Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, interagency fire managers implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning June 1 on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service (NPS) managed, unincorporated private, and State Lands in Washington, Kane and Garfield counties (excluding lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Dixie and Fishlake national forests in these counties), all Arizona State Lands including Mohave and Coconino counties, north of the Grand Canyon, NPS lands within Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and all BLM-managed public lands within the Arizona Strip District in Arizona including Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Residents and visitors should check with respective county and municipal governments for informa-
Heather Gilbert (above) is the owner of Olivia’s Gifts—located at 85 North Main Street in Panguitch. The shop is named after her six-year-old daughter, Olivia.
PANGUITCH - Located at 85 North Main Street in Panguitch sits a charming new shop called Olivia’s Gifts. Featuring a striking black and white striped awning, the store is brimming with home-
Garfield Co. Teacher
Named Educator of the Year at Statewide Computing Competition
Jace Howell was named Educator of the Year at the Aspirations in Computing Competition on May 3.
GARFIELD CO. -
On May 3, Jace Howell, a dedicated and innovative educator with the Garfield County School District, was named
Educator of the Year at the Aspirations in Computing Competition, a prestigious statewide program recognizing excellence in computing education.
The Educator of the Year award honors a teacher who has made a significant and lasting impact on students through computing and technology education. Garfield County School District is proud to celebrate this achievement and commends Jace Howell for his exceptional contributions to education and student success.
—Garfield County School District
made goods, souvenirs, gifts, candy, and delightful treats. Owned by Heather Gilbert, this shop has been revitalized and remodeled, showcasing shelves filled with an array of fun and unique items.
Conservation is a Priority Due to State's 'Subpar' Snowpack
UTAH - As we head into hotter months, we expect increased demand for water. With the state’s subpar snowpack, which feeds our reservoirs, continued water conservation will remain a top priority for the state. State agencies will continue to monitor conditions and assist communities where needed. The governor issued a drought declaration on April 24, which has now expired.
“The governor’s drought declaration sent a message to us all that water conservation is essential for Utah’s future,” Candice Hasenyager, direc-
Gilbert says that owning a gift shop—her shop in Panguitch is named after her six-year-old daughter, Olivia—has always been a bucket list item for her.
“I am an entrepreneurial thinker and saw this shop
as a great opportunity. I picked this particular location because of the high foot traffic, as well as the ease in acquiring the build-
Laureate Lisa Bickmore, and Kenny Driggs, Helper Festival coordinator. Additionally, art created by Boulder residents aged 55 and over who parMusic in the Park Cont'd on B2 Olivia’s Gifts Cont'd on B3
Members of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) and Sons of Utah Pioneers (SUP), Sevier Chapter, stand in front of the Thurber marker in Bicknell. The DUP hosted a historic “Trek (Tour)” with the SUP, Sevier Chapter, on May 15. The group spent the day visiting historic buildings and sites across Wayne County.
WAYNE CO. - The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) hosted a historic “Trek (Tour)” with the Sons of Utah Pioneers (SUP), Sevier Chapter, to
honor the legacy of early settlers in Wayne County. Dick Brian—SUP Member, Wayne County local, and “Trek Director”— diligently planned and or-
ganized the trek, reaching out to Lauralee Williams, Wayne Company DUP
Courtesy Daughters of Utah Pioneers
Courtesy Jordan Draper
Amid Drought,
Utah is Offering Up to $2 Million in Low-Interest Loans to Help Farmers
UTAH - The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced it has up to $2 million in lowinterest loans available to help farmers who are struggling due to drought.
The department issued a news release on Tuesday, May 20, to raise awareness of the availability of the loans through the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program.
State officials said loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in 17 counties named in an executive order Gov. Spencer Cox issued last month due to drought, including: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne counties.
Eligible farmers can apply for seven-year loans of up to $100,000 each, with two years of no interest and 2.75% interest thereafter, according to the
by Katie McKellar | Utah News Dispatch
department. Applications for the loans will be accepted until Oct. 23.
“Utah’s agricultural producers are on the front lines of drought impacts, facing difficult decisions as water scarcity threatens crops, livestock, and longterm viability,” Commissioner Kelly Pehrson said in a prepared statement.
“We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help,” Pehrson added. “This loan program is just one of the tools we’re using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong.”
As of May 13, almost the entire state of Utah remains “abnormally dry,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Areas in southern Utah including Washington County are in “extreme drought,” while
other rural counties on the southern, eastern and western sides of the state face either severe or moderate drought.
State officials with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food urged farmers to visit the state’s website to learn more about the program and how to apply.
“These funds are only available for agricultural producers to address declared disaster-related losses and cannot be used for any value-added projects,” the website says.
To be eligible, the department says: All losses and expenses submitted for funding must be documented. Loan funds may only be used to cover losses related to the official disaster declared.
• Loan funds may only be used to cover losses not already covered by indemnity, insurance, or other compensation.
• Eligible losses and ex-
Opinion
penses will be further defined in application information provided specific to the declared disaster.
Additionally, state officials encouraged farmers to also contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to explore other available federal drought assistance options.
They also referred farmers to the state’s drought resources website, which provides updates on available financial resources and how to access them.
“We understand the challenges that drought conditions present, and we are committed to providing the necessary resources to help Utahns navigate these difficult times,” the website says. It also encourages all Utahns to “focus on water conservation efforts to help mitigate the impacts of the drought.”
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on May 21, 2025.
Energy Dominance Harms Our Public Lands
I live in Jackson County, in northern Colorado, where hundreds of inactive and abandoned oil wells litter the landscape.
Not only are they an ugly sight, they are also just a few of the estimated 2.6 million unplugged wells across the country that leak methane, benzene and other toxic substances.
The reality is that long after I’m gone, most or all of those wells will remain unplugged. The companies and people who once owned them will have been allowed to walk away from their responsibility to clean up their mess.
Uncapped wells are what happens when the federal government enables the fossil-fuel industry to dominate energy policies, as is happening again now, both in the Interior Department and Congress. The policies emerging would allow companies, including many foreign ones, to profit from public lands and minerals that all Americans own. They would also leave taxpayers holding the bag for cleaning up leaking wells.
These abandoned wells already have consequences for wildlife, air, water and rural people.
Kirk Panasuk, a rancher in Bainville, Montana, said:
“I have personally experienced serious health scares after breathing toxic fumes from oil and gas wells near my property. And I’ve seen too many of my friends and neighbors in this part of the country have their water contaminated or their land destroyed by rushed and reckless industrial projects.”
Republicans and Democrats in previous administrations and Congresses took pains to reform this historically biased federal energy system because of the damage done to rural communities and American taxpayers. Now, the federal government is rolling back those
by Barbara Vasquez | Writers on the Range
reforms.
Recently, the Interior Department announced that “emergency permitting procedures” were necessary when carrying out NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act. Timelines for environmental assessments for fossilfuel projects were changed from one year to fourteen days, without requiring a public comment period. The timeline for more complicated environmental impact statements was cut from two years to twentyeight days, with only a ten-day public comment period.
In May, the House Natural Resources Committee unveiled its piece of the House budget bill, which enables the federal government to expedite oil, gas, coal and mineral development. It gives Americans basically no say on whether those projects should move ahead, while keeping taxpayers from receiving a fair return on the development of publicly owned lands and minerals.
The administration’s justification for expediting permits is that we face “a national energy emergency.” No such emergency
exists. The United States is currently the world’s biggest exporter of liquified natural gas and is producing more oil than any other country on Earth.
Both the House bill— just passed and now before the Senate—and the Interior Department’s policies, ignore the long-standing mandate to manage public lands for multiple uses. Instead, the new policies: Drastically reduce the public’s role in the permitting process. Allow large corporations to pay to evade environmental and judicial review.
• Exempt millions of acres of private lands with federal minerals and thousands of wells on these lands from federal permitting and mitigation requirements.
The House bill would also slash the royalty rate for oil and gas production from 16.67% to 12.5%, depriving state and local governments of funding they depend on for schools, roads and other essential services. An analysis by Resources for the Future found that the proposed lower royalty rates would result in a loss of nearly $5
billion in revenue over the next decade.
The Interior Department’s emergency permitting procedures and the House bill are assaults the federal government has waged on public lands since January. The public has been shoved to the side as oil and gas drillers enjoy their energy dominance throughout our public lands.
Now, it’s up to the Senate to strip out these gifts to the fossil fuel industry, and it’s up to us tell our elected Senate representatives that these policies ignore the wishes of Westerners. We have told pollsters innumerable times that we support conservation, not exploitation of public lands for private interests. What’s happening now is radically wrong.
Barbara Vasquez is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. A retired PhD biomedical researcher and semiconductor engineer, she is board chair of the Western Organization of Resource Councils and a board member of the Western Colorado Alliance.
Letters to the Editor
Send us your letters.
Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider Send letters to snapshot@live.com. Note: The Insider will accept one letter per month per person, plus one additional letter if there is a response from another reader to which you would like to respond.
Thank You to All Who Participated in the John C. Fremont Park Annual Clean Up
A hearty and sincere thank you to our Fremont community members and others who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the annual John C. Fremont Park clean-up. Around thirty hardworking folks, littles included, joined the ranks to fill construction-strength trash bags with pine cones,
leaves, tumbleweeds, hollyhock stocks, branches and litter. The buzzing of lawn trimming tools, leaf blowers and power saws proclaimed the park’s grooming. The clearing of gravel on the tennis/basket-ball/pickle-ball court will enable balls to bounce as intended. Thanks also to Wayne County for graciously providing the dumpster.
We are truly grateful for our beloved park and appreciate the work that went into its creation, and to those who have maintained and continue its stewardship.
Most gratefully, Camp Geyser, Daughters of Utah Pioneers
News from Wayne County
'Charmin Campground'
WAYNE CO. - If you happen to live or were visiting Wayne County over the Memorial Day weekend and were able to make your way onto Highway 24 in less than fifteen minutes, then you should count yourself lucky. For those of us that find ourselves fortunate enough to live here, we didn’t even try. If there was a hamburger or french fry left anywhere in Torrey come Monday, it was on the floor. Fast food was a hot commodity, and word on the street was that the ice cream guys had a line around the block at the farmers' market. Local residents said they have never seen such crowds and traffic, and they were comparing it to horror stories they have heard about southern California or what it is like to find a parking spot at a University of Utah or BYU ball game.
Richard Ekker in his red Toyota would have been terrorized to find himself being herded down the highway at speeds no faster than 35 mph, and if Brian Hansen were still with us, he wouldn’t pay it no mind and would just go on about his business at 30.
It was white knuckle and two Valium if you chose to drive through Capitol Reef National Park. Highway 24 was bumper cars and a parking lot all the way from Chimney Rock to river ford. Our good friends in Hanksville had plenty of traffic themselves, so they just stayed down on the east side of the county and enjoyed each other’s company. Those everyday Hanksvillians know how to handle just such situations, or any situation for that matter; self-sufficiency is a way of life when you live in Hanksville.
It would be nice if there was any way for the town fathers (and mothers) to rein in some of the rowdy ATVers that think the town streets are their personal racetrack. Stop and speed limit signs are not even a suggestion anymore, so much so that some elderly residents keep a garden hose running for
by Adus F. Dorsey
when they hear the sound of those wound-up motors coming six blocks away. Some of the more ingenious use kick balls and various types of kid’s toys placed strategically in the road to get speeders' attentions. Sometimes it works, but mostly they are going too fast to notice. Yelling doesn’t work very well either, as doctors tell old folks to remain calm and not to get their blood pressure up. Then there is the free "Charmin Campground" outside of town that has its own website on the interweb, complete with tours and a comment section. It used to be that, on any given weekend, there might be a dozen or more campers out there. These days, it is every day and all weekends, and it looks like Woodstock 2025, or an Iron Man gathering happening out there. The same sort of thing happened (and is going unchecked) down around Zion. The red flags have been out for years, but we all know how bureaucracy works when it comes to making decisions or getting anything done.
For the most part, all the fields in Wayne County are green and in various states of growth. Sprinklers by the thousands are walking their way back and forth across, with men and women in rubber boots keeping them straight and nudging them along so as to get maximum use of every drop of moisture.
For the most part, the luckiest of the cows in
the county have been either loaded up on the bus with all their kids or were taken on their semiannual, leisurely stroll to the high country digs, where they will remain for the summer. It’s that special time of year when every cowboy (or girl) proudly wears spurs around town and eats bologna sandwiches and drinks warm Mountain Dew that has been stored in their saddlebags. Wayne County horses seem happier this time of year, too. It is their turn to get back in shape and go back to work. They see an open horse trailer, and they jump right in because they know there is adventure waiting for them when that door opens back up. Give them a little hay, and they are on their way.
As for Wayne County school days, those are in the rear-view mirror. The yellow Wayne County school buses are vacant and silent lined up in a neat row in front of Wayne High. The Wayne High class of 2025, with diplomas and scholarships in hand, are ready to embrace what tomorrow has to offer. Soon, they will be removing their Taylor Swift and George Strait posters from their bedroom walls and packing up items that will remind them of home and be off to dorm rooms and crowded classrooms at colleges, universities and trade schools across the country to become leaders and professionals of tomorrow. Class of 2025, go be the best you can be. Congratulations.
Letters to the Editor
Send us your letters.
Your thoughts, opinions, and notes to the community are important to us and we welcome your submissions of 500 words or less. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name and location (town). We may edit letters for length, format and clarity, and we also reserve the right to refuse material. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily those of The Insider Send letters to snapshot@live.com. Note: The Insider will accept one letter per month per person, plus one additional letter if there is a response from another reader to which you would like to respond.
One Big Beautiful Bill is a Trojan Horse
The House of Representatives has passed Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While much attention has been paid to the cuts in Medicaid, Food Start and Pell grants for students, little has been said about what else the legislation will do if the Senate passes it. If this bill becomes law Trump (or any other president) can delay or cancel elections. Trump (or any other president) can ignore Supreme Court rulings for a year or more. Trump (or any other president) can fire government employees for what he or she considers “political disloyalty.” Your internet
records can be tracked and you can be investigated for anything you post to social media. If you are a participant in a public protest, you can be arrested. Buried in the bill is a cut in funding for loans for people who choose to serve our communities as physicians. The House bill cuts loans, which four out of five medical school students rely on for their educations. Projections already show the country will face a shortage of at least 40,000 family medicine doctors within the next decade. Why make it even more serious?
The House did not hold any public hearings
on this bill, It was passed in a session that was called to order at 1:00 a.m. so there would be little public attention. This is an 1100 page bill that has been put together in secret meetings. The final text was stuck into the bill just minutes before it was introduced. Most members of the House did not have access to it until it was put to a vote. This is not the way our federal government should work. Finally cutting taxes on the top one percent of Americans does nothing to Make America Great Again.
Bob Hartman, Escalante
As for Wayne County school days, those are in the rear-view mirror. The yellow Wayne County school buses are vacant and silent lined up in a neat row in front of Wayne High.
Adus F. Dorsey II
Wills, Trusts, and More
Drafting Your Own Will and Trust
In this article I would like to talk a little about doing your own estate planning.
When people ask me if they can do their own estate planning, my simple answer is “yes.” There are many wills probated that were prepared by the decedent without professional assistance. Many of these wills are submitted to the court, and the estate is administered without problem.
Additionally, there are many trusts prepared without professional assistance. Although the degree of error is often higher with the use of a trust, these can also be prepared and administered without professional assistance and without problems. However, there is also a large portion of these documents (both wills and trusts prepared without professional assistance) that do have problems. Often, when there are
by Jeffery J. McKenna
problems, the problems are significant. I like to compare estate planning to having a baby. Can someone deliver a baby without a trained and experienced professional? The answer is yes. It was done that way for hundreds and thousands of years. However, is there less likelihood of having serious problems if someone with more training and experience is involved in the process? Again, I believe most would agree that the answer is yes.
Like most undertakings, the more training and experience one has planning an estate the greater likelihood that serious complications can be avoided.
In deciding whether to do your own estate planning without professional assistance, I believe the
question to be asked is how much time are you willing to devote to understanding the process and how much risk are you comfortable taking regarding the disposition of your estate.
In writing this article as a professional involved in estate planning, it is not my desire to “create” work for estate planners. Improper estate planning resulting in complications generates much more work and legal fees than proper estate planning and a subsequent, smooth estate administration.
It may be that estate planning can be compared to preventive mechanics. You can pay for the tune ups and oil changes now or you can pay more for the repairs later. However, a significant difference is that it is not you but rather your heirs that pay.
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
tHe lAuGhiNg
Traffic Stop
A man is driving along when a policeman pulls him over.
"Licence and registration, please, sir," says the policeman.
"Don't have a licence," he replies. "The court took it off me for my last drinkdriving rap."
"Right. How 'bout that registration?"
"Well, no, cause this ain't my car. In fact, I stole it. Had to shoot the woman who owned it, too, before she'd let go of the keys. Gotta be straight with ya, she's in the trunk —I'm just on my way to bury her. The gun's here in the glove compartment if you want a look."
The policeman, who's not very experienced, steps back sharpish and gets on the radio for back-up. A few minutes later, another policeman shows up.
"Stand back, son, I'll handle this," he says. "Licence and registration please, sir."
The driver hands him both.
"Okay, now, sir, you mind if I take a look in the trunk?"
"Be my guest."
He looks; there's nothing in there but a jack and a spare wheel.
"I hear tell there's a gun in your glove compartment."
"Don't think so, officer—you take a look, I'll keep my hands on the wheel."
There's nothing in there but a few slightly furry mints.
"Well, sir," says the second policeman. "I declare, I'm confused. My colleague here was quite sure—you got no licence and no registration, and you got a gun in your car and a dead woman in your trunk."
"And I'll bet he told ya I was speeding, too, didn't he?"
PUNishment
A string walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey, you can’t be in here; we don’t serve your kind.”
The strings leaves the bar, ties himself into a knot, frays his ends, and returns inside.
The bartender looks at the string shocked and says, “Hey, aren’t you that string I just told to leave.”
The string looks at him and says,”No, I’m a frayed knot."
THEME: Father's Day
ACROSS
1. Home to Taj Mahal
5. Centum weight, acr.
8. Psychedelic drug, acr.
11. Elephant trainer's poker
12. *Ned Stark's youngest daughter
13. Draw out a conclusion
15. Parks of Civil Rights fame
16. Toothy wheel
17. Birth-related
18. *Pinocchio's father
20. Fortune-telling coffee remnant
21. Religious doctrine
22. D.C. mover and shaker, abbr.
23. Assembled
26. Raidable hotel room amenity
30. Evergreen creeper
31. "Fasten" a shoe (2 words)
34. Nay, to a baby
35. Dryer accumulation, pl.
37. Expose to moisture
38. White heron
39. Sodium hydroxide
40. Same as battle-ax
42. UN labor grp.
43. Like localized disease
45. Crab's grabber
47. Catcher in the what?
48. Food-borne bacteria
50. Begone!
52. *"Fathers and Sons" author 55. Not expensive 56. Medicinal plant 57. Joie de vivre 59. Batu Khan's posse 60. *Fils' father
9
Before, poetically
Big Bang's original matter
Financing acronym
Hot rum drink
*Official flower of Father's Day
Adjusts
Minotaur's island
Weddings
Brown- Johnson
Kylee Brown, daughter of Craig Brown and Monica Brown, and Celtin Johnson, son of Dr. Scott Andersen and Tina Andersen, are excited to announce their wedding, and they would like to invite their family and friends to join them in celebrating this special occasion.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Rim Rock Patio
2523 E. Hwy 24, Torrey, UT
Come share in an evening of love, laughter, and joyful memories. Venmo @Celtintjohnson13
Where does the time go? It's June already, so I guess it is time for some weddings. Also, it is time for our historical Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival. It is always on the second weekend of June. It starts off with the Chocolate Fest at the middle school, and all of the money goes to the Sub for Santa fund. It is a big event for all of the quilters that are in town for the quilting classes. This is a call to all of the great candy makers in town. There also is a silent auction, so bring in some items that can be sold. Quilting items are always welcome and are hot selling items.
The Panguitch Quilt Walk play runs starting on Thursday and goes till Saturday. There will be a dress rehearsal this Saturday evening, and it will start at 7:00. This play is part of the history of early Panguitch. The quilting classes will start on Thursday and go also to early
FYI PanguItch
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
Saturday. There will be a lot of quilts on display in the high school gym. Saturday the 14th will be the morning of the famous Lions Club breakfast at Zions bank, and it will start at 7:30. It will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, bacon, scramble eggs, and beverages. This is all for the low price of $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 5-11, and free for those 5 years and younger. The Lions Club is always looking for new members, so come and join in the fun. Bring your singing voice because there will be karaoke singing for entertainment.
On June 27 to 29, it will be our annual Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally, and it will double the size of folks that live here. Many people come to see the balloon glow on Saturday night, so, hopefully, there won’t be any wind. There also will be a Lions Club breakfast on Saturday
morning at Zions Bank. Last Saturday, we went up to the lake and had dinner at the Burger Barn. It is owned by Ashlee Milby. It was really crowded, and the food was good. It is a good place to relax and have a good meal. They also have prime rib on Friday nights that I have heard is very good. We have another beautiful mural on the Purple Sage Motel. It is of the tunnel at Red Canyon. The new owners of the Purple Sage Motel are doing a lot to fix it up. The Stage Coach is also interesting. This is a story that I heard on one of our tours about June weddings. When the Catholic Church moved away from Rome, the people tried to do away with many of the customs from of that city. One was the Roman Baths that the people spent a lot of time in. They decided that one bath a year was enough, and they chose June as that
month. That was when they had their marriages, when people didn’t smell so bad. The weather people think that we might have had some rain last Monday to Wednesday, and, hopefully, we did. If you still don’t believe in global warming, just look up north in Canada. They have one hundred and forty-three forest fires burning, and this is only June. Just like last year, they didn’t get any rain, and all of their beautiful forests are being burned out. After twelve or thirteen years of reporting on Panguitch High School sports, next year Jaynie Connor is taking over. It is not that I can’t do it anymore, Jaynie is really a better writer than I am. If you are having a reunion or some kind of date that you would like me to put in the paper, please let me know.
Mack O
Utah Receives $3 Million for Forest Legacy Project in Washington County
SALT LAKE CITY -
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $3 million in its latest round of funding for a Forest Legacy project in Washington County. The project is called the Zion Connectivity Project due to its close proximity to Zion National Park and other surrounding protected lands.
Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands will use the awarded funding to purchase conservation easements on two properties. The conservation easements will preserve the forested properties from potential fragmentation or development while allowing the landowners to continue utilizing the land as working forest land.
“The strategic location of this project, combined with the presence of California condors, garnered incredible support from Zion National Park,
elected officials, neighboring landowners, and other organizations. Thanks to the efforts of these private landowners and The Conservation Fund, protecting this important forested area was recognized as a priority to the national program,” said Natalie Conlin, the Forest Legacy Program Manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
The Zion Connectivity Project consists of two tracts of land that total seven hundred and sixtysix acres, located between two other Forest Legacy projects (Zion Overlook and Viewtop) and the La Verkin and Taylor Creek BLM Wilderness Area. The Zion Connectivity Project, paired with these other protected lands, will form a 1,752-acre link of protected lands along the northern boundary of Zion National Park.
The project contains
numerous springs and four miles of streams, including a half mile segment of the La Verkin Creek, a tributary to the Virgin River, which was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2009. The creek directly benefits six native species of fish including the federally endangered Virgin River chub and Woundfin, and state listed Virgin spinedace and flannelmouth sucker. As a part of the Upper Virgin watershed, wildlife will continue to have access to these stream flows and ponds as they migrate up from lower desert elevations.
Both tracts of land play an important role in the area's wildlife habitat.
The project site connects adjacent big game migration corridors and provides summer range for deer and elk as well as year-long habitat for black bear and dusky grouse. The area is also a critical habitat for
both California condors and Mexican spotted owls, both of which are endangered species. The project also contains old-growth ponderosa pines unique to this area. These centuries-old ponderosas provide food sources and nesting cover for wildlife and are resistant to wildfire.
Canyoneering access through Bear Canyon creates a connection with the La Verkin Creek trail, which links the BLM La Verkin Creek Wilderness Area to Zion National Park. Without this route through the project, the BLM Wilderness Area can only be accessed via a fifteen-mile hike. The adjacent Forest Legacy properties (Zion Outlook and Viewtop) were funded in 2007. —Utah Department of Natural Resources | Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands
Fire Restrictions:
Fire managers have reported an increase in wildfire activity, which is anticipated to peak as the weather continues to get hotter and drier in the coming months. Fire restrictions help to limit activities on public lands that are known to be the most common causes of wildfires.
Fire Restrictions
Cont'd from A1
tion on fire restrictions in those jurisdictions. Please contact your local fire department or fire warden for specific private land fire restrictions.
Please be aware that fire restrictions will be slightly different among agencies and these restrictions do not apply to incorporated cities and towns. Please check the specific fire restrictions with the respective land management agency before visiting.
Fire managers have reported an increase in wildfire activity, which is anticipated to peak as the weather continues to get hotter and drier in the coming months. Fire restrictions help to limit activities on public lands that are known to be the most common causes of wildfires.
As of Sunday, June 1, at 12:01 a.m. these activities are prohibited:
• No campfires or open fires outside of agency improved and maintained campgrounds and homesites in southwest Utah. Running water is required on cabins or homesites on
unincorporated private land. Devices fueled by liquid petroleum are allowed.
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site.
• No discharging of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices outside of incorporated city limits or on public lands (cityspecific restrictions may apply). Fireworks are always prohibited on all federal lands.
• No shooting of exploding targets or tracer ammunition. No cutting, grinding, or welding of metal in areas of dry vegetation. This includes acetylene torches.
No use of equipment without a working and properly maintained spark arrestor (if required).
No smoking near vegetation or outside of a developed recreation site, personal vehicle, or building.
No open fires of any kind are allowed in Zion National Park’s Watchman Campground (Stage 2 Fire Restric-
tions).
• Campfires are allowed in improved and maintained campgrounds at Lava Point in Zion National Park.
• Campfires are allowed at Glen Canyon in established campgrounds within established rings or below the high-water mark, only in areas completely void of vegetation.
Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited year-round on federally managed lands.
Fire conditions, as well as localized closures and restrictions, are subject to change. Tribal, federal, state, and local mandates are different; they may have some differences in their restriction notices. Variations are possible, and visitors should check with the most local office for area-specific restrictions and regulations.
Violation of restrictions is punishable by fine, imprisonment or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of fire suppression costs.
To further help to prevent wildfires, never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle window. Use an ashtray instead. Never park a ve-
Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Could End EV Tax Credits for Utahns
by Alex Gonzalez | Utah News Connection might slow the acceleration of the adoption of the electric vehicle but it's certainly not going to reverse the trend."
UTAH - Utah is embracing electric vehicles but President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" could eliminate a $7,500 EV tax credit which helps buyers afford them.
Trump previously pledged to undo what he called the "electric vehicle mandate," referencing the Biden-era goal for half of new vehicle sales in the U.S. to be electric by 2030.
John Higham, board member of the Electric Vehicle Association, said the administration's approach may slow the growth of the EV industry.
"It's not going to kill the electric vehicle," Higham stressed. "It
Data from the U.S. Department of Energy showed about 40,000 EVs are on Utah roads. All EV owners in the state must pay an annual registration fee of about $140. The U.S. House passed the massive budget bill last week, moving it to the Senate for consideration.
House lawmakers have proposed legislation to extend the tax credit until the end of the year. Analysts said Tesla, the largest EV automaker, owned by Trump adviser Elon Musk, would be affected the most by the loss of the tax cred-
Water Conditions:
it. Higham projected the proposal to repeal the tax credit could break down party lines.
"That economic engine that is in those red districts, where there's new battery manufacturing put in, new automotive manufacturing put in," Higham pointed out. "Those are the voters that are going to feel it the most, are in those red districts."
According to the Argonne National Laboratory, consumers can save more than $6,000 in lifetime repair and maintenance costs from an EV compared to a gas-fueled vehicle. It is estimated the federal government spent about $2 billion on EV tax credit payments in 2024.
The governor’s drought declaration sent a message to us all that water conservation is essential for Utah’s future. Rising temperatures and increased demand will be a cause for concern this summer. Our reservoirs will get us through this year, but another year like this will stress our water supply.
—Candice Hasenyager, director
at the Utah Division of Water Resources Water Conditions
Cont'd from A1
tor at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “Rising temperatures and increased demand will be a cause for concern this summer. Our reservoirs will get us through this year, but another year like this will stress our water supply.”
While reservoir storage remains generally healthy statewide, the impact of a subpar water year, particularly in the southern regions, is becoming increasingly apparent. The southern part of the state continues to experience below-normal stream flows. The Virgin River has been flowing much below normal since
January. The Sevier River reached an all-time low flow in May.
Due to low water levels, the Utah Division of Wildlife recently issued an emergency change to increase the fishing limit at Crouse Reservoir.
Great Salt Lake has seen a modest increase of about 1.5 feet since its seasonal low in November, However, the rate of increase has slowed, and it appears the lake is currently leveling off.
“Let’s be mindful of how we use water,” Hasenyager said. “Most of our water use happens outdoors, start there. SlowtheFlow.org has incentives for drought-resilient landscapes, which can save water and money.”
hicle over dry grass as the underside of a vehicle can get hot enough to ignite the vegetation. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, tires are well inflated, and check for any dragging metal or chains from towed trailers.
Local, state, and federal fire officials urge the public to use their "Fire Sense" to help prevent unwanted wildfires. "Fire Sense" is an interagency fire awareness campaign that was implemented in 2021 to increase public knowledge on how to prevent wildland fires. For more information on preventing unwanted human caused wildfires, agencyspecific restrictions, and reference maps, visit Utah Fire Sense, Utah Fire Info and Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information, or follow us on Twitter, @UtahWildfire. For information on wildland fire activity, go to Inciweb.
For alerts and fire restriction information on the Dixie National Forest, visit the forest's alert webpage. —Bureau of Land Management
Utah Valley Home Builders Association Builds More Than Homes— It Builds Community
PROVO - With deep roots in Utah Valley, the Utah Valley Home Builders Association (UVHBA) is committed to more than building exceptional homes—it’s committed to building a stronger community. From hands-on student mentorships to charitable drives and scholarship programs, UVHBA continues to prove that giving back is at the heart of everything they do.
"From the beginning, UVHBA has been a pivotal force in my career,” said Paul Ashby of Ezra Lee Design + Build, a long-time member. “They awarded me a scholarship when I was just starting out. I remember attending that luncheon and realizing this was a group that truly cared, not just about the industry, but about people. I knew then I wanted to be part of it. That was over fifteen years ago, and the UVHBA’s dedication to giving back hasn’t changed—it’s only grown."
UVHBA’s philanthropic footprint extends well beyond the Parade of Homes, happening this year from June 5-21. Every year, they host impactful initiatives like Subcontractor for Santa, a charitable holiday
program that provides home repairs and upgrades to families in need, and the Can Build Food Drive, which collects food and donations for local food banks. The association has also played a leading role in constructing Habitat for Humanity homes, contributing countless hours of donated labor and resources to provide shelter for those who need it most.
“We recognize the many needs in our community, and we believe it's our responsibility to help meet them,” said Amber Hutchings, director of events at UVHBA. “Our members don’t just build homes— they build hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for individuals and families across Utah Valley.” Through a combination of mentorship, service, and advocacy, the Utah Valley Home Builders Association continues to lead by example—investing not only in the places we live, but in the people who call them home. For more information about UVHBA’s community service initiatives or to get involved, visit uvhba.com.
—Utah Valley Home Builders Association
Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital Introduces Robotic Assisted Technology as Another Option for Total Knee Replacement Surgeries
ST. GEORGE - Intermountain Health is innovating orthopedic surgery in southern Utah, adding robotic assisted knee replacement surgeries, where computer data is tailored to each patient’s anatomy before the surgery.
This cutting-edge robotic assisted technology gives surgeons and patients another option for orthopedic surgeries.
Intermountain Health's Southwest Orthopedics - Sports Medicine clinic in St. George, Utah, is the first in the region to offer VELYS™ RoboticAssisted Surgery for total knee replacements.
This new advanced surgery, introduced in St. George November 2024, enables a more personalized, precise, and efficient knee replacement experience.
Robert Jamieson, MD and Darin K. Allred, MD, both orthopedic surgeons, were the first to use it to complete more than 500 total replacements a year and more than 250 robotic
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 drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor watersaving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
assisted knee replacements to date.
“The key to this technology is it enhances the preparation and accuracy while also better customizing the care for each patient,” said Dr. Jamieson. "It allows us to really know the end from the beginning."
St. George resident, Jay Sessions, recently had the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Surgery for his knee in January 2025 and called the experience "pure joy."
Before the surgery, Sessions said his mobility was limited to the point where he would fall over, but since his procedure, he's felt no pain.
“Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty offers several significant benefits for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery," said Dr. Allred. “This advanced technology allows for enhanced precision during the procedure, enabling surgeons to plan and execute the operation with greater accuracy.”
The robot can iden-
tify minute differences in the patient’s knee and then assist the surgeons in aligning the implants more precisely to a patient’s unique anatomy, which can improve joint function and increase the longevity of the implant.
“Additionally, robotic assistance can result in smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue damage, and less post-operative pain,” said Dr. Allred. “These advantages often lead to quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and better overall outcomes for patients.”
While the technology is a welcome addition to the orthopedic program, there are still surgeries being done with traditional means and those are discussed on a case-by-case scenario between the patient and the physicians.
Learn more about orthopedic needs and find providers at intermountainhealth.org.
—Intermountain Health
Schools and Sports
Utah Shakespeare Festival and Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games Come Together to Celebrate
CEDAR CITY - The Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF) and the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games (USG) are excited to announce a new collaboration for 2025. Both organizations, hosted on the campus of Southern Utah University (SUU) in Cedar City, are popular destinations for theatre and sports enthusiasts from the state and region. This year USF and USG are strategically working together to enhance the experience of both groups’ guests and participants.
“The Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Summer Games were both created by visionaries: Fred C. Adams and Gerald R. Sherratt,” said USF Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “Their vision was always about bringing people together in a communal celebration of art and sport. How wonderfully poetic that their vision is being strengthened through this collaboration.”
USG is excited to invite Festival patrons to visit Cedar City for its opening ceremony on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. at the SUU Eccles Coliseum. It will feature music from Neon Circus (a Brooks and Dunn tribute band), the largest fireworks display in USG history, and more. For additional information or
The Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF) and the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games (USG) are excited to announce a new collaboration for 2025. Both organizations, hosted on the campus of Southern Utah University (SUU) in Cedar City, are popular destinations for theatre and sports enthusiasts from the state and region.
to purchase tickets, visit The Utah Summer Games Website.
The Shakespeare Festival is pleased to invite USG participants and their families to experience its award-winning live theatre with the “Utah Summer Games Night at the Festival” on Thursday, June 26, with two free tickets and up to four half-price tickets to that night’s performance of Macbeth at 8 p.m. in the
outdoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre. Athletes can reserve their tickets by calling 800-PLAYTIX. USG Athletes must have proof of USG registration when picking up their tickets.
“It is an honor to collaborate with the Utah Shakespeare Festival. This initiative invites our athletes to enjoy the Tony Award-winning programming of the Festival,”
said Jon Oglesby, Executive Director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games. “We are grateful to our campus colleagues Michael Bahr, John DiAntonio, and members of their teams for creating a special experience to merge art
and sport in a unique way.” USG participants are invited to also attend
The Greenshow––a free, 30-minute family-friendly USF pre-show––which plays each evening Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. on the outdoor
Greenshow stage. The theme for “Utah Summer Games Night at the Festival,” will be Scottish Highland Games, a perfect complement to the USG athletic experience.
To experience even more USF, USG athletes and their families can return and get additional tickets throughout the season; from June 26 through August 23 enjoy 10% off, or a special 50% discount from August 25 through October 3 (excluding closing performances). Please visit the Shakespeare Festival Website for more information.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 64th season runs June 16 through October 4, 2025, and includes Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra, and As You Like It, along with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Oscar Wilde’s popular satire The Importance of Being Earnest, the touching and hilarious Steel Magnolias, and the WWII love story Dear Jack, Dear Louise —Southern Utah University
Snow College Announces Five New Members to Board of Trustees
EPHRAIM - Snow College is pleased to announce that five new members have been appointed to the Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. The five new members are expected to serve a four-year term, with the option to renew for an additional four years.
• Gail Albrecht serves as the assistant superintendent of the Sevier School District. Albrecht holds degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.
• Michael Barton is the founder and owner of IFOUR Media, located in Ephraim, Utah. Barton graduated from Snow College before transferring to Southern Utah University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.
Rusty Bastian is the president of Redmond Minerals in Redmond, Utah. A Snow College alum, Bastian also holds degrees from Utah State University, Des Moines University, and the University of Utah.
Kimberly Dalene Moss teaches third grade in the Alpine School District. Dalene is a Snow College graduate and also holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Utah Valley University.
• Clinton Painter works as a controller at AZOMITE Mineral Products in Nephi, Utah, where he also serves as a county commissioner. Painter earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Southern Utah University.
President Stacee Yardley McIff is enthusiastic about the new group of trustees. She said, “I am thrilled to welcome our newest board members and look forward to the expertise and energy they will bring. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue working toward our mission fulfillment and shaping the future of Snow College.“
The five new board members will replace outgoing members Rick Robinson, Karen Soper, Randy
Cox, Heather Groom, and Jeff Kahn. McIff expressed her admirations and appreciation for each of them, saying, “It has been an honor and a privilege to work with these board members. I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and service.”
About Snow College Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, Utah. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free, gain resumeworthy experience, and develop a plan for the future. The affordable price and personalized environment full of opportunities allow students who find Snow College to find themselves. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.
—Snow College
Courtesy Southern Utah University
Out and About for the Summer
2025 Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival
ESCALANTE - The Paiute Youth Dancers perform on Saturday, May 31, at the Escalante City Park for the 2025 Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival. The Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival—formerly Escalante Wild Potato Days—took place on May 30 and 31. Over the two days, attendees enjoyed a jampacked schedule of events, including a horse parade, Navajo and Paiute performers, children's crafts, vendors in the park, workshops, talks, demonstrations, live music, and a Potato Cook-off. According to event organizers, "[the Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival] has taken a new direction this year, with Escalante's heritage being the primary focus."
—Insider
Music in the Park: Be sure to mark your calendars for these incredible events, and join us for this summer’s amazing Music in the Park series in Boulder.
On Saturday, June 7th, Boulder Arts Council will kick off the first Music in the Park event with Innastate (above), an Indigenous reggae band from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
ticipated in the Creative Aging Project “By Hand,” which featured three handbuilt clay classes taught by Suzanne Conine, will be displayed from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Other arts vendors will showcase their work for sale at Music in the Park from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Karen DeBonis of Boulder Bread will also have her pizza wagon at the park that evening. Bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes to Boulder on Saturday, June 7th. The next Music in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, featuring the Salt Lake City
country band “Triggers and Slips.” The final Music in the Park event of the season will take place on Friday, August 15th, with the Las Vegas band “Paige and the Overtones.” Be sure to mark your calendars for these incredible events, and join us for this summer’s amazing Music in the Park series in Boulder.
Boulder Arts Council events are supported by Utah Arts and Museums and Utah Humanities through funding by the Utah Legislature, Creative West grants funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, and our generous local donors.
—Boulder Arts Council
Nearly 11K Boats Inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species During Memorial Day Wknd.
SALT LAKE CITYMemorial Day weekend often kicks off the summer boating season, and over that weekend, Utah Department of Natural Resources officers, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources technicians and other agency staff were hard at work inspecting and decontaminating watercraft. The main goal of this effort was to prevent quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species—including Eurasian watermilfoil— from Lake Powell and from infested reservoirs outside the state from spreading to other waterbodies in Utah.
Statewide, aquatic invasive species technicians with the DWR, Utah State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Park Service, as well as DNR natural resources officers, inspected 10,988 boats and performed 141 decontaminations from Friday to Monday. Of those total numbers, 1,829 of the boat inspections and 63 of the decontaminations took place at inspection stations in the Lake Powell area.
Statewide, DNR officers detected 113 violations of Utah laws established to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. The majority of the violations this year were due to:
Boaters failing to take the mandatory mussel-aware boater program course and not paying the associated aquatic invasive species fee for motorized boats
• Boaters failing to remove drain plugs while transporting their watercraft
“We opened a new aquatic invasive species mandatory inspection station in Kanab, and unfortunately, we had some boaters drive past it over the holiday weekend,” Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Aquatic Invasive Species Statewide Operations Lt. Bruce Johnson said. “Even watercraft that have been inspected at Lake Powell are required to stop at operating mandatory inspection stations to verify their inspection. We want to thank all the boaters for their support and cooperation with our aquatic invasive species staff—we really appreciate those who take the time to be aware and prepared before hitting the water.”
There are over forty inspection stations located at various waterbody boat ramps, along highways and at Port of Entry stations throughout Utah. The DWR and its partners have also installed five dip tanks
across the state that more efficiently and effectively decontaminate complex boats. The dip tanks are all free to use and are typically close to either the entrance of a state park or near a boat ramp. Dip tanks have been installed at the following locations around Utah: Lake Powell - Stateline Launch Ramp at Wahweap Marina (May 2021) Utah Lake State Park (May 2023) Sand Hollow State Park (October 2023)
• Lake Powell - Bullfrog Marina (May 2024) Willard Bay State Park (May 2024)
Negative impacts of quagga mussels
• They plug water lines, even lines that are large in diameter.
• If they get into water delivery systems, it will cost millions of dollars annually to remove them and keep the pipes free, which can result in higher utility bills.
• They remove plankton from the water, which hurts fish species.
• Mussels get into your boat's engine cooling system. Once they do, they'll foul the system and damage the engine.
• When mussels die in large numbers, they stink and the sharp shells of dead mussels also cut your feet as you walk along the beaches. Negative impacts of Eurasian watermilfoil
This invasive plant is negative for aquatic ecosystems because it spreads quickly and grows in thick mats. Its density blocks out sunlight, and it outcompetes native plants, negatively impacting fish and other native aquatic species. Transporting even one piece of milfoil to another waterbody can start a new population of the plant in that waterbody.
• Eurasian watermilfoil (also called milfoil) can clog irrigation pipes.
• It also can tangle around boat propellers and cause damage.
• Removing milfoil from a waterbody once it's found there is extremely expensive.
Visit the STD of the Sea website for a list of all the decontamination stations around the state and for further information regarding requirements for boaters and others using nonmotorized watercraft.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Courtesy Boulder Arts Council
Emily Leach Insider
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF UTAH, GARFIELD COUNTY 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, Telephone: (435) 676-1104; Facsimile: (435) 676-8239. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH COELHO MELLO JR., deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 253600008, Assigned: JUDGE VAN DYKE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ESTELA and REDSTAR MELLO were appointed as Personal Representatives of the estate of JOSEPH COELHO MELLO JR. and creditors of the estate are given notice to present their claims to BARRY L. HUNTINGTON, attorney for the estate, P.O. Box 388, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah 84759, within 3 months after the first publication of this notice or be forever barred. DATED this 19th day of May, 2025. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 22 & 29 and JUNE 5 & 12, 2025 NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE FIDUCIARY REPRESENTATION AND QUIET TITLE WORK CANNONVILLE TOWN
The TOWN OF CANNONVILLE is seeking proposals from licensed attorneys to provide the municipality fiduciary representation and quiet title work beginning July 1, 2025. All proposals must be turned in to the Mayor, TOWN OF CANNONVILLE 25 South Red Rock Drive Cannonville, UT 84718 no later than June 15, 2025, or mayor@cannonville.gov.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 29 and JUNE 5 & 12, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TORREY TOWN
Torrey Town will hold a public hearing on June 12th, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Torrey Town Hall, 75 E 100 N, Torrey, Utah.
Torrey Town will hold a public hearing to consider a proposal to vacate Juniper Drive in Torrey.
The classification of Juniper Drive as a private road went undiscovered through its annexation and updating of the mileage map. Juniper Drive, prior to the 2015 annexation was a private road as subsequently confirmed by UDOT.
Torrey Town has chosen to vacate Juniper Drive and discontinue receiving the .0185 tenths of a mile class C funding for dirt/gravel road.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 15, 22 & 29 and JUNE 5, 2025
TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET HEARING
BRYCE CANYON CITY
June 5th, 2025
5:00 P.M
70 West 100 North
Notice is hereby given that the Bryce Canyon City Council will hold a public hearing on the 5th day of June 2025 at the hour of 5:00 P.M at the offices of the City located at 70 West 100 North to accept public comment on amending the 2024-2025 budget and the proposed 20252026 budget.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING
I, The duly appointed and acting clerk for Bryce Canyon City, Hereby certify that copies of the foregoing notice were posted at the following places within the municipality this 27th day of May, 2025
1. Bryce Canyon Public Safety Building
2. Bryce Canyon City Post Office
3. Utah Public Notice Web site
Sydney J. Syrett-Lamas, Bryce Canyon City Clerk
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 5, 2025
NOTICE TO WATER USERS
The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Jul. 2, 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)
61-1939 (a53156): South Fork of the Sevier River Water Users Assoc., State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 1.092 ac-ft. from groundwater (11 miles north of Panguitch) for STOCKWATERING.
WAYNE COUNTY
NEW APPLICATION(S)
95-5570 (A84680): Kelly Taylor propose(s) using 1.73 ac-ft. from groundwater (11 miles W of Hanksville) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 5 & 12, 2025
Olivia’s Gifts: We have enjoyed getting to know the community members so far and are grateful for their support.
—Heather Gilbert, owner of Olivia’s Gifts
from A1
ing as it was owned by a family member,” said Gilbert.
It took them around two and a half months to convert the shop into its current look. “It was fast and furious and I am still ironing out some of the last-minute details,” said Gilbert.
They are now open daily for business. The store showcases an extensive selection of products, from delightful sweets to charming gifts, home decor, and souvenir t-shirts. One section is dedicated to a nostalgic candy shop where customers can fill a bag with their favorite candies and pay by the weight. In addition, they offer specialty sodas, caramel popcorn, fudge, and other distinctive treats. The gift area features a diverse array of products to choose from.
Olivia’s Gifts espe-
cially likes to feature their “Utah Made” products. They carry candy from Startup Candy Company, which is one of the oldest candy companies in Utah.
“We also carry soap from Robinson farms out of Monroe, Utah. They come in a variety of scents and feature such fun designs, such as pigs in the mud, southwest cactus, and even a soap made especially for Panguitch called "Pine-guitch" that is pine scented,” said Gilbert.
They also offer a diverse selection of handstitched baby clothes and quilted items crafted by artisans from Tropic and artwork painted by local artists. Their collection also features handmade cutting boards from Hess Woodworks in Monroe, and just in time for Father's Day, they have special beard kits created by Barber Beauty Company from Richfield.
As the shop continues to grow and the summer season approaches,
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
HEARING AND ADOPTION
TORREY TOWN
Torrey Town will hold a public hearing for the 20252026 fiscal year budget on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The meeting time is 6:30pm at the Torrey Town Pavilion, 75 East 100 North.
The hearing is for the purpose of accepting comments on the budget for 2025-2026 prior to adoption at the Town Council meeting.
The Town Council meeting will follow immediately after.
A copy of the tentative budget is available for review at the Town office located at 75 East 100 North, Torrey, Utah, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
It can also be viewed on the Torrey Website. www. torreyutah.gov. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on JUNE 5 & 12, 2025
Gilbert looks forward to expanding their collection and welcoming even more visitors.
“We have enjoyed getting to know the community members so far and
are grateful for their support,” said Gilbert.
Olivia’s Gifts is open Monday from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jaynie Connor
Olivia’s Gifts—located at 85 North Main Street in Panguitch—is now open for business and brimming with homemade goods, souvenirs, gifts, candy, and delightful treats.
Olivia’s Gifts Cont'd
Jaynie Connor
Olivia’s Gifts—located at 85 North Main Street in Panguitch—is now open for business.
Trekkers: The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) hosted a historic “Trek (Tour)” with the Sons of Utah Pioneers (SUP), Sevier Chapter, to honor the legacy of early settlers in Wayne County.
(From L to R) Dale Albrecht, Randy Farmer, Dick Brian, Pat Brian and Jessie Pace in front of the Torrey Log School and Church located in Torrey. The Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) hosted a historic “Trek (Tour)” with the Sons of Utah Pioneers (SUP), Sevier Chapter, on May 15. The group spent the day visiting historic buildings and sites across Wayne County.
president, to determine the route and docent information for each historic building/site.
Randy Farmer, president of the chapter, along with about fifteen participants made the trip “over the mountain” to meet at the historic Rock Church in Fremont on Thursday, May 15th. After greetings and introductions, Steve Taylor, local historian, presented early history of Fremont, home to the first settlers in Rabbit Valley. He noted that the Rock Church was completed in 1907 and seemed the perfect venue to begin the tour. He talked about other DUP monuments located in the Fremont Park that record significant local history. These include a marker paying homage to “John C. Fremont,” famed explorer; “The First Sawmill” operated by William Wilson Morrell, his son, Silas, and Daniel G. Brian; the “First Public Building in Wayne County,” which was built by William Taylor and William Wilson Morrell; and the newly dedicated “Fremont School Bell” marker.
Sam Ware, a member of the group, then told the story of how his late wife had acquired a book about W. W. Morrell some eight years before. Ware brought the book with him, knowing that Morrell had been an integral part of Wayne County history. He presented the rare find to Steve Taylor.
Trekkers then hopped into their vehicles and made their way to Allred Point, another marker erected by Camp Geyser. The plaque there documents the story of the first settlers in Rabbit Valley—the Andrew Jackson Allred family, William W. Morrel and son, Silas, and William and Henry Maxfield. The Allred family established log cabins, a trading post, a store and post office there. The plaque also tells of the first Burr Grist Mill that was erected a mile south, and also mentions the only remaining grave of
the first Fremont cemetery, that of little Silas W. Morrell, located at the top of the nearby hill.
The party continued on with brief stops to view the Burr Grist Mill remnants and the Rock House built in 1898 by William Riley and Margaret Jane Taylor, which was recently beautifully restored by Terry and Beth Hunt.
The next stop was the historic Camp Mauna Loa First Wayne Stake Tithing Office in Loa. There, Debbie James welcomed the group into the lovely and well cared for building where many pioneer artifacts are displayed. James even played a song on the old pump organ. The original building was completed around 1898; the bricks were made and laid by Peter Christensen. Benjamin Brown contributed the ornate woodwork that adorns the building. This building is listed on the National Register as a Utah Historic Site.
The tour continued across the street to the grand historic Loa Tabernacle. James led the tour and told of the building’s rich history. The original architect was Benjamin F. Brown. The cornerstone was laid June 15 1907; the building was completed on October 22, 1909, and dedicated by Joseph F. Smith. A few restorations have taken place since then. A highlight of the tour was the privilege of ringing the bell, which will soon be relocated to the new Loa Stake building.
The group traveled on to the Relief Society Hall located in Bicknell. Sharon Cowley, DUP Camp Thurber captain, greeted guests with a plate of homemade chocolate-chip cookies. She told the story of the oldest public building in town. It was built under the direction of Sarah G. Meeks, with work beginning in 1897. Cowley related how every Relief Society sister helped raise funds for the project with baked goods and quilts. The ladies even re-dipped each brick in Redmond clay to obtain the rich color. The building was completed and dedicated in 1899. Since
then, it has been used for many purposes, including a seminary and a school. It is currently owned by Camp Thurber and will be soon undergoing some restoration. The marker just outside the building pays tribute to the original builders and to Black Hawk Indian War veterans, and lists the names of Bicknell veterans and Camp Member DUP members from 1939.
The group continued toward Teasdale and stopped at the DUP Nielsen Grist Mill marker. The monument pays tribute to the large grist mill located just off Highway 24 by the Fremont River, erected in 1890. Niels Hansen built the mill building, and Hans Peter Nielson ran the mill until his death in 1909. It changed hands and was operated until 1940.
The final destination was the Torrey Log School and Church located on Torrey’s tree-lined Main Street. Jessie Pace, DUP Camp Radiare captain, met the group. She related the story of how the building came to rest where it now sits. Work began on this one room log meeting house in 1898. It was used for dances, a school house, and Relief Society meetings. The building was given to the DUP if they would move it to another location. They were able to lease land, and the building was moved twice before resting on its current site. It is also listed on the National Registrar as a Utah Historic Site.
Wayne Company wishes to express thanks to the Sons of Utah Pioneers members and others for their time and interest in this historic trek. Many new friendships were made and we look forward to a continued partnership.
For more information about the Sons of Pioneers, specifically Sevier Chapter, contact Randy Farmer, president.
If you are interested in this type of historic tour, or would like to join us in our efforts, contact a Wayne Company DUP member. And as always, we gratefully accept donations as a 501c3.
—Daughters of Utah Pioneers | Wayne Company
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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
Courtesy Daughters of Utah Pioneers
Trekkers Cont'd from A1
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We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Laundry Services
Housekeepers
Positions to start April 1st through October 31st At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please
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
Administrator for Garfield Online Elementary School
Part-Time Secretary at Panguitch Middle School
Para-Professional in Preschool 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.
Bryce Valley Senior
at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center
TUES June 10th Cheeseburger
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.
•
and modern Mexican dishes with authenticity and creativity
• Ensure consistency and excellence in flavor, presentation, and quality
• Manage kitchen operations, food inventory, and hygiene standards
• Train and supervise kitchen staff in Mexican cooking techniques and recipes Collaborate with management on seasonal menus and special events
• Maintain cost control and food waste reduction practices
Qualifications:
• Proven experience as a chef specializing in Mexican cuisine (3+ years preferred)
• Deep knowledge of regional Mexican ingredients, spices, and cooking methods
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen and lead a team
• Passion for cultural culinary expression and attention to detail
• Culinary degree or certification (preferred but not required)
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a strong asset.
What we offer:
• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for creative input and menu development
• Growth potential within a growing culinary brand
• Competitive salary and benefits package
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications. Applications can be sent to chakbalam.21@gmail.com. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Information Specialist
Wayne County is accepting applications for the following part-time, seasonal position:
Title: Information Specialist Department: Wayne County Tourism
Hours: 3-4 days a week for 8 hours a day
GENERAL PURPOSE
• Performs a variety of entry level clerical and administrative support duties and provide day to day customer service.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
• Works under general supervision from the Wayne County Tourism Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Answer all incoming calls to the information center and retrieve messages from answering machine and fulfill their request and or call them back.
• Keep brochure racks filled and bulletin board updated with current information.
• Sweep / vacuum and clean the restroom at the information center when needed.
• Must be willing to work weekends and Holidays.
• Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Knowledge of Wayne County and surrounding areas.
2. Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Some knowledge of standard office procedures and policies; English, grammar, and spelling; operation of standard office machinery; filing systems, alphabetical and numerical; computer operation; telephone etiquette; basic interpersonal skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; follow written or oral instructions; work in a standard office setting requiring extensive setting or standing; write legibly; respond to requests for assistance or information; demonstrate self motivation; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.
3. Work Environment:
• Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, and does involve walking, standing, stooping, lifting, sitting and reaching. Talking, hearing and seeing necessary in performing job duties. Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional and discriminating thinking.
Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Clerk’s Office and will be accepted until position is filled. For additional information, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 435-836-1300.
