If the kids were gone or not at home when a rain storm struck, Ernest knew if at all possible, he had better get home until the storm passed. Dad used to always tell us he raised seven kids and our mother too!
If music was playing in the house, she and dad would start dancing in the middle of the living room floor. They were good dancers and loved dancing.
She always told us "if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all" or "give until it hurts—a giver never gives himself poor."
Leta was a wonderful cook. She has one lower cupboard that has always been for the grandchildren and now the great grandchildren. The cupboard always has cookies and every grand and great grandchild knows where it is. She loved to bake casseroles, yummy pies, cookies, hot rolls and bread. She made wonderful candy too, especially caramels.
She liked nice comfortable shoes, reading, and to be outside tending to her flower beds and garden. In the fall, she was busy canning, preserving, and drying fruits and vegetables.
She was always an excellent seamstress sewing formals, wedding dresses, and everything in between. If she didn't have a pattern, she made one. She made all of our school clothes and beautiful Sunday dresses. Until we were about eleven and twelve, those nice dresses were made just alike, making people think we were twins. A new dress was never hemmed until the length was approved by our dad. Mini skirts were the fashion when we were in high school, but our dresses were never more than two inches above our knees. Not too many days went by without hearing the hum of her sewing machine.
She was very ambitious and always working on something. She loved to do embroidery and hand work. Making quilt tops and quilting was a favorite hobby of hers. Every member of our extended family has a quilt with her small neat stitches.
We are blessed to call her our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and best friend.
Leta is survived by her children: Eunice Oyler (Johnny Beard) of Loa, Ramona Peterson of Richfield, Douglas (Merlyn) Oyler of Loa, Roger (Luana) Oyler of Torrey, Rick (Melanie) Oyler of Loa, Mericha (David) Hafen of Bicknell, twenty grandchildren and twentyseven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son-in-law, Don Peterson; children: Dwight Oyler and Leisa Oyler; siblings: Rotas (Beth) Coleman, Juana (Orson) Adams.
Funeral services for Leta were held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 13, 2025, in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel, 24 South 100 West, where friends called for viewing from 11-12:30 P.M. prior to the services.
Livestreaming of the services could be found at springerturner.com underneath Leta's obituary about 15 minutes prior to the service.
Burial was in the Loa Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Jerilu Houston and her great committee got things going on the quilting class on Thursday. These classes take a whole lot of work organizing all the classes and the instructors. It is a year-round venture and many thanks for all of your efforts. These classes along with the rest of the efforts that go into the Quilt Walk festival, started with the aid of the Main Street Committee. The State came down and ask the committee what was the slowest week of the summer, and it was the second week in June. The week between when Utah schools let out and when the Schools let out in California. Now with the Quilt Walk Festival it is one of the busiest and it came at a good time. Thursday night was the first night of the Quilt Walk play. This was Amber and Ward’s first year at directing and boy did they do a great job. Amber, who really works good with kids, put in some new parts and they were really well received. When we were standing in line, thanking the people for coming,
The Lions Club’s breakfast went well, I heard that we served over 150 folks. The Club had some great help from Cameron Henrie’s next year’s 6th grade class. They helped set up the tables and chairs on Friday night and helped with the food service on Saturday morning. We have the next big breakfast next weekend at the Balloon Fest. I am hoping that these helpers will be there to help out again, it will be a much bigger event. The kids are trying to earn money for their trip to Washington D.C., what a great learning tool for them. Because of the calendar, the Lions Club will have another breakfast the following week on the 4th of July. The rest of the world did not do so well. Our president called Israel on Monday and asked them not to start anything, because we were working on a plan to stop Iran, from building A bombs. Like every other country in the world, they didn’t do what he asked and bombed Iran, who retaliated a couple of days later. It looks it is
The last time he was president, he vowed to undo all of the great things that President Obama had did. Cutting out the tax cut that President Bush had put in for the rich. Affordable health insurance, and a truce with Iran that allowed inspections of their uranium processing plants. Creating the Bears Ears National Monument, just to name a few. Well one of the ones of many, he got rid of was the treaty with Iran, calling it the worst treaty he ever read. So Iran went back to making A bombs and now we were trying get them to sign the same treaty.
It seems like the president this time around, instead of what President Obama did, he is going after what all the good the Presidents did in our history. Cutting out all of our aid to nations that have starving children, cutting back on Medicaid, putting
Saturday was No Kings Day and there were over 2,100 protest sites throughout the nation and more than 5 million protesters out in force. In Utah I know of a few protest sights, Kanab, St. George, Cedar City and 20,000 at the one in Salt Lake City. Many of the protesters were veterans out in force for all of the money that he spent on his birthday parade. He has cut the Veterans Administration, big time. Not many people showed up at the parade, at least that showed up on TV. Even most of the GOP congress, only had 7 of his members there. I watched for a while and I prefer our 24th of July Parade. The only thing that his parade didn’t have was soldiers doing the goose step. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Mack O.
Obituaries
Eleanor Leilani Barlow
January 14, 1931 - June 5, 2025
ESCALANTE - Eleanor Leilani Barlow of Escalante, Utah, passed away on June 5, 2025, in Temecula, California where she had been living to be closer to family. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 14, 1931. She was 94 years old.
She spent her early childhood growing up on the island of Kauai until the family moved to the mainland and settled in San Pedro, California. In high school, she was a lifeguard at the city pool during summer months; and also swam in an aquacade made popular by Esther Williams and Hollywood.
Lani attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning her undergraduate degree and teaching credentials. There she met her future husband and the love of her life, Al Barlow. As the story goes, Lani was coaxed to sit down at one of many card tables set up in the college commons to play Bridge. Across from her sat a handsome young man, who by the end of the game found the courage to ask her to the upcoming fraternity sorority dance. She said yes. That’s when Al stood up and reached for his crutches with a huge grin. Lani realized at that moment that her future dance partner’s leg was in a cast, but she did not back out. Lani and Al were married on March 28, 1953. From that moment on, the two of them were inseparable.
They attended Thunderbird in Arizona earning their master’s degrees. They traveled to Mexico and South America, living in Mexico City and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Upon returning to the states, Lani began a career as a first-grade teacher. She taught countless children how to read and write over the course of the next thirty plus years. She also became the author of several Insta Center books created with a fellow teacher
After retirement, Lani and Al moved to their beloved Escalante, Utah, to begin the next chapter of their lives. To the amazement of their family, they built and remodeled not just one, but two houses, well into their late seventies. In Escalante, Lani was truly able to enjoy her favorite hobbies: gardening, canning, bread baking and crafting. Lani treasured the friendships that she and Al made during their time in Escalante.
Leilani was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Almus Conley Barlow, and her father Commander Lloyd Blake Kennedy, and her mother Eleanor Margaret Winter Kennedy of San Pedro, California.
Lani leaves behind a brother, George Blake Kennedy and sister-in-law Wilma Jean Morrison Kennedy of Lompoc, California. She will be greatly missed by her three children: Pamela Gaye Barlow Thayer, Steven Conley Barlow, and Sandra Lynn Barlow Martin; two sons-in-law, Kenn Thayer and Aaron Eugene Martin; three amazing granddaughters; Kendall Marie Barlow, Lindsey Michelle Thayer, and Rachel Erin Thayer; and a great-grandson, Conley Stuart Edwards.
Graveside services will be Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Escalante Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com
Wayne Commission:
Twelve newly certified EMTs and advanced EMTs were recognized, and three members to the Wayne County Water Conservancy District Board were reappointed at the June 2, 2025, Wayne Commission meeting. The worsening sanitation issues at Meeks Mesa and Beas Lewis Flats; approval of a zone change for ten acres of land outside of Koosharem; approval of an updated regional housing and community development plan; and House Bill 84, a new state law requiring an armed individual in every school starting by fall 2025, discussed.
Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1
Commissioner Blackburn added, “You’re making history here,” as the group gathered for a photo. The new EMTs will help staff local ambulances and expand the county’s emergency medical response.
Next, the commission reappointed three members to the Wayne County Water Conservancy District Board—Philip Pace, Roger Brian, and Greg Coleman. No new applications were submitted before the deadline, so the existing members were renewed according to the board’s bylaws.
A resident challenged the commission to take responsibility for worsening sanitation issues at Meeks Mesa and Beas Lewis Flats, calling it a federal land failure— not just a Torrey problem. She urged the county to explore emergency funds or use incoming TRT revenue to fund temporary toilets. Commissioners noted the new TRT funds won’t arrive until October and said congressional offices haven’t responded yet. Commissioner Blackburn agreed to visit the sites with her but reiterated the county’s policy against closing public lands.
The commission then approved a zone change for ten acres of land outside of Koosharem, where Kirk Jackson of Jackson Land Investments plans to remove clay. The parcel, previously designated residential/agricultural, will now be zoned industrial.
The commission approved an updated regional housing and community development plan presented by Sarah Smith of Six County Association
of Governments (AOG). The update is required to maintain eligibility for federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.
The bulk of the meeting focused on Wayne County School District officials appearing before the commission to discuss House Bill 84, a new state law requiring an armed individual in every school starting by fall 2025. The bill gives three options: assign a school resource officer (SRO), hire a private armed security guard, or appoint an in-school “guardian”—a non-instructional staff member who volunteers to carry a firearm after undergoing psychological screening and forty hours of training. District leaders said they oppose relying on the guardian option, citing the emotional burden and limited training. “They’re not going into education to be police officers,” Superintendent Burke Torgerson said. “They’re going into education to support students and be teachers and help that way.” He added that it’s unrealistic to expect school employees in small communities to act as armed responders, especially when the potential threat could be someone they know. Instead, the district is advocating for a dedicated SRO to serve both the high school and new elementary campus. The school board has committed to fund at least half the cost, but staff shortages at the sheriff’s office complicate the effort. “We can’t even meet our own law enforcement needs,” Commissioner Blackburn acknowledged. “The money would be the great equaliz-
er in this.” Both the county and school district agreed to keep working toward a solution, but, for now, the district expects to use the “guardian” option temporarily to meet the mandate.
Next, the commission approved a locally run CDL training program taught by Skyler Henshaw, with $45,000 in rural grant funding. Wayne County residents and employees of local businesses will be eligible, though participants must pay for their own medical exam and permit test. The full course will cost about $3,500, with smaller course options available.
The commission also backed plans to use roughly $210,000 in surplus grant funds to develop a new industrial park near the civic center in Bicknell. The site offers better water access and no prairie dog issues, making it a more viable alternative to the original location. A formal request to amend the county’s grant contract is being prepared.
In other items of business, the commission:
• approved Resolution 2025-04 to support the statewide “America 250” initiative, celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence;
• approved fair board vouchers and volunteers; approved the bid submitted for the Airport Well Project, with Jones & DeMille acting as the engineering firm coordinating the project;
• approved 6th District Court contract;
• and approved vouchers.
The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
Fatality on San Juan River Near Clay Hills in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
GLEN CANYON -
On Sunday, June 8, at approximately 3 p.m. MST, a fifty-year-old male, resident of Kayenta, Arizona, was overtaken by river currents downstream of Paiute Farms Wash in the San Juan River in San Juan County, Utah. The Navajo Nation Police Department served as the lead agency in the subsequent search and recovery effort and located the individual, who was found deceased and is presumed to have
drowned. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Visitor and Resource Protection Rangers extend their thanks to the Navajo Nation Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management Canyon Country District - Monticello Field Office, Intermountain Health (Classic Air Medical), and Utah Department of Public Safety for their efforts on this incident.
“Our sympathies go to the family, friends, and
our local communities impacted by this loss,” said Acting Superintendent Jake Ohlson.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area encourages park visitors to be aware of moving water as currents can be deceptively strong. See Water Safety at https://www.nps. gov/glca/planyourvisit/ safety.htm. —National Park Service
Schools and Sports
Panguitch Elementary Students Achieve Goal of Reading 500,000 Minutes by the End of the School Year
PANGUITCH - Pan-
guitch Elementary School recently achieved their goal of reading 500,000 minutes by the end of the school year. To celebrate, they were rewarded with a victory parade down Main Street, escorted by local lights and sirens on May 22. They loaded up on to the decorated school buses and waved at their family and friends, as everyone cheered them on. Parents parked along the parade route and anxiously waited for their kids to drive by.
The program was spearheaded by Joanne Savage, who teaches 5th and 6th grade reading. The idea started with the Road to Success reading program, which encourages sixty to seventy thousand minutes read by the end of the school year. This goal was no match for the Panguitch Elementary School students; they reached that goal in a month. So they doubled the goal and tried again, and about a month later, the goal was reached again.
“We set the increased minutes read goal by doubling it again,
by Jaynie Connor
Panguitch Elementary School students recently achieved their goal of reading 500,000 minutes by the end of the school year. They were rewarded with a victory parade down
for students, and helped fund the celebration. Local first responders—the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Panguitch City Fire Department, and Garfield County Ambulance—stepped in to help with the celebration by providing a traditional lights and sirens escort around town.
“I’m not sure the students could really believe that they had achieved such a lofty goal themselves," said Savage. "There were times when we didn’t know if they could do it. But, as we made them aware of their progress and how many minutes we had left, they would go home and read, read, read! At one point, the top ten most active readers were all from the fourth grade. Those teachers set up challenges which really motivated their students.”
A reading challenge like this is sure to stick with the elementary students as an amazing achievement.
EPHRAIM - Snow College is pleased to announce that the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) has approved the institutional strategic reinvestment plan. Per HB 265, Snow College is required to reallocate $1,678,700 over the next three fiscal years. The plan will now go the state legislature for review and final approval, which is expected in September.
The plan applies Snow’s existing philosophy of continuous improvement and utilized data and the expertise of faculty and staff throughout the decision-making process. School officials also worked closely with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE), legislators, and the campus community. The plan centers around the themes of workforce alignment, operational efficiencies, student supports and success, and a commitment to thriving rural communities.
Snow College will in-
escorted by local lights and sirens on May 22. and the students continued to make huge gains, so when they began to come close to reaching what we thought to already be
a pretty lofty goal, we decided to go all in and throw out what seemed like an impossible amount of 500,000 minutes read
Strategic Reinvestment Plan and Mission Statement Approved by USHE
“We’re grateful to the many individuals who shaped this plan—especially the Academic Review Task Force, Program Incubator Committee, Deans Council, and Cabinet,” said Snow College President Stacee Yardley McIff. “With strong support from the Legislature and Commissioner’s Office, we’ve built a plan that strengthens Snow College. We’re excited to launch new and expanded programs that offer personalized, careerfocused opportunities in high-demand fields across our region and state.”
The State Board of Higher Education also approved the proposed mission statement in its meeting. The statement, which says, “We empower each student with a personalized path to success through comprehensive education, advanced technical training, and the confidence to create a thriving future,” combined with the reinvestment plan, will launch Snow into a relevant future.
Board of Trustees
Chair Rick Robinson said, “We appreciate the support of the State Board on both our reinvestment plan and mission statement. The future of Snow College is bright, and I have every confidence in the administration, faculty, and staff. Student success is our complete focus, and the path forward for Snow College is well-defined. Snow College’s impact to our region cannot be understated; these important initiatives will enhance our communities and the entire state.”
—Snow College
by May 23, 2025,” said Savage. The students stayed actively involved in the challenge by logging their reading minutes on Beanstack, an online platform in partnership with Road to Success. This platform tracks various aspects, including minutes read, books currently being read, and books completed. Additionally, Road to Success offered challenges and prizes for the top readers. Teachers had access to log minutes for students and could create their own custom reading challenges, as well as
make reading assignments if they wished within their own classes.
Community involvement contributed to the success of the reading goal. Shawna Hatch, the school librarian, played a crucial role in inspiring the students by keeping them informed about the top readers and presenting the awards. The students got support from the school's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), as well as receiving donations from the Panguitch Prevention Coalition (PPC). The PPC sponsored family reading nights, provided books
“We hope that the students will realize how much fun reading can be, how much reading affects their lives, instills a love of learning, builds self-confidence, is a great coping mechanism when life is tough, and, ultimately, encourages them to become life-long readers. We are all familiar with the phrase 'knowledge is power,' and at Panguitch Elementary School, we believe and teach that reading is one of the best ways to gain knowledge, so keep reading,” said Savage.
UT Ranks High in Kids' Well-Being; Advocates Still Encourage Action
by Alex Gonzalez | Utah News Connection
UTAH - Utah still ranks as one of the best states for children's overall well-being, according to a new national report but advocates are stressing the need for more investments in positive youth engagement and education.
Utah ranked fourth in this year's Kids Count Data Book, which looked at sixteen key indicators to holistically assess how children are doing.
Martin Munoz, Kids Count director at Voices for Utah Children, said despite Utah's strong standing and promising trends, the state should not become complacent. He noted many families are still struggling and said uncertainty at the national level is being felt locally.
"We hear about it almost daily—the housing crisis, the cost of living—Utah is struggling," Munoz observed. "One in four Utah children live in a household with a high housing cost burden in 2023."
Munoz pointed out it means about 234,000 Utah households are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. He contended implementing what he called "trickle down economic" policies like the Child Tax Credit, which offers families up to $2,000
for every eligible child, could help. But as the budget reconciliation package makes its way through Congress, lawmakers could impose new regulations on who is eligible. Some of the Beehive State's bright spots include seeing fewer children living in poverty as well as fewer children without health insurance. Munoz emphasized investments made now to provide Utah families with economic opportunities and children with quality education and health care will pay off years down the road.
"We have resources that can provide and implement policies that do better for all kids and families," Munoz asserted. "It is really being smart about our
investments."
The annual report found education in Utah is still a glaring issue, as 64% of Utah fourth graders are not proficient in reading and 65% of eighth graders are not proficient in math.
Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said it is why states need to invest in areas like tutoring, while looking at effective curriculum strategies to turn the numbers around.
"Investing in thriving kids is essential to investing in communities, investing in our nation and investing in a strong economy 'cause today's kids are tomorrow's workforce," Boissiere stressed.
Jaynie Connor
Panguitch Main Street,
The percentage of Utah children whose parents lack secure employment dropped from 19% in 2019 to 18% in 2023.
Adobe Stock
Out and About for the Summer
'25 Panguitch Quilt Walk Draws Over 300 Quilters from Around the Country
by Jaynie Connor
June
PANGUITCH - The 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival took place from June 11 to 14 in Panguitch, drawing over three hundred quilters from across the nation. Participants attended classes, made new friends, explored the vendor fair, and engaged in various activities. This festival has been a cherished tradition for more than twenty-seven years now, and many of the classes sell out within minutes of being posted.
Quilting classes began on Wednesday and continued through Saturday, featuring instructors from all over the country who shared the latest techniques and technologies. The Panguitch Quilt Walk Quilt Show and Indoor Vendor Fair was held at the Panguitch High School gym from Wednesday to Saturday, showcasing beautiful quilts crafted by both local quilters and festival participants.
Among the festival highlights was the Sub for Santa fundraiser on Wednesday evening, which featured The Chocolate Fest and local treats and dinner donated by
community members and businesses, along with a silent auction of donated items. From Thursday to Saturday during lunch, experienced quilters showcased their work in Trunk Shows held in the high school auditorium.
This year, exciting new events were introduced. The Outdoor Craft Market took place on Friday and Saturday, featuring local artisans and food trucks. The inaugural Block Party on Friday night allowed attendees to display their creations completed during the week, along with a raffle for all participants.
The Quilt Walk Dinner Theater was held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, where local actors brought to life the story of the original “Quilt Walk.” The new directors are a husband and wife team, Ward and Amber Hunter, taking over Elaine Baldwin's position to help keep the Quilt Walk story alive.
On Friday afternoon, the Pioneer Home Tour featured eight historic redbrick and rock homes open for viewing. Tickets were available for $5.00, with
Connor
Tess Myers from Sew Tickled Embroidery at the 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk Indoor Vendor Fair—the Quilt Walk Vendor Fair was held in the Panguitch High School gym from June 11-14—on June 12.
proceeds supporting The Garfield County Barn Quilt Trail to fund a plaque for their art installation next to The Pink Polka Dott at 32 N. Main St.
On Saturday morning, the Lions Club hosted a breakfast fundraiser at Zions Bank, complete with a
karaoke machine. The Panguitch 6th grade class collaborated with Lions Club members to serve pancakes and more, raising funds for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Later that day, the Heritage Fair and Quilt Walk races took place behind Zions Bank.
Teacher Shawn Schouten poses with her Kids Camp quilters during the 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk on
11. Kids Camp ran from Wednesday, June 11, to Saturday, June 14.
Tera Connor
The 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk and Indoor Vendor Fair at the Panguitch High School Gym on June 12.
Tera Connor
Mary Stephens from Las Vegas, Nevada, works on her project at Open Sew on June 11 during the 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk. The 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk took place this year from June 11 - 14, drawing over three hundred quilters from across the nation.
Tera Connor
Westenskow and Sons Wooden Quilting Tools at the 2025 Panguitch Quilt Walk Indoor Vendor Fair—the Quilt Walk Vendor Fair was held in the Panguitch High School gym from June 11-14.
Tera Connor
Jen Wagner from Snapdragon Quilting was the featured quilter at Thursday's, June 12, 2025, Panguitch Quilt Walk Trunk Show.
Tera Connor
Addison Wright, of Sugar and Silver, poses at her booth at the Panguitch Quilt Walk Outdoor Craft Market on June 13 at Panguitch High School. The market was held on Friday and Saturday, June 13th and 14th.
Tera Connor
Tera
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CANNONVILLE TOWN
Promise Rock/SITLA Public Town Hall Meeting Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.
All are welcome
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 12 & 19, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET HEARING AND ADOPTION FOR LOA TOWN
The Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing for the 2025-2026 fiscal budget on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Loa Town Hall Office at 80 W. Center, Loa. The hearing is for the purpose of accepting comments on the budget for 2025-26 prior to adoption at the Loa Town Council meeting. The Town Council meeting will follow immediately after the hearing at 7:30 p.m. If anyone would like to view the tentative budget prior to the meeting, you may come to the Loa Town Hall, Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All public is welcome to attend this public hearing and meeting. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435836-2160.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 12 & 19, 2025
MEETING DATE & TIME CHANGE FOR JULY 2025
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will not hold a regular meeting in July. They will hold their regular meeting on June 30, 2025, at starting at 7 p.m. held at the Loa Town Office at 80 W. Center, Loa.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for a new business license ordinance on June 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. held at the Loa Town Office at 80 W. Center, Loa, in conjunction with its regularly held meeting that evening. All public are welcome to attend.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING FOR A SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE
LOA PLANNING COMMISSION
Loa Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for a short term rental ordinance on June 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. held at the Loa Town Office at 80 W. Center, Loa, in conjunction with its regularly held meeting that evening. All public are welcome to attend.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
BUDGET HEARING TO AMEND THE 2024/25 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET & LOA TOWN MEETING TO APPROVE THE 2024/2025 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENTS WILL FOLLOW THE HEARING LOA TOWN
The Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing to amend the 2024-2025 fiscal budget on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Loa Town Hall Office at 80 W. Center, Loa. The Loa Town Council will hold a meeting immediately after the hearing at 8:00 p.m. to approve the amendments made to the budget. The public is welcome to attend this public hearing and meeting. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435836-2160.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE BICKNELL TOWN
Date Change for Bicknell Town Council Meeting
Bicknell Town Council Meeting will be held July 10 at 7:00 PM instead of July 3 at 7:00 PM. If you wish to be on this agenda, please contact Kelsey Brinkerhoff at 435-425-2215 no later than July 9th by 3 PM.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING HATCH TOWN
The Town of Hatch will hold their council meeting on June 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Community Center at 49 W. Center. They will be amending the 2025 budget and adopting the budget for the 2026 fiscal year at this time. Public comment is welcome. If you would like to review a copy of the budget, please contact the town clerk.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
INVITATION TO BID FOR CEMENT WORK
HATCH TOWN - PICKLEBALL COURT
The Town of Hatch is looking for concrete estimates for an upcoming pickleball court project that will be located between the community center at 49 W. Center and the DUP Museum.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Pour a 54'x54' x4" slab. Slab must include steel reinforcement. (rebar or wire mesh) Slab will also require a 8" thickened edge around the perimeter. Must be trowel finished in preparation of seal coating that will be applied at a later date. The location of the court will be reasonably level, but may require minimal excavating/ grading work. The slab must also include posts for 4 set sleeves.
- Pour a 4’ x54’ x 6” retaining wall on north end
- Pour a 5’ x 60’ x 4” sidewalk along outside edge
Sealed bids will need to be returned June 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. with work beginning the first part of July. Please direct any questions to Mayor Kerry Barney. Sealed bids can be mailed to PO Box 625, Hatch, Utah 84735.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
Paint-a-Thon:
Paint-a-Thon is a chance to give back to the nonprofits and individuals who give so much to our communities. It’s one of many ways Zions Bank is focused on investing in the communities we serve.
Kenny Miller, Zions Bank project leader and southern Utah region president
Paint-a-Thon
Cont'd from A1
quality medical service to those facing financial, geographic, and/or cultural barriers to health care.
The volunteer effort was among fifteen projects completed in Utah as part of Zions Bank’s 33rd annual Paint-a-Thon. During
the first week of June, more than 1,100 volunteers tackled projects from Brigham City to Bicknell.
From painting classrooms at the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Utah to exam rooms at the Wayne Community Health Center, this year’s Paint-a-Thon projects will benefit more than 13,000 Utahns.
“Paint-a-Thon is a chance to give back to the nonprofits and individuals who give so much to our communities,” said Zions Bank project leader and southern Utah region president Kenny Miller. “It’s one of many ways Zions Bank is focused on investing in the communities we serve.”
Yard Sale: Mark your calendars, and come join CCAW for a day of fun, shopping, and community spirit.
Yard Sale Cont'd from A1
a.m. and 3 p.m. at The Old House on Center and Main Street. Please refer to the donation guidelines below to ensure that your items can be accepted:
• No electronics
• No books No upholstered furniture
• No mattresses Only small appliances in good working condition Only lightly used clothing and shoes in good condition
• Blankets in good condition No sheets or pillowcases Mark your calendars, and come join CCAW for a day of fun, shopping, and community spirit.
—Color Country Animal Welfare
Launched in 1991, Zions Bank’s Paint-aThon began as a volunteer project for a dozen homes along Utah’s Wasatch Front. Over the past three decades, Zions Bank employees have painted one thousand three hundred and sixteen homes and nonprofit facilities throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. In 2024, Zions Bank donated $7.6 million to organizations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Additionally, Zions Bank’s employees volunteered tens of thousands of hours, from donating time to local nonprofit organizations to coaching little league and teaching financial literacy in schools. —Zions Bank
Legal Notices Cleanup Day:
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. 16, 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)
61-3571 (a53213): Joseph Michael Irving and/or Maribella Irving, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 3.2 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles north of Panguitch) for IRRIGATION.
61-1497 (a53232): Richard and Liz Briggs propose(s) using 0.7495 cfs OR 194.9 ac-ft. from the South Fork Sevier River and Springs (5 miles south of Panguitch) for IRRIGATION.
61-3236 (a53236): Ivo Ruml propose(s) using 0.0048 cfs OR 1 ac-ft. from groundwater (6 miles SE of Panguitch) for COMMERCIAL: Bed & Breakfast (1.0 AF).
WAYNE COUNTY NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5571 (A84687): Christian Ochsenbein propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (5 miles west of Hanksville) for IRRIGATION; OTHER: 4 campsites (60 gpd/person x 5 persons/site for 275 days).
95-5572 (A84690): Randall Stutman propose(s) using 1.48 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile SE of Torrey) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
95-5573 (A84691): Wayne Wonderland Airport propose(s) using 0.45 ac-ft. from groundwater (3 miles W of Bicknell) for DOMESTIC.
95-5574 (A84694): Thomas Velky propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 1.28 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 miles SE of Teasdale) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19 & 26, 2025
INVITATION TO BID FOR FENCING HATCH TOWN
The Town of Hatch is looking for fencing estimates for an upcoming pickleball court project that will be located between the community center at 49 W. Center and the DUP Museum.
SCOPE OF WORK:
- Chain link galvanized fence 12 H X 54’ on south end of pickleball court
- Chain link galvanized fence 6 H X 54’ on east side of pickleball court with gate
- Chain link galvanized fence 4 H x 54’ in between two pickleball courts
Sealed bids will need to be returned June 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. with work beginning the first part of July. Please direct any questions to Mayor Kerry Barney. Sealed bids can be mailed to PO Box 625, Hatch, Utah 84735. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
INVITATION TO BID FOR SURFACING HATCH TOWN
The Town of Hatch is looking for surfacing estimates for an upcoming pickleball court project that will be located between the community center at 49 W. Center and the DUP Museum.
SCOPE OF WORK:
- Full acrylic surface for 2 pickleball courts on 54’X54’ slab including the painting of lines for both courts
Sealed bids will need to be returned June 30, 2025, at 5 p.m. with work beginning the first part of July. Please direct any questions to Mayor Kerry Barney. Sealed bids can be mailed to PO Box 625, Hatch, Utah 84735.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 19, 2025
The Teasdale Park Committee is grateful to all the community members that have served or aided in the creation of the park over the years. So many people helped in the past and again this year that we cannot list them all, but thank you.
Day
Cont'd from A1
dedication included Don Gomes, representing the Entrada Institute; Jason Wheeler of Assist Community, who was the architect of the solar fin; Joe Hiskey, representing Teasdale Special Service District #1 trustees; Gary Pankow, representing the Teasdale Park Committee and the designer of the signs. The Innovation was made by Julia Sati, and the microphone was courtesy of Scott Smith. A delicious complimentary lunch was served by Beth Peisner, Garden Patch Pizza, and El Charro Negro taco truck. Many people in the community brought delicious baked goods for dessert. On Sunday, under the watchful eye of Steve Lutz, Wesley Barclay, Linda Chappell, and Kate Chappell Oyler, with assistance of Ronnie Hunt, the tumbleweeds were quickly eliminated. The Teasdale Park Committee thanks all the wonderful, dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteers that took time out of their
busy schedules to participate. Volunteers included newcomers, veterans, and families. All worked hard, walking the roads looking for trash (keystone light cans were the number one can discarded this year), collecting tumbleweeds, spreading new chips in the playground, working on tree cages, and more.
Special thanks to Cody Clark for the use of his tractor and trailer for the tumbleweeds and to Linda Chappell and Kate Chappell Oyler for spearheading the tumbleweed collection. Lots of people participated, and the park looks so very much better.
A dumpster was again available to the community for clean-up. Thank you, Scott Chesnut and Wayne County. The Teasdale Park Committee is grateful to all the community members that have served or aided in the creation of the park over the years. So many people helped in the past and again this year that we cannot list them all, but thank you. —Teasdale Park Committee
CJ Clark helps to clean up tumbleweeds for the 2025 Teasdale Town and Park Cleanup Day on May 17. The Teasdale Town and Park Cleanup Day and dedication was held on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Courtesy Barb Walkush
Honorary guests at the
Cleanup
Trek: You start reading the journals and stuff and it's just sad—lives are lost and things like that. You can’t really help them, but you could honor them.
Marcyne Blythe referred to mules Roxy and Doc as the "stars of the show" of the Blythe’s 1,700 mile trek from Nauvoo, Illinois to Escalante, Utah, in addition to her horse, Panda. Three dogs—Lucy, Bella and Waylon—were also part of their five-day journey from Joseph, Utah.
steads of the Riddle and Heaps ranches. After crossing the creek, they made a left turn onto the road heading to their final destination: Escalante.
It had been a long journey overall, more than 1,700 miles, from Nauvoo, Illinois. But here they were—they’d finally made it. Others were not so lucky. Without fanfare, they dismounted from the wagon and from the horse and saw to the welfare of their animals.
This was June of 2025, not 1885. And the travelers were Marcyne and Joe Blythe, with their daughter, Chacyne Carter, and accompanied by a good friend, Jeff McCarroll. Their arrival in Escalante was the culmination of the trek of a lifetime, four years in the making, in honor of the Blythe’s Mormon pioneer ancestors.
Joe and Marcyne Blythe, residents of Genola, Utah, arrived at their Mormon Trek from a couple of angles.
“Well, my husband decided he wanted to build a wagon, so he found some running gears and built the box,” said Marcyne. Joe concurred that he had found the wagon wheels and axles
in a barn in Kanarraville, and then he built the wagon box himself, which he said required several retries, “because there are no instructions on how to do this on the Internet.”
But what really got them interested in doing the full trek from Nauvoo to Escalante was the discovery that they each had family members that came across the plains as Mormon pioneers. “We started looking at our family history, and we found that we both have family that came across,” said Marcyne. Through Family Search, they were able to read the journals of family members which included accounts during their travels west, and the Blythes were inspired by the stories of what their ancestors experienced and what they saw, their hardships and their losses. Marcyne said it made them wonder what they themselves might have done, how they might have handled or helped in a situation, if they had been in their forebears’ shoes. “You start reading the journals and stuff and it's just sad—lives are lost and things like that. You can’t really help them, but you could honor them,” said Marcyne.
The Blythes resolved to honor their ancestors by taking the journey themselves. Marcyne’s ances-
tors included Woolseys, Heapses and Alveys, who eventually settled in Escalante. Joe’s ancestors included Wilcox’s, Jolleys, Moores and Thomases, who landed in places like Angle, Marysvale, Sevier and Antimony. While Marcyne’s mother, Mona Gene Woolsey, had to leave Escalante when she was two years old because her own mother had died, Marcyne feels a very special connection to the town and to her family history there.
The first leg of their journey began in 2021, in Nauvoo. “They all converged at Nauvoo, no matter where they were from,” said Joe, speaking to how pioneers congregated for their journey west. Joe and Marcyne’s first trip was
from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters. The following year, in 2022, they traveled from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake City, a distance of 1,100 miles “That trip was our longest—it took two months,” said Joe. The Mormon Trail is marked out by the National Park Service as an interactive map, and Joe said he used the NPS map and Google to lay out his route. “Sometimes it’s a dirt road. Most of Iowa is a gravel road, and in Nebraska, sometimes you’re on a highway, which isn’t so great, but it is what it is.” The Blythes were able to note where ancestors lost their lives along the way. “Anything on the east side of the Missouri River, they are buried in a grave,
in a cemetery. Once you get across the Missouri, there are no towns. So we would have a notation of an ancestor buried ‘within two days of the Elkhorn river, or within two days of Chimney Rock.’”
“One of the biggest surprises I had getting from point A to point B, was ‘do I have water, do I have feed,’” said Joe, to care for his animals. Within a couple days of their first journey, he said that it also became apparent that meeting the people along the way was going to be the highlight. “You stop the wagon, people congregate. You’re meeting all different walks of life. And they are all interested, and they want to give you something: a bottle of water, a tomato, a watermelon. Once I could see this little old lady trying to hustle towards us from her back yard. She went out and picked apples for us.”
Joe and Marcyne continued their journeys south from Salt Lake City in shorter stretches, with the final, June 2025 trip starting in Joseph. On this leg, as well as other parts of their trip, other trekkers would join along for a day or two to accompany them. Which also served as a reminder of just how difficult traveling by animal power is: an accompanying group had to abort their trip coming down off of Barney Top because their mules were exhausted. Not wanting to stress the animals, they were allowed to stop five miles short of Escalante and were trailered off the mountain.
Marcyne described their own mules, Doc and Roxy, and her horse, Panda (a North American
—Marcyne Blythe
Curly), as the stars of the show. “They're really good mules. And Panda, he was a rock star.” Also along were three dogs, Lucy Bella and Waylon. Marcyne’s sister, Darnel Zeller, also joined for the Joseph to Escalante trip as support with a vehicle and trailer hauling water, hay and a porta potty, and, as she said, “To make sure nobody dies.” Jeff McCarroll, a friend of the family, lives in Ash Fork, Arizona and said when Joe asked if he’d like to do the Joseph to Escalante leg of the trip, said, “I wouldn’t miss is for the world. Even though when I said yes, Joe didn’t think I was serious.” McCarroll, a stuntman and movie actor, originally met Joe Blythe in Kanab at the Western Legends Roundup. “I love history, I’ve done lot of reading on the Mormon Trail. And my wife was raised LDS and her family is all LDS.”
“Joe’s wagon is pretty close to what they came across in other than the rubber on the wheels. Five days sitting in the wagon, I loved it. For me it was about fulfilling a friend’s dream to do this, and it was great.”
Joe and Marcyne Blythe so enjoy the activity of following their ancestors’ pioneering paths, they are now planning to do a trip down Hole-in-the-Rock Road in 2026 with the wagon and mules. Joe said that if anyone locally would like to get involved in the project, he’d be happy to hear from them. He can be reached by email at traildreamer@yahoo. com.
Trek Cont'd from A1
Calassified ds
HELP WANTED
Public Works Employee for Escalante City
General purpose: Performs a variety of skilled journey level duties related to installation, maintenance, and repair of City water system, sewer system, streets, parks, cemetery, and other facilities.
Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Public Works Supervisor.
Supervision Exercised: None
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and experience:
1. Graduation from high school or equivalent; and
2. Five (5) years of experience in the operation of light to heavy equipment performing above or related duties; or
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
1. Considerable knowledge of operating heavy equipment and basic manual and power hand tools; considerable knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with construction of water lines, streets, and parks; considerable knowledge of the operation of a variety of light and heavy equipment such as backhoes, graders, snowplows, etc.
2. Ability to follow simple instructions; ability to perform strenuous manual labor, ability to tolerate weather extremes in work environment; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to work effectively with fellow employees and the public.
Special Qualifications:
1. Must possess a valid Utah Class “D” driver’s license.
2. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required or must be obtained within 6 months from date of hire.
3. Will be required to certify as a level “II” water operator within 18 months from date of hire.
4. Will be required to certify as a small lagoon wastewater operator and Cross Connection Control Program Administrator.
5. Must be able to lift 100 pounds.
6. Must work on 24 hour on-call basis.
Resumes may be submitted to the Escalante City Office, 56 North 100 West, Escalante, Utah, and will be accepted until July 3rd at 4:00 p.m.
For questions, please call 435-826-4644.
Escalante City has the right to refuse any and all applications.
• 4x Toyota Factory Rims - 15 inch / silver Full Bed - Frame & Mattress
• Chicken Coop - newly built with accessories available
• Large Dog Crate / Kennel
• Firewood
PIONEER WEEKEND - Back Yard Sale: 305 N. 300 W., Escalante, UT
2 Days: Saturday July 26th & Sunday July 27th at 8 a.m.
• Outdoor & Camping Gear
• Yard tools & Equipment
• Kitchen Appliances & Household Items
• Large Dog Beds & Other Pet Supplies
• Bookshelves, End Tables, Lamps, & Other Furniture
• Bedding for King & Full
• MUCH, MUCH MORE!
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
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
Full-Time Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist
Full-Time SpEd Teacher at Bryce Valley Elementary School
Food Service Worker at Bryce Valley High School
Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
Para-Professionals/Aides at All Schools
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.
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 CROSSWORD
TUES June 24th Tangy Meatballs, Rice, Country Blend Vegetables, Salad Bar, Tropical Fruit, White Cake
WED June 25th Chicken Sandwich, French Fries, Green Beans, Peaches/Salad Bar, Chocolate Pudding
Call by 10:00 A.M. if you want a lunch or need a ride. 679-8666
All meals are served with milk & bread. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $10 for those under 60 years of age.
Escalante Senior Citizens Menu
Tues. June 24th Breakfast Burrito, Sausage, Hashbrown, Stewed Tomato, Fruit Bowl Danish
Wed. June 25th Chicken Strips, Pasta Salad/Fries, Salad Bar, Peaches, Wheat Bread, Ranger Cookies
Thurs. June 26th Fish, Baked Potato, Coleslaw/White Rolls, Grape Salad/Salad Bar, Apple Pudding Cake
All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00
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.
Studio Apartment No pets, no smoking, includes community fire pit 209 East 100 South Bicknell Call Miguel 801-870-9381 FREE TO GOOD HOMES
For Rent
$$ PAYING TOP DOLLAR $$ 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.
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.
SERVICES
NAMI Utah Connection Support GroupOnline 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
