With this year’s record low snowpack, low water levels are top of mind for many Utahns. Drought impacts many things, including fish and wildlife species. If you are planning some fishing trips this year, here are a few things to consider before you head out.
How drought impacts fish species
Drought impacts fish by reducing the amount of water available in lakes, reservoirs and streams throughout the state. These are primary habitats for Utah’s fish, and having less water affects fish in multiple ways.
“This smaller amount of water heats more quickly and warms to higher temperatures than when there is more water available,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “Warm water
Holds First Ever ‘Oh My Heart!’ 5K and Youth Run in Honor of Cindy Barney
by Jaynie Connor
memory of Cindy Barney, “a loving wife, mom, and nan,” who bravely
PANGUITCH - The first ever “Oh My Heart! Cindy Barney Birthday Run” took place on Saturday, May 9th, in Panguitch. The event is a special 5k held in loving memory
'Miracles for Mario' Benefit Event Raises Funds for Local Teen Battling Hodgkin Lymphoma
by Jaynie Connor
Jaynie Connor
All proceeds from the “Miracles for Mario” benefit dinner, auction, and bake sale at the Panguitch High School gym on May 8th went towards Mario Washington, a local teen currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma, and his family.
PANGUITCH - On Friday night, May 8th, the “Miracles for Mario” benefit dinner, auction, and bake sale was held in Panguitch to support Mario Washington, a local teen
currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma. This touching event was organized by Mario's family, who worked
of Cindy Barney, “a loving wife, mom, and nan,” who bravely battled cancer. Runners could sign up ahead of time at ohmyheart. org for two different runs: a 5k or a Youth One Mile
BLM Issues Final Analysis for Proposed San Rafael Swell Management Updates
PRICE - The Bureau of Land Management issued the final environmental assessment and proposed resource management plan amendment for the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area and surrounding region of central Utah.
Directed by the John D. Dingell. Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act in 2019, the proposed plan fulfills congressional direction by establishing a framework for the region’s future and balancing historical recreation
Run. This race serves as a tribute to Barney’s life, her courage, and the boundless affection she offered so generously.
“It is such an incredible honor as her daughter to
see my mom remembered and celebrated in this way,” said Amanda Mecham, Cindy’s daughter and one
Utah Faces Worsening Drought as Summer Approaches with 100% of State Affected
UTAH - As temperatures heat up, Utahns are urged to be waterconscious and aware of the various impacts of drought this late spring/ early summer. The state anticipates drought conditions to worsen, causing stress on wildlife, recreation, and water supply. Drying vegetation will also create the conditions for increased fire danger. Currently, 100% of the state is in some form of drought, and 59% is in extreme drought.
“This drought will test our resiliency,” Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said. “We have seen our peak stream flows well before our peak demand. We must do as much as we can to hold onto our
Annual Torrey Chamber Music Festival Returns June 6 - 13
and
June 6-13 for its ninth season, bringing renowned
the country to Wayne and Garfield counties to teach and perform. This year's festival theme, “The Wild West,” will feature classical, folk, jazz, and more.
TORREY - The Torrey Chamber Music Festival (TCMF) returns this June for its ninth season, bringing renowned string players from across the country to Wayne and Gar-
TCMF Cont'd on B3
field counties to teach and perform. The 2026 TCMF theme is “The Wild West,” featuring music by American and European composers inspired by the natural beauty of the United States and their travels in this country. We will feature classical music, as well as plenty of non-classical
Courtesy Torrey Chamber Music Festival
Musicians (from left to right) Annamarie Reader, cellist; Assia Dyulgerska, violinist;
Allison Drenkow, cellist. The Torrey Chamber Music Festival returns
string players from across
Miracles for Mario
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It is to Our Well-Being
Given the horrors in the world, including here in Wayne County, and grieving them, it is important to also bring attention to the new life that spring brings and to the beauty in this world: nature, music, poetry, the other arts. Witnessing another showing compassion to others is equally life-enhancing—activating the same area in the brain as does perceiving beauty.
Living where we do we have easy access to the beauty, majesty and wonder of nature. Being spring, according to the calendar at least, it seems appropriate to ask: When did you last sit with a dandelion over a severalweek period and watch the stunning development and transformation that happens during its short lifespan?
A germinating seed
to Notice What's Beautiful and Right in the World
sends down a sturdy taproot, then produces a rosette of leaves: serrated, slightly cupped and close to the ground (all the better to survive lawnmowers). The sharp-edged leaves possibly help ward of predators, and the cupping funnels water to the stem/root. Then comes the bright yellow flower—a captured bit of sunshine— closing at night, opening during the day, to be admired and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Today, I saw the smallestever butterfly flitting from flower to flower doing its job.
Eventually, the flower dies back, the petals fall off. Meanwhile, the hollow stem pushes ever higher out of the ground, up to ten, even twelve, inches. Inside that hollow stem the spherical, whitish seed head pushes up and out. This seed head, re-
Drought Update:
sembling a small pincushion, has dozens of tiny holes in a spiral formation through which miniscule brown seeds emerge. Each brown seed now deploys a thin filament atop which opens a tiny parachutelike structure. Together, they form the white puffball that the wind, or we as children (and adults), like to blow on, thus dispersing the seeds, starting the cycle once again.
Dandelions are amazing to observe, but the real point here is to emphasize how important it is to our well-being to notice what's beautiful and right in the world. To read a seasonally appropriate poem that may bring a smile to your face, look up e.e. cummings’ poem that starts with the words, “in Just spring.” (He abhorred punctuation and capitalization conventions, as well as titles.)
Regular readers of The Insider might remember that I wrote a series of articles about emergency preparedness prior to Covid changing our world. That focus on emergency preparedness might seem in contradiction to what I've written above. I think of it not as a contradiction, but as necessary information and homework; once you've done that preparation, you can let go of the concerns and get on with the business of living your life and noticing all the beauty.
In the vein of homework, however, in Wayne County, you can now sign up for the EveryReady emergency notification system for cell phone alerts. Opt-in access is through the Wayne County Facebook page, under the "Emergency" section. Bonnie Mangold, Wayne County
This drought will test our resiliency. We have seen our peak stream flows well before our peak demand. We must do as much as we can to hold onto our stored water.
—Joel
Drought Update
Cont'd from A1
stored water.” Reservoir storage averages 71% full, which is normal for this time of year but down from 82% recorded last year. Water levels at many Utah state parks are experiencing extreme lows. When reservoirs reach these levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order to help better protect visitors and their property. Visit the
tiple river systems, water right cutoffs and delivery reductions are arriving significantly earlier in the season than normal. In some cases, months ahead of schedule. Some systems are showing temporarily elevated flows due to recent warm temperatures accelerating snowmelt. However, water managers warn that this runoff is nearly exhausted and conditions are expected to tighten further in the coming weeks.
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, helping Utahns become more drought-resilient and better prepared for future conditions.
For indoor water-saving tips, visit the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Water Resources
Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks boat ramp conditions webpage for more information. As noted in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's May 1 Water Supply Outlook Report for Utah, many of Utah’s rivers experienced their peak runoff before April 1, with very muted runoff responses relative to normal. Utah water systems are showing drought conditions comparable to 2021, one of the state's most serious drought years on record. Across mul-
The Department of
Miracles for Mario: The community came together in great numbers to show their support for the family. With numerous community members volunteering their time and efforts to make this event successful, it’s a testament to the Panguitch community and the way they care for each other.
Connor
All proceeds from the “Miracles for Mario” benefit dinner, auction, and bake sale at the Panguitch High School gym on May 8th went towards Mario Washington, a local teen currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma, and his family. The evening featured a spaghetti dinner, which welcomed guests through donations, and ran from 6 PM to 8 PM.
tirelessly to gather donations from local businesses and to contribute homemade treats for the bake sale, with all proceeds benefiting Mario and his mother, Stephanie Johnson.
The evening featured a spaghetti dinner, which welcomed guests through donations, and ran from 6 PM to 8 PM at Panguitch High School. Attendees could also purchase “Miracles for Mario” t-shirts and sweatshirts, adorned with the lime green ribbon symbolizing lymphoma, with all proceeds from these sales also going directly to Washington and his mom. The event saw a great turnout, with numerous attendees eager to bid on a variety of items in the silent auction. These items were
generously donated by local small businesses, friends, and family. Highlights included a Blackstone grill, an inflatable water slide, a single-axle UTV trailer, and so much more.
Patches Quilt Shop was also there selling tickets for an opportunity quilt to raise money for the same cause. Tickets were $5 each or $20 for five. The drawing for this quilt will be on June 13th; those wanting to purchase tickets can do so by stopping into the shop.
Mario and Stephanie are well-known in the community for their vibrant red taco truck, Let’s Taco Bout It. A beloved fixture in the food truck scene, Washington and his mom actively participate in numerous local events throughout the year. He is frequently spotted alongside his mom, taking orders, preparing deli-
cious dishes, and serving customers together.
Washington received his diagnosis in March of 2026, prompting his family and community to rally together in support of his journey. Hodgkin lymphoma in children, teens, and young adults is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system that helps the body fight infections. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment and traveling back and forth to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. The community came together in great numbers to show their support for the family. With numerous community members volunteering their time and efforts to make this event successful, it’s a testament to the Panguitch community and the way they care for each other.
Jaynie
Miracles for Mario Cont'd from A1
Fishing: This smaller amount of water heats more quickly and warms to higher temperatures than when there is more water available. Warm water also holds less oxygen than colder water. The combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress many coldwater fish species—like trout— which causes poor growth and disease. Fish can also die when temperatures are too warm or the oxygen levels get too low.
—Trina Hedrick, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator
Fishing Cont'd from A1 also holds less oxygen than colder water. The combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress many coldwater fish species—like trout—which causes poor growth and disease. Fish can also die when temperatures are too warm or the oxygen levels get too low.”
Trout in mid-elevation waterbodies have the greatest likelihood of being impacted by the drought conditions in southern Utah this year, but low water levels and high water temperatures can affect all fish species.
How fishing conditions and access could be impacted by drought
If you enjoy fishing from a boat, you should try to visit your favorite lakes and reservoirs in southern Utah as soon—and as often—as you can this spring and during early summer. Water levels at some reservoirs and lakes in various parts of Utah could reach low enough levels later in the summer that boat ramps may not be functional. Before you plan a boating trip, be sure to check for updates on each waterbody to see if the ramps are open, especially later in the summer.
Anglers should also be aware that up to one million acre-feet of water is being delivered from Flaming Gorge Reservoir to Lake Powell between now and April 2027 to help prevent critical water levels at Lake Powell. As a result, anglers who want to fish at Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River should be sure to check the Bureau of Reclamation website for the latest information about the water releases and for boat ramp elevations and operability information. Anglers who want to fish at Lake Powell should check the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website for boat ramp conditions.
“Fishing may not be
the same this year in some areas,” Hedrick said. “Fish may be found in different locations throughout a waterbody than usual, and especially later in the season. We strongly encourage anglers to check the latest access and boat ramp conditions with the landmanaging agency of the waterbody they want to fish at, and to also get timely information from local fishing shops and fishing social media groups. Anglers should also be ready to try different locations and different fishing techniques than in past years to have success during a low-water year.”
How fish stocking could be impacted by drought
In an effort to combat low water levels and warm water temperatures during drought, the DWR will also be adjusting some of the fish stocking around the state. Some of this will include stocking fewer fish in waterbodies anticipated to be heavily impacted by drought and reallocating the fish to other waterbodies. The DWR will also be changing the species of fish stocked in some areas, including raising more cool and warmwater sportfish species that better tolerate warmer water temperatures.
“As part of our thirtyyear plan for the future of fishing in Utah, we are also working to adapt our management strategies to ensure the long-term health and viability of our aquatic resources,” Hedrick said. “Part of this includes raising and stocking additional warmwater species—including channel catfish, walleye and wipers at our Logan Fish Hatchery— into various waterbodies as these waterbodies become less tolerable for coldwater species. Warmwater fish are better adapted to warmer temperatures and slightly less oxygen in their environment. These changes will not only provide additional angling opportunities, but will also allow us to maintain fishing in areas that may be more prone to hot, drought conditions.”
How to help fish during a hot, drought year
If you want to practice catch-and-release fishing as temperatures warm up into the late spring and summer months, you should fish in the mornings or evenings when temperatures are cool-
er. Another way to help fish is to pick a fishing spot that has deeper, cooler water, so you can release any caught fish into an area where they are more likely to survive. If you are reeling in a fish caught in water deeper than thirty feet and you can see its swim bladder bulging from its mouth, consider harvesting that fish if you are still within your limit, or release it using a descender device to assist that fish back to cooler temperatures.
“Basically, try not to fish near little coves that have shallow, stagnant warm water,” Hedrick said. “Instead, pick a spot where you can release your fish into better-quality water to increase their survival rates during this hot, drought year.”
Tips for handling fish to decrease stress
• Use single hooks on lures and bend down the barbs for easy release. Minimize the time you spend “fighting” the fish and any hands-on handling.
• Use rubber or coated nylon nets to protect a fish’s slime layer and scales.
• Quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers.
• Try to release the fish without removing it from the water. If you do have to remove it from the water to free it, minimize the amount of time the fish is exposed to the air. And keep your hands wet when handling the fish. If the fish is deeply hooked, don’t pull on the line. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to where it is hooked and leave the hook.
• Allow the fish to recover in the net before you release it.
• If the fish doesn’t stay upright when you release it, gently move it back and forth or consider harvesting it, if it’s within your statewide limit for that species.
For more information about how drought impacts fish and wildlife in Utah, visit the DWR website. For additional information and tips on how to reduce water use during a drought, visit the Slow the Flow website.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Obituaries
Craig Chappell
FREMONT - Craig Maxfield Chappell died May 13, 2026, at Monroe Canyon Assisted Living. He was born March 29, 1927, in Lyman, Utah, Wayne County. He was the eldest son and second child of William Lavon and Fern Maxfield Chappell. He spent his early years in Wayne County. At age 17, with permission of his parents, he joined the Merchant Marines in March of 1944. After basic training at Catalina Island off the Coast of California, he was assigned to a ship, the S.S. Walter A. Luckenback, a heavy freighter bound for the South Pacific. He was in Brisbane, Australia, then Japan when WWII ended.
After returning, he married De ila Taylor on November 10th, 1946, in Fremont, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple. They were married for over sixty years. They had two sons, Craig Bradford (Flora) Chappell and Stan T (Becky) Chappell.
Craig built the house in Fremont that he and De ila called home. He was his wife's primary care-giver the last few years of her life. Mom was Dad’s eyes and he was her legs. He was known for his kindness and compassion he showed to the many good people of Fremont. He continued that compassion and kindness to the residents of the care center in which he lived for the past 9 ½ years.
Craig was a lifelong farmer, rancher, and a heavy equipment operator. He took great pride in his work just as he always had great pride in his farm and his animals. He worked on many of the major roads constructed in Utah. He was active in civic and community affairs all of his life serving in his church as ward clerk for many years. He was active and served in leadership roles in Soil Conservation, Cattlemen's Association, Wool Growers Association and the Lions Club. He was instrumental in bringing a new culinary water system to the town of Fremont as well as assisting and planning the sprinkler irrigation system for the farms of Wayne County.
He was the first telescopic eye implant recipient in Utah. He was an innovator and his willingness to serve others has been the hallmark trait of his life.
He is truly one of the greats of the Greatest Generation. His contribution to his family, his community, and his country were principles that governed his life. He lived the principle, “if ye have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.”
Craig is survived by his children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. Also brother Dick Chappell (Myrna), sister Neva Hutchings (Gerald), sister in laws Eva and Irene Chappell, and foster daughter Kate Martin.
He was preceded in death by his wife De ila, his parents, William Lavon and Fern, his oldest sister Flora Chestnut, younger brothers Aldus, Sheldon, and Terry Chappell.
Our family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff and employees of Monroe Canyon Assisted Living for the kindness shown for our Dad over the last 9 ½ years. And a deep appreciation for Zion’s Way hospice in making Dad comfortable in his last days.
Funeral Services for Craig will be held at 12 Noon today, Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the Fremont LDS Ward Chapel, 850 West Center Street in Fremont. Friends called for viewing from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 20 at the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, and from 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. at the Fremont Chapel the morning of the services.
Livestreaming of the services will be available underneath Craig's obituary at springerturner.com and will be available about 15 minutes before the service begins. Burial will be in the Fremont Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Nothing makes me sleep better than the sounds of sirens outside my house. For the sixth year in a row, the boys brought home the track state championship trophy. The boys had a score of 135 to Rich’s 113. This year, the boys only lose four placers in the event, so they should be tough again next year. The girls did really well, with a really close battle with Rich, taking the second place trophy in an oh-soclose score of 150 to 144. Rich was heavily favored, but with Coach Norris' great handicapping, they almost pulled the upset. This is, I believe, the 46th state championship for Coach Norris, with boys and girls track and volleyball. This is the last season for Coach Norris.
There is a new schedule for ditch water that is out, and, because of our lack of rain and snow, Panguitch Lake is really low. The one missing piece to the new dam is still not here, and it is the bottom piece to the gate. So, we are still using the old dam. If your home address is odd, you will have your water on Thursday, and even numbers will have it on Friday. This service starts this week, so get your hoses and hook up. You can use your culinary water to water but only between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. If you are using it at another time, you will be warned the first time, and then fined each time afterwards. Your culinary water is now going on your meter for the summer. We went down to Escobar’s today, and you can see that summer is here. Twice I had to pull over
FYI Panguitch
and stop because people were passing in a no passing zone. High gas prices don’t seem to be keeping people off the road, and they are driving fast. We went down to Springdale to get me some licorice, and through Zion, and it was really crowded. It took us fifteen minutes to get to the gates. It was nice driving slow through the canyon. It is by far the best national park, and Highway 89 going there and down to Kanab should be made into a national monument.
We have a great town. The fundraiser for the young student, Mario, was a huge success. Thanks to the many folks who came out for this great need. Our community has a purpose to serve, which is to support and strengthen, and it is really very true.
This weekend is Memorial Day, and it is the jump start of summer. There will be a downtown swap meet, so get a table and unload some of your cherished goods that are collecting dust. It is also the last week of school, so watch out for kids on their scooters zipping around town. Vaccines changed the world. Vaccines, one of humanity’s greatest achievements in public health, have been preventing and eliminating serious diseases for more than two hundred years. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, polio and protected countless children from potentially deadly diseases, such as measles, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. It is estimated that 154 million lives have been saved since 1974. In the 20th century,
Birthday
90th Birthday
The family of
her 90th birthday on May 8 with a large family gathering. She has been married to Charles Blackburn for 70 years, and they have a posterity of 130.
worldwide it is estimated that over 300 million died from small pox, and those that didn’t die, were scarred badly. As vaccination rates decrease, many of the diseases that were once close to elimination, like measles, are making a comeback. There are over six hundred cases in Utah alone. It is worth remembering the toll these ailments took and have your children vaccinated if you love them.
If you are rich and have a failing product, here is how you can fix the problem. Elon Musk, who has the Space X program, has bought 1,279 of his ugly, so-called pickups for this program. Another venture bought sixty more of them. This amounted to 19% of all cybertrucks sold in the U.S. Without these sales, the cybertruck sales would have fallen 51%. He has already closed down his sales on his line of two expensive cars. In two weeks, it will be Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival time, so get ready to be entertained and get involved in the fun. Mack O.
PHS Sports Sidelines
by Mack Oetting
The Bobcats brought home their sixth state championship, with the boys track team beating Rich, 135 to 113. The Bobcats had athletes place in thirteen of the sixteen events, and it was a real team effort. The Cats had two individual winners.
Casey Walter finished first in the javelin and the 200 meters. He was also second in the 400 meters.
Max Albrecht also won the 300 hurdles, took second in the 110 hurdles, and took third in both the javelin and the long jump.
• 200M - 1st Casey Walters, 8th Max Woolsey
• 400M - 2nd Casey Walter, 4th Max Woolsey
• 800M - 5th Curtis Henrie
300M Hurdles - 1st
Max Albrecht, 2nd Caleb Cox, 3rd Brayden Frandsen
110M hurdles - 2nd
Max Albrecht, 3rd Brayden Frandsen, 4th Caleb Cox
• 4x100 Relay - 4th Panguitch
• 4x400 - 1st Panguitch
• Sprint Medley Relay4th Panguitch.
• 1600M - 7th Josh Perez
• 3200M - 4th Lincoln Henrie
• Discus - 3rd Maverick Albrecht
• Javelin - 1st Casey Walter, 3rd Max Albrecht Javelin - 1st Casey Walter, 3rd Max Albrecht
The Ladt Cats had a great outing, with only one first place by Klar-
ity Edwards, and Annie Yardley placed in the 400M, 800M, 1600M, and 3200M. Rich has a one woman wrecking crew in Paige Smith who took first in the 800M, 1600M, and the 3200M.
Track wasn’t the only sport played in the spring. In the first year of 1A softball championships, the Lady Cats made it to the semi finals, losing to Wayne, 11-1. Milford won the championship this year. This was the best year so far for the Lady Cats, and, with playing more 1A teams, things should get even better. Coach Holman will be going on a mission to Australia, and this will be his last season as a coach. Many thanks for hanging in there with such a great positive attitude.
This year’s golf team has gotten really good and came in 3rd place at state this year, with Camden Englestead taking second place with his sweet swing. Having a place to practice really did help.
Janee Camp Blackburn
Janee Camp Blackburn celebrated
Dining Guide
Schools and Sports
WSD Celebrates the 'Heart' of Its Schools
by Nichol Stringham | Wayne School District, Character Education/SEL Director | Wayne High School, Assistant Principal
L to R) Jan Brown, LES Mentor and Preschool Paraprofessional; Katherine
Chylene Whipple, HES Secretary; Karrie Jackson, HES Aide; (Middle L to R) Joseph
Jan Hunt, HES Lunch; Lynsey Shelar, LES Music and Art; Charity Jackson, HES
L
R) Leslie Nillson, LES Aide; Melinda Summarell, LES Aide; and Tammi VanDyke, LES Lunch, were all recently honored through Wayne School District's Employee Recognition Award program.
WAYNE CO.Wayne School District (WSD) is proving that its true strength isn't found in buildings or books, but in the exceptional people who walk its halls. Through the Employee Recognition Award, the district is shining a light on the dedicated staff members—from veteran teachers to custodial and nutrition teams—who go above and beyond to create a successful, caring environment for every student. What sets this honor apart is that it starts with the people in the trenches; all recipients are nominated by their peers. This grassroots recognition celebrates the teamwork and professionalism that often happen behind the scenes. To ensure these efforts are met with high-level gratitude, Randy Shelley, Wayne School District Superintendent, personally visits school sites year-round to hand-deliver certificates and tokens of appreciation to these local heroes. By elevating staff
from every department, the district reinforces its core belief: every role is vital to student success. Whether it’s a bus driver’s warm greeting or a maintenance worker’s diligence, WSD is committed to honoring the daily difference-makers who make their schools the best place to learn and work.
Local Students Celebrated as Part of UTU's 115th Commencement
ST. GEORGE - Utah Tech University celebrated the 2025 graduating class of 3,078 students at its 115th Commencement ceremonies.
The ceremonies took place May 6 and 7 at the Utah Tech University Burns Arena. Four ceremonies were held over the two days to provide a more efficient and intimate opportunity to celebrate each individual graduates accomplishments. The first ceremony was at 9 a.m. on May 6 for those receiving their associate degrees. The second ceremony was held that afternoon for those receiving their degree from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences or College of the Arts. The third ceremony was held Thursday morning for those from College of Health Sciences and College of Education. The final ceremony was held Thursday afternoon for graduates from the College of Science, Engineering & Technology and the College of Business.
"I am incredibly proud of Utah Tech University's Class of 2026," President Shane B. Smeed said. "I am confident that as Utah Tech's newest alumni, our Trailblazers will take their next steps not only with knowledge but also with confidence. They are equipped with the capability that come from hands-on experience and are ready to apply what they've learned to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve."
The following local students were celebrated as part of Utah Tech's 115th graduating class:
• Tiffany Reynolds of St. George, Utah
• Kristen Stewart of Tropic, Utah
• Kassidy Leavitt of Lyman, Utah
Aspen New of Washington, Utah
Mataya Fawson of Panguitch, Utah
Jacklyn Leavitt of Lyman, Utah
• Abbey Blevins of Panguitch, Utah
• Kent Jackson of Hanksville, Utah
• Abigail Jeffery of Loa, Utah
• Kyan Orton of Panguitch, Utah
Destiny Dasse of Loa, Utah
Lacey Ellett of Loa, Utah
• Abby Thayn of Bicknell,
Utah
Each graduating class is unique. This year, the graduates represented 21 countries and 43 U.S states, with 2,384 graduates being from Utah. The eldest graduate is 71, earning their General Studies Certificate, while the youngest graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at age 15. The majority of this year's graduates are female, at 62%, and 28% are firstgeneration students.
Celebrating the culmination of Utah Tech graduates' hard work and the ultimate accomplishment of earning their degrees, Commencement is the most important time of the year on the Utah Tech campus. As a result, the Commencement Committee works very hard all year long to ensure no detail is overlooked. This
4 BVHS Students Recognized Through UHSAA Academic All-State Program
by Samie Ott | Bryce Valley High School
year, to increase the celebratory feeling of Commencement festivities, Utah Tech hosted a Commencement Drone Show at the beginning of the week for the first time in its history.
For more information about Utah Tech's Commencement Ceremonies visit utahtech.edu/commencement.
—Utah Tech University
BRYCE - Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) would like to give a big Mustang shoutout to the following students who earned recognition through the UHSAA Academic All-State program: Annabella VasquezDebate Carina Word - Vocal • Kira Platt - Vocal • Taivee Corrales - Vocal These students were named UHSAA Academic All-State recipients, an honor that recognizes students who excel both in the classroom and in their activities. This award is based on a combination of cumulative GPA and ACT scores and recognizes students who demonstrate excellence academically while representing their school at a high level. Academic All-State is highly competitive and depends on how student scores compare within each activity statewide, making this an incredible accomplishment.
BVHS is proud of these students for representing their school with hard work, dedication, leadership, and Mustang pride both in and out of the classroom.
Courtesy Nichol Stringham
(Top
Hoggatt, HES Preschool;
Justice, LES Aide;
Aide; (Bottom
to
Courtesy Samie Ott
(Top Left to Bottom Right) Carina Word, Kira Platt, Taivee Corrales, and Annabella Vasquez were named UHSAA Academic All-State recipients, an honor that recognizes students who excel both in the classroom and in their activities.
Oh My Heart: It is such an incredible honor as her daughter to see my mom remembered and celebrated in this way. She lived a truly beautiful life centered on serving others, and she had a lasting impact on so many people in our community… This run is more than just an event, it’s a reflection of the love she gave and the way she brought people together, and that means everything to us.
—Amanda Mecham, Cindy
Barney’s daughter and one of the race’s organizers
The Barney family poses with Mario Washington’s mom, Stephanie Johnson, at the Panguitch High School track before the first ever “Oh My Heart! Cindy Barney Birthday Run” on Saturday, May 9th. The event is a special 5k held in loving memory of Cindy Barney, “a loving wife, mom, and nan,” who bravely battled cancer. The Barney family chose for the proceeds to go to benefit Mario Washington, a local teen in Panguitch who is currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma.
of the race’s organizers.
“She lived a truly beautiful life centered on serving others, and she had a lasting impact on so many people in our community…This run is more than just an event, it’s a reflection of the love she gave and the way she brought people together, and that means everything to us.”
The idea for the event came to the family on Cindy’s birthday last year. While walking her favorite running path down Panguitch Lake Road, sharing memories and spending time together, the family found themselves saying, “Mom would love something like this.” Knowing Cindy would never want something to just be about her, being someone who always wanted to serve and lift up others around her, the family knew that if they were going to do this, the proceeds needed to go to a purpose Cindy herself would have chosen. The Barney family chose to benefit Mario Washington, a local teen in Panguitch who is currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma.
“We knew without a doubt that this is exactly what she would want to use as a way to help someone else in the middle of a difficult fight,” said Mecham. “Being able to honor her while also sup-
porting Mario through such an awful cancer battle feels like the most meaningful way we could carry on her legacy.”
The name of the race “Oh My Heart!” is more than a name, it was a phrase Cindy said regularly in response to anything that moved her, made her laugh, or touched her in some way. “It became such a part of who she was that it only felt right to name the race after it,” said Mecham. “After she passed, a friend told me to look for signs that reminded me of her, and hearts became something we all began to notice in the most unexpected places. The timing and the ways they show up are often so meaningful that it’s hard to ignore.”
Now the family finds themselves constantly sharing “heart moments” with each other.
Local businesses have generously stepped up to donate, sponsor, and support the race, guaranteeing that all proceeds will benefit Mario and his family.
“In the middle of all the planning, stress, and details, there have been moments where everything just felt right like she is right there with us, guiding it all,” said Mecham “More than anything, this experience has reminded me of who she was, how she brought people together, how she served others so naturally, and how much
joy she found in giving. In a lot of ways, it feels like we’re still living out the love she shared with everyone.” More than anything, the family wanted the race to feel like a celebration.
Between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, 5K runners gathered at Panguitch High School to collect their shirts and board the buses. At 9:30 AM, the buses transported participants to the starting line at the Panguitch Shooting Range, located south of town, with the finish line back at Panguitch High School. The Youth Race began at 10:00 AM, starting at Panguitch High School, looping around Panguitch Elementary, and returning to the starting point. Parents were encouraged to register and participate alongside their children in this exciting event. The race had eighty participants.
Moving forward, the Barneys would love to continue growing the race and what it represents. There are numerous ways for individuals to get involved, including participating in the run, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply attending to support the participants.
“Every bit of involvement is deeply appreciated,” said Mecham “This has always been about bringing people together, and as the race grows, we hope that spirit of community, love, and service continues to grow with it.”
Mecham said that
Research Finds Utahns Who Vote Tend to Live Longer, Healthier Lives
by Mark Richardson | Utah News
UTAH - Voting could be connected to the longevity of older adults in Utah and elsewhere, according to new research.
It looks at data tracking Americans’ voting behavior and official National Death Index records, finding voters were 45% less likely to die following the 2008 election. Ten years later, they were 37% less likely to die, and 15 years later, they were 29% less likely to die.
Study author Sara Konrath, an associate professor at the University of Indiana's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and her colleague, Femida Handy at the University of Pennsylvania, conducted the research.
Konrath said it remains unclear why voters tend to live longer, but she has some theories.
when people think of her mom, she hopes they remember her kindness above all else. “She had such a genuine, giving heart and was always willing to serve and help anyone who needed it. She truly loved life and found joy in the little things, and her love for her family was everything to her. I hope people remember the way she made them feel seen, loved, and cared for. That’s who she was to her core, and that’s the legacy she leaves behind.”
"I think there's a sense of purpose that comes along with voting, realizing you're part of a bigger community, you're contributing to the greater good," she said, "and all of those things can just make you feel more connected."
The study also found that those in poorer health
Connection
to begin with benefited more from voting. According to a KFF News study, in the 2024 presidential election, more than 75% of Americans age 65 or older said they voted. In Utah, the number of senior voters was 78%.
Konrath noted that the American Medical Association has recently said that voting is an important social determinant of health. She said some factors in overall health fall outside of the typical list of things a doctor might ask about during an exam.
"It's not just about whether you eat your vegetables or whether you smoke or not or, or how you sleep," she said, "but it's about your social connections and whether you belong."
She added that, like other civic engagement activities including volunteering, voting may trigger positive biological responses that support well-being. Previous studies have shown that volunteering can boost the brain’s reward system and reduce stress.
Courtesy Amanda Mecham
Oh My Heart Cont'd from A1
WAYNE CO. - In its heyday, and like today, Wayne County was once crawling with miners and thrill seekers, and, if the truth were to be known, they were one and the same. Mining in southeast Utah goes back to the late 19th century in what is commonly known to geologists, Hanksvilians, miners and those that glow in the dark as the Uravan mineral belt. Given that Utah’s unique geology is exposed, it is a fact that uranium occurs in the Salt Wash member of the Morrison Formation of the Jurassic age. Because much of uranium’s value depended on the vanadium content, it became a valuable commodity. Following World War II, buying for nuclear weapons programs made uranium valuable for its own sake and attracted hundreds of prospectors to southeast Utah.
As anyone with a Geiger counter knows, it is true that Wayne County has also produced precious and base metals, salt, coal, oil shale, and radioactive materials, and in the same spectrum, radium was sought for its purported medicinal properties and as a colorant. Vanadium was important in alloying steel. Uranium was critical in the development of nuclear arms and power. In some ways, the history of radioactive metal mining is
News from Wayne County
by Adus F. Dorsey II
the same as that of the mining of other ores sought in the U.S. West.
The atomic age arrived on July 16, 1945, when the Trinity test in New Mexico’s Jornada del Muerto desert produced the first nuclear explosion at 5:29 AM—a plutonium device with approximately 20 kilotons of force created a mushroom cloud reaching 50,00070,000 feet. On August 6, the Little Boy uranium bomb detonated over Hiroshima, marking uranium’s entry into warfare. The arms race began in 1949 when the Soviet Union tested its first uranium-based nuclear weapon.
Uranium mining occurred in several areas within or near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, particularly in Utah, with significant radioactive ore concentrations found in the Orange Cliff District and nearby Mineral Canyon. These sites, located in Wayne, Garfield, Kane, San Juan, and Coconino counties, were heavily surveyed in the mid-20th century.
Although still known as a rough and adventurous ride, the Flint Trail started out as a stock trail and was widened into a wagon road in 1919 by E.T. Wolverton, and then further improved into its current configuration by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1950s.
Final Assessment:
As WWII progressed and the Manhattan Project (1942–1946) gained traction, the need for more uranium led to reprocessing vanadium tailings, where uranium had previously been discarded as a waste product. Approximately 265,000 lbs U3O8 were extracted from tailings at vanadium mills in Monticello and Moab between 1943 and 1946. The deployment of the first nuclear bombs against Japan in 1945 marked a stark end to the pre-nuclear era, and shortly after in 1946, the Manhattan Project was disbanded. The age of nuclear fission had officially arrived, and domestic uranium mining was rapidly becoming front and center.
In 1949, the Vanadium Corporation of America and the Atomic Energy Commission built an experimental mill for the reduction of uranium ore. This mill stimulated uranium prospecting in Glen Canyon, and a small boom camp was built in White Canyon. A post office was established, and a one-room schoolhouse was built. But the mill shut down in 1954, and the camp became another Utah ghost town.
Charlie Steen's Discovery (1952): After years of searching, Steen's Mi Vida mine in Lisbon Valley revealed a 70-footthick deposit of uraninite ore.
The Boom (1950s): The discovery caused thousands to flock to southeastern Utah, mimicking the California Gold Rush. Moab's population exploded, and towns like Marysvale and Hanksville saw heavy mining activity. Just the mention of uranium in or around Hanksville revives stories of the good ole days. Although many of the old timers have passed, memories of the mining days live on when someone finds a stack of rocks with a rusting can and a piece of paper stating who made the claim.
Reference; Western Mining by Otis E. Young Jr. / Atomic Energy Commission, Glen Canyon Administrative History, Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Radioactive Mineral Mining in Wayne County, Utah
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), the predecessor agency to the Department of Energy or the DOE, offered to pay people to find the ore. Charlie Steen, a trained geologist from Texas, headed to the Colorado Plateau with his pregnant wife and children in an old Jeep to look for it, according to "Canyon Legacy," a publication by the Moab Museum.
A 30-day public review and protest period starts today and closes June 15, 2026. Instructions for filing a protest are on the BLM website and in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Final Assessment
Cont'd from A1
with modern usage levels.
“This proposal provides a balanced approach that aims to clarify management direction for this iconic landscape,” said
BLM Green River District Manager Elijah Waters.
“By reducing overlapping designations and establishing a more consistent, sustainable framework, the BLM can better manage recreation and other vital uses within the San Rafael
Swell Recreation Area for years to come.”
Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. A 30-day public review and protest period closes June 15, 2026. Instructions for filing a protest are on the
BLM website and in the Code of Federal Regulations. For more information, please contact BLM Project Manager Molly Hocanson at 435-6363660. —Bureau of Land Management
TCMF: The Torrey Chamber Music Festival (TCMF) returns this June for its ninth season, bringing renowned string players from across the country to Wayne and Garfield counties to teach and perform.
TCMF Concert Schedule
Saturday, June 6 • 5 p.m. | Wayne Community Center Strings Camp Concert - Featuring strings camp students alongside festival artists. Free Admission
Wednesday, June 10 • 5 p.m. | Hanksville Rock Meeting House "LEGENDARY DUOS" and Festival Preview Concert Free Admission
Thursday, June 11 • 5 p.m. | Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch "ON THE ROAD" - in partnership with BMGR, featuring an (optional, additional cost) dinner to follow, catered by Sweetwater Kitchen! Adults $30, Youth $15
styles like folk, jazz, and fiddle. Chris Jusell, a violinist who has been with the festival for almost all of its seasons, is serving as interim Artistic Director in 2026. He is thrilled to present both famous and little-known music to
Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m. | Teasdale Culture Center "GOING WEST"
Adults $30, Youth Free Admission Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m. | Teasdale Culture Center "THE MAGNIFICENT FIVE" Adults $30, Youth Free Admission
TCMF audiences. TCMF is excited to continue making music accessible to residents of the Colorado Plateau by bringing a free concert to the Hanksville Rock Meeting House on June 10, and we invite anyone who wants to watch our musicians in action to observe an open dress rehearsal at the Teas-
dale Cultural Hall at noon on Saturday, June 13. We are also excited to feature a collaboration between TCMF and Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch; a concert themed around Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road” will be followed by a Sweetwater Kitchen-catered dinner after the music. Acclaimed improviser and saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi (recently seen multiple times at the LA Philharmonic) joins the festival as composer-inresidence for 2026, with a world premiere of his new piece for string ensemble being performed on Friday night.
TCMF remains committed to music education as a major part of the festival. Its celebrated strings
camp, from June 4 to 6, will offer a range of masterclasses and instruction for students ages 8-18. The camp culminates with a concert on June 6 at 5 p.m., when the students play alongside festival artists. Torrey Chamber Music Festival is a program of the Entrada Institute. For tickets, go to https://entradainstitute. networkforgood.com/ events/99631-2026torrey-chamber-musicfestival. To donate, go to https://entradainstitute. networkforgood.com/ projects/130918-torreychamber-music-festival. —Torrey Chamber Music Festival
Uranium
PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 REGULAR PRIMARY ELECTION
WAYNE COUNTY ELECTION DAY
In accordance with UCA 20A-5a-102, notice is given that a Regular Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to nominate party candidates for the parties and candidates for nonpartisan local school board positions listed on the regular primary election ballot.
For voters receiving a ballot by mail, ballots will be mailed beginning 21 calendar days before the election. The location of ballot drop boxes, the location and hours of polling places, including early voting polling places and hours, and qualifications of individuals who may vote in the election can be found at waynecountyutah.gov or vote. utah.gov, by calling 435.836-1300, or at 18 S Main, Loa, UT 84747. On the day of the election, the polls will open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m
Attest: Wayne County Clerk/Auditor
Logic and Accuracy Testing (prior to Election Day)
In accordance with UCA 20A-4-104, testing of the automatic tabulating equipment will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wayne County Courthouse, Room 104, 18 S Main, Loa, Utah.
Logic and Accuracy Testing (after Election Day)
In accordance with UCA 20A-4-104, testing of the automatic tabulating equipment will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wayne County Courthouse, Room 104, 18 S Main, Loa, Utah.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28, 2026 NOW ACCEPTING BIDS - ROPING CHUTE FOR SALE
WAYNE COUNTY
The County is now accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a used 7’ Priefert Ranch Equipment PRCA Pro Roadeo roping chutes located at the county fairgrounds/ arena.
Buyer Responsibilities Include:
• Removal and haul-off from the property
• Providing all labor, equipment, and transportation
The roping chutes are being sold as-is, with no warranties expressed or implied. Interested bidders are encouraged to inspect the equipment prior to submitting a bid.
To Submit a Bid or Request Information Contact:
Clerk/Auditor Office
Felicia Snow
435-836-1300
hyrum@wayne.utah.gov
Bid deadline: June 11, 2026
The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28, 2026
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO ESCALANTE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT APRON REHABILITATION & APRON CONSTRUCTION ESCALANTE, UTAH AIP NO. 3-49-0007-016/017-2026
UDOT NO. XX-XX-XX
Online bids for improvements to the Escalante Municipal Airport will be received by the City of Escalante through QuestCDN at www.hwlochner.com beginning on June 8, 2026, and extend through bid closing on June 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (MDT).
The project is broken into three (3) Schedules (shown below) Schedules I & II are intended to rehabilitate the existing asphalt, work will include pulverization of existing asphalt and base course, grading, compacting and paving back the apron in HMA. Aircraft tie downs and pavement markings will be incorporated into the new pavement layout. Schedule III will be to expand the apron pavement, work includes excavation, grading, compaction and paving the additional apron in HMA, aircraft tie downs and pavement markings will also be required. Airfield power and lighting systems will have to be relocated for Schedule III to be completed.
SCHEDULE I
Apron Rehabilitation (FAA)
SCHEDULE II
Apron Rehabilitation (Local Funds)
SCHEDULE III
Apron Construction
A digital download of Project Documents and other related contract information may be ordered online at www.hwlochner.com. These project documents may be downloaded for $60.00. Payment must be made directly to QuestCDN. This cost includes access to online bidding. There will be no refunds. The QuestCDN project number is 10207248. Bid quantities and schedules may be viewed prior to purchase under the “view bid documents” section on QuestCDN.
Each online bid submittal must include a PDF copy of a Bid Bond executed by a Surety Company in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the total bid made payable to the City of Escalante and uploaded to QuestCDN as part of the bid submittal process.
The Bidder must supply all the information required by the proposal forms and specifications and must bid on all items of every schedule. The City of Escalante reserves the right to waive any informality in, or to reject any or all portions of, the various bid items. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of 120 days from the opening thereof.
A non-mandatory online pre-bid meeting for all prospective bidders will be held via Microsoft Teams on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (MDT). Meeting access instructions will be sent to all plan holders. Prospective bidders that would like to tour the project site shall schedule your visit with Mrs. Stephanie Steed, City Recorder at (435) 6914492.
The proposed contract is subject to:
Buy American Preference (Title 49 U.S.C. § 50101, Executive Order 14005, Ensuring the Future is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. No. 117-58), Build America, Buy America (BABA))
Civil Rights Title VI Assurance (49 U.S.C. § 47123 and FAA Order 1400.11)
• Davis-Bacon Act (2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(D), 29 CFR Part 5, 49 U.S.C. § 47112(b), 40 U.S.C. §§ 3141-3144, 3146, and 3147) Debarment and Suspension restrictions (2 CFR Part 180 (Subpart B), 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(H), 2 CFR Part 1200, DOT Order 4200.5, Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) (Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR Part 26, 49 U.S.C. § 47113)
• Federal Fair Labor Standards Act - Federal Minimum Wage (29 U.S.C.§ 201, et seq, 2 CFR § 200.430)
Lobby Federal Employee restrictions (31 U.S.C. § 1352 - Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment, 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(I), 49 CFR Part 20, Appendix A)
• Procurement of Recovered Materials requirements (2 CFR § 200.323, 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II(J), 40 CFR Part 247, 42 U.S.C.§ 6901, et seq (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)))
Minimum wage rates as established by the Secretary of Labor are applicable to all schedules awarded for this project.
Any questions regarding this project are to be directed to Connor Butterfield at cbutterfield@hwlochner.com or the office of Lochner, Salt Lake City, Utah, (801) 7135242 for interpretation.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28 and JUNE 4, 2026
NOTICE Of PROPOSED CHANGE WAYNE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following: PROPOSED CHANGE: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
INTENDED USE: ADDITION OF 3 GEODESIC DOMES W/ 3 SEPARATE BATHROOM UNITS
To EXISTING 5 DOME SITE
CHANGE REQUESTED BY: WILLIAM HOGAN / CAPITOL REEF RETREAT LLC
A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: MAY 27, 2026 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LEGAL DES: Approx 14.87 acres located at 1722 N Blue Valley Road Caineville, UT Parcel 01-0085-0750 / O-565-1
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 14 & 21, 2026
LAND OFFERING
UTAH SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONAL TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION
The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is now accepting offers or proposals for the purchase or development of certain Trust Lands in Garfield County, located near Bryce Canyon City, known as the Coyote Hill Parcel (approximately 200 acres). The parcel is described as the SW¼SW¼ of Section 34 of T35S, R4W, SLB&M, Lot 4 of Section 3 of T36S, R4W, SLB&M and Lots 1 and 2 and SE ¼NE¼ of Section 4 of T36S, R4W, SLB&M. Any entity wishing to submit a proposal for the development or purchase of this property may do so until 3:00 PM on June 29, 2026. Proposals should be e-mailed to Aaron Langston at aaronlangston@utah. gov. Reference: Coyote Hill Parcel. More information can be found at https://tinyurl. com/3u3yjmhx. The Trust Lands Administration reserves the right to reject any proposal.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 7, 14 & 21, 2026
SALE
NOTICE OF FINAL TAX
GARFIELD COUNTY
Notice is hereby given that on the 10th day of June, 2026, at 10:00 o’clock a.m. in the Garfield County Courthouse, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah, I will offer for sale at public auction and sell to the highest bidder for cash, under the provisions of Section 59-2-1351.1, the following described real property located in the county and now delinquent and subject to tax sale. A bid for less than the total amount of taxes, interest, penalty, and administrative cost which are a charge upon the real estate will not be accepted.
NOTICE: The Garfield County Recorder’s Office has maps available upon request for a nominal fee. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO DETERMINE THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE LAND, ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, ACCESSIBILITY AND AVAILABILITY OR VALIDITY OF WATER RIGHTS.
PARCEL 1. Virgin Land Company LLC
P.O. Box 180113 Cannonville, UT 84718
T-231
08-0073-0231
Beginning 945.78 feet West and North 0°05’00” West 2021.58 feet from the South East Corner of the North West quarter of the South East quarter of Section 35 Township 36 South Range 3 West Salt Lake Base and Meridian and running Thence South 88°52’00” West 871.20 feet; Thence North 0°05’00” West 100.00 feet; Thence North 88°52’00” East 871.20 feet; Thence South 0°05’00” East 100.00 feet to the point of beginning containing 2.00 acres more or less.
Total Fees and Taxes Due: $4,323.52
PARCEL 2. Roland Roske
332 Elmwood Rd Bay Village, OH 44140
HU-10-21
14-0053-0321
All of Lot 21 Block 10 Hercules Subdivision Amended containing 0.46 acres more or less.
Total Fees and Taxes Due: $685.66
PARCEL 3. Robert P Laqua
155 South Evergreed Rd. Apt #119
Woodburn, OR 97071
SRE-56
14-0072-0056
All of Lot 56 Sevier River Estates Amended containing 0.44 acres more or less.
Total Fees and Taxes Due: $610.62
PARCEL 4. 7777 LLC
P.O. Box 180113 Cannonville, UT 84718
ZVS-2
15-0095-0002
All of Lot 2 Zakkri Valley Subdivision containing 122.53 acres more or less.
Total Fees and Taxes Due: $569.08
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 6th day of May, 2026.
Camille A. Moore, Garfield County Auditor
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 14, 21 & 28 and JUNE 4, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BICKNELL TOWN COUNCIL
The Bicknell Town Council will conduct a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on June 4, 2026, at the Bicknell Town Hall, 64 W. 100 N. Bicknell, UT 84715. The hearing is to provide the public with an opportunity to review and give feedback on definitions to be added to the Building Ordinance. The public is invited to provide comments, which are generally limited to three minutes per individual.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28, 2026
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING
BICKNELL TOWN
Bicknell Town’s Budget Hearing for 2026 - 2027 will be held on June 4, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. in the town hall building, 64 W. 100 N., Bicknell. In this hearing, we will discuss budget amendments for 2025-2026, fiscal year if needed.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28, 2026
NOTICE TO WATER USERS
The applications below were filed with the Division of Water Rights in Wayne County. These are informal proceedings per Rule 655-6-2. Protests concerning an application must be legibly written or typed, contain the name and mailing address of the protesting party, STATE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PROTESTED, CITE REASONS FOR THE PROTEST, and REQUEST A HEARING, if desired. Also, A $15 FEE MUST BE INCLUDED FOR EACH APPLICATION PROTESTED. Protests must be filed with the Division of Water Rights on or before Jun. 17, 2026 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
GARFIELD COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3633 (a54606): Michael Edwards, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (1 mile E of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.
61-3431 (a54612): Grady Keyser, Jesse Keyser, State of Utah Board of Water Resources, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company propose(s) using 4.8016 acft. from groundwater (17.6 miles north of Panguitch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
WAYNE COUNTY
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
95-442 (a54579): MERA, L.L.C. propose(s) using 0.058 cfs from groundwater (4 miles South East of Torrey) for DOMESTIC; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E., State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 21 & 28, 2026
Wills,
Trusts, and More
Second Marriages and Estate Planning
Love knows no bounds. Many couples have experienced the extent and truth of this common saying.
Young couples may endure the challenges of raising “yours and mine” children. Older couples may have to deal with adult children who cannot understand why mom or dad wants to remarry later in life. Whatever the circumstance, there are special issues that should be addressed when doing estate planning in second marriages.
When young couples are raising children from prior marriages, there are special issues related to the selection of a guardian for the children. It becomes very important to specify who is to raise the children in the event of one or both spouses’ deaths.
In second marriages later in life, there is often a desire to allow the estate of the first spouse to die to be available for a surviving spouse during his or her life. However, the deceased spouse often wants the estate to ultimately be distributed to his or her children upon the surviving spouse’s death.
Cby Jeffery J. McKenna
The most effective way to provide for a surviving spouse while ensuring assets ultimately pass to children from a prior marriage is through a trust. A trust can be created in a will (testamentary trust) or during life (living trust).
The trust maker sets the terms and appoints a trustee to manage the assets, who then administers the trust according to those instructions after death. In many cases, a corporate trustee, such as a bank trust department, may be helpful due to its expertise and ability to reduce family conflict.
In certain situations, later-in-life marriages can provide estate tax advantages and allow more assets to ultimately pass to children. For example, when one spouse has a significantly larger estate, a Qualified Terminable Property (QTIP) trust can be used to hold assets for the surviving spouse’s lifetime and may reduce estate taxes—sometimes by $240,000 or more.
For couples in a second marriage, a marital agreement is often important to ensure each spouse can dispose of their estate
as intended. Without such an agreement, a surviving spouse may have legal rights that could override the deceased spouse’s estate plan.
Under Utah law, a surviving spouse may “elect against the will” and claim a statutory spousal share despite what the will provides. However, this right can be waived through a valid marital agreement, preventing either the spouse or children from asserting the claim.
In executing marital agreements, it is important to remember that special rules apply to certain retirement assets. A spouse cannot waive rights to certain retirement assets prior to marriage. Therefore, a premarital agreement is ineffective to waive spousal rights to these assets. A spouse can only waive rights to many retirement assets in a post marital agreement.
Proper estate planning in these circumstances can be a great benefit, easing concerns for adult children when a parent remarries and giving the parent peace of mind that their children’s financial legacy is protected.
Now with Richfield and Panguitch offices to serve clients in and around the surrounding counties.
Jeffery J. McKenna is a local attorney whose practice has been focused on Estate Planning for over 25 years. He is licensed and serves clients in Utah, Arizona and Nevada. He is a shareholder at the law firm of Barney, McKenna and Olmstead.
If you have questions you would like addressed in these articles, please feel free to contact him at 435 6281711 or jeff@bmo.law or visit the firm’s website at www. bmolawfirm.com. He would enjoy hearing from you.
lassified a ds
HELP WANTED
tHe lAuGhiNg
Use Your Words
A boy went home from school. His homework was to put down the things his family said. So he goes to his mother who was talking on the phone.
The boy asked "Mum, can you help me do my homework? The mother says "Shut up!" And goes back talking on the phone. The boy wrote that down.
He then went to his father watching a football commercial saying "Heck yeah!" So the boy wrote that down.
The boy went to his little sister and his sister said "Lollipop, Lollipop" So the boy wrote that down.
The boy went to his little brother and the brother said "DUNDUNUNUNUN, BATMAN!" So the boy wrote that down.
The next day, the boy went to school and the teacher said "So what are the words?" The boy said "Shut up!" The teacher, shocked, calmly said " Do you want to go to the principal's office?" The boy said "Heck yeah!"
So at the principal's office, the principal said "What do you think you deserve in this situation?"
The boy said "Lollipop lollipop!" The principal yelled "Who do you think you are?!" And the boy said " DUNUNUNUNU, BATMAN!"
THEME: Mythological Creatures
ACROSS
1. Throat-clearing sound
5. Like a fiddle?
8. Chicago baseballer
11. Cyberattack target
12. Opposite of pizzicato, in music
13. Bullying, e.g.
15. Pharmacy ware 16. Wedding cake layer
17. *Mythological part woman, part bird
18. *Part man, part bull
20. Means justifiers
21. Seize the throne
22. Found at the pump
23. *Part man, part fish
26. Julianne Moore or Lucille Ball, e.g.
30. Schiller's address to joy
31. Popular pet rodent
34. Bono's bandmate, with The
35. Chunk of iceberg
37. *Pointy-eared humanoid
38. Knight's breastplate
39. Independent chieftan
40. Pay, in casino (2 words)
42. Bugling ungulate
43. Like sun
45. Mother-of-pearl, pl.
47. Public health org.
48. Manila hemp
50. Vegan's protein choice
52. *Three-headed dog
African antelope, pl.
Not written
Arch above eye
Actor's rep
Sommelier's domain
*Large and hideous humanoid
Mosquito
It was a baby mosquito's first day to fly out from home. When the mosquito came back home later that day, the father mosquito asked, "How was your journey?" The baby mosquito replied, "It went great. Everyone was clapping for me!"
Brotherly Love
"Johnny, why did you kick your brother in the stomach?" exclaimed the angry mother. “It was pure accident, Mama. He turned around.”
I tried to make a pun about a vacuum, but it sucked.
sample, and a blood test from the old man. Hard of hearing, the old man asks his wife what the doctor said. The wife replies, "He needs a pair of your underwear."
*Giant bird of prey
Bulb type
*Abominable humanoid
Tally
Stay out of its way!
Small ladies' handbag
Robin Hood's companion Tuck
Frost over (2 words)
Millimeter of mercury
C lassified a ds
We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Front Desk Agents
Laundry Services
Housekeepers Maintenance Bellmen
Positions to start April 1st through October 31st
At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761
Position Announcements
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org
SpEd Teacher at Panguitch Elementary School
Para-Professional at Panguitch High School
Para-Professional at Panguitch Elementary School
Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers
SALARY: Please see 2025-2026 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check. Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion. Escalante AA Meeting Tues. & Fri. at 6pm 190 W. Main St., Escalante
SALE Round oak pedestal dining room table, with leaf. Four chairs. Some water spots. $45 or offer. Pick up in Loa. Text 435-979-2696
- SATURDAYS
at Main and Center in front of the Catholic church. Free to any vendor for anything you have to sell.
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking. sudoku
Answers for this week HELP WANTED
position with the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Eye
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
Retirement • Monday through Friday schedule. Starting Pay $16.65
Duties and Responsibilities
Computer Data Entry, Filing of Court and Criminal Documentation, Reports to the Bureau of Criminal • Investigations, Monthly Reports, Jail Reimbursement reports. Newsletters to Deputies and Reserve • Deputies. Year end reports. Fingerprinting. Maintain Training Records, Prepare Civil Process services, Maintain NCIC validations, Vehicle Maintenance records, prepare bills, assist in budget preparation, light janitorial duties, Assist Search and Rescue with record keeping. Answering phone calls and communicating with the public. May require out-oftown travel for meetings/ training. Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
1) Proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel
2) Knowledge of standard office procedures and policies. 3) Capable of operating standard office machinery, telephone etiquette and detailed message taking, computer operation.
4) Effective communication skills, follow written or oral instruction and request in a timely manner, self supervising ability, professional response to requests from the public. Must be self motivated and have excellent teamwork mentality.
5) Task requires variety of physical activities. Applicant must be emotionally mature and capable of maintaining confidentiality concerning criminal information and history. Appearance must appropriate and professional.
6) Given that this position is with the Sheriff’s Office, all applicants will require a full criminal background check prior to selection for interview.
Subject to random drug screenings
Must have a valid drivers license Applications can be obtained at the Wayne County Court House or the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
S. Main Street Loa, UT 84747. Sheriff’s Office Phone (435) 836-1308 Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM July 1, 2026.
Part-Time Dental Patient Relations Escalante
Job Title: Dental Patient Relations
Location: Escalante, UT
Position Type: Part-Time About Us
Wayne Community Health Centers - Kazan Memorial Dental is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We are looking for a reliable and friendly Patient Relations team member to support our front office operations on a Part-Time basis.
Position Summary
The Patient Relations Front Desk is the first point of contact for patients and visitors. This role is responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, and providing excellent customer service to ensure a positive patient experience.
Responsibilities
• Greet patients and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls
• Schedule, confirm, and update patient appointments
• Verify and update patient information and insurance details
• Collect co-pays and balances as needed
• Provide accurate information and assist patients with questions or concerns
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required
For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault
Canyon Creek Services Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732
New Horizons Crisis Center
145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294
Counseling Services
Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office
255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236
24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822
Southwest Behavioral Health Center
601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176
24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763
Wayne Community Health Center
128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer skills
• Flexible availability to cover shifts as needed
Interested candidates may apply by submitting a resume to aellett@waynechc. org.
Full-Time Custodian
Job Title: Custodian
Reports To: Facilities Manager
Position Type: Full Time
Position Summary:
The Medical Office
Custodian is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe, and wel-
coming 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
