The Wayne & Garfield County Insider May 28, 2026

Chamberlain

WAYNE CO. - In the May 18 Wayne County Commission meeting, commissioners approved volunteers for the newly formed Wayne County Community Recreation Center board as efforts continue toward development of a possible future recreation and pool center in Wayne County. Maggie Ellett, Tammy Perkins, Julie Chappell, Breanne Hallows and county representative Jakelle Pace were approved to serve on the board.

The meeting then turned to a countywide ban on burning after fire officials discussed increasingly dry conditions and several recent human-caused fires across Wayne County. Wayne County Fire Official Steve Lutz said local volunteers have struggled to keep up with recent fire

Wayne Commission Cont'd on B2

BICKNELL - Since becoming librarian for the Bicknell Library in 2022, Amber Fullerton has helped turn it into a lively hub for creativity, education, and

Courtesy Wendy Potter

A "Special DOLLivery" was made to Hanksville Elementary on the last day of school, May 21. Every student received an American Girl/Boy doll and the pre-K students received Bitty Babies.

HANKSVILLE - A "Special DOLLivery" was made to Hanksville Elementary (HES) on the last day of school, May 21. Every student received an American Girl/Boy doll and the pre-K students received Bitty Babies.

Special DOLLivery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers American Girl dolls to children in vulnerable home environments. Partnering with Utah Foster Care, Title I schools, and community centers,

we provide these dolls as emotional support and a comforting friend to children in need.

Each doll kit is thoughtfully assembled with care. It includes an American Girl doll that is fully dressed in a special meeting outfit and shoes. The kit contains a variety of ten clothing outfits, doll pajamas, doll bedding, a chapter book, and a carrying bag.

The HES students were thrilled with their end of year "Dollivery."

community connection.

Fullerton’s reputation for listening closely to community needs recently earned her the Utah Library Association’s Special Ser-

BLM Issues Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for So. Utah

SO. UTAH - Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning May 22 at 12:01 a.m. on all BLMmanaged lands in southwest Utah. Fire restrictions apply to Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver counties in Utah.

From May 22 until rescinded, the fire prevention order prohibits: Building or maintaining any open fire or campfires using solid fuels, or any ash-producing fuel.

• Smoking, except within a vehicle or enclosed area. Grinding, cutting, and welding of metal.

vice Award. “Amber Fullerton is a librarian extraordinaire,” wrote coworker Amy Banks in the nomination for the award. Fullerton moved to

Wayne County with her two daughters six years ago before accepting the librar-

Amber Fullerton Cont'd on B3

CO.The Garfield County Commission met May 11 and approved the agenda and April 27 meeting minutes before moving into board reports. Commissioner David Tebbs reported on recent UAC meetings in St. George and a trip to Maui for the Western Interstate Region conference. Tebbs said discussions focused on wildfire risk maps, insurance concerns in cabin areas like Panguitch Lake and Boulder Mountain, and Maui’s recovery after the Lahaina fire. He said it was interesting how Garfield County faces many of the same struggles around tourism growth, grazing, ranching, farming, and traditional water use. Tebbs also discussed Garfield Commission

ESCALANTE - The Escalante Heritage and Wild Potato Festival, to be held on May 29-30 in the city’s Heritage Park, will offer a wide range of activities to honor the city’s rich Native Ameri-

can, explorer, pioneer, and ranching heritage. Their influence continues to be felt in traditional celebrations and in the names of many local sites. The first holiday celebrated by settlers was the 4th of July in 1876. Lacking a proper American flag, they chose to raise a red, white, and grey Native American rug inHeritage Festival Cont'd on A2

GARFIELD

Cont'd on A2

Panguitch Bobcats Boys Track Team Take 6th Consecutive 1A State Championship

by Jaynie Connor

PANGUITCH - The Panguitch Bobcats boys track team secured victories in thirteen out of sixteen events, resulting in three individual champions and a relay winner, as they celebrated their sixth consecutive 1A state championship at BYU, which took place from May 14 - 16. Panguitch acheived a total of 135 points, comfortably surpassing runner-up Rich, which finished with 113 points. Multiple athletes from Panguitch excelled in five events: the 200 meters, 400 meters, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and javelin. Casey Walter emerged as the only multi-event champion for Panguitch, clinching first place in both the javelin and 200 meters. Senior Max Albrecht was another standout, securing victory in the 300 hurdles, while finishing as runner-up in the 110 hurdles. With only four of Panguitch’s state placers being seniors, the program remains strong and poised to pursue a seventh consecutive title next year, even with Coach Troy Norris's departure. The Panguitch Bobcats girls track took second place with a score of 144, behind Rich’s 150.

Heritage Festival:

We hope you will join us for this last weekend of May. Everyone is welcome. We have something for everyone to do, to see, and to learn.

stead. A reenactment of this flag raising will be a part of this year’s heritage celebration after the free pancake breakfast.

A popular feature of the festival is the lineup of presenters sharing insights and details and often firsthand reminiscences, such as the first phone system, how Main Street has evolved over the decades, the history of Father Escalante (the city’s namesake), the mail trail, and cowboy stories.

Live music will entertain visitors both days with local popular musicians and bands, Native

American flute music, local professional Raymond Shurtz, and an open-mic talent segment.

A heritage store will have stickers, keychains, a customized Potato Valley cookbook, a beautifully illustrated calendar with pen sketches by Howard Hutchison, custom t-shirts, and books. Other vendors will offer their crafts, highlighting a broad range of skills. The silent auction tables will be entertaining shopping with a wide variety of services and items. Proceeds will support ongoing monthly historical presentations at the Escalante Showhouse.

Activities include a dunk tank, mule rides, a

flute-making workshop, a drum circle, and children’s crafts featuring traditional skills and potatoes. Quilts of Valor will present quilts to local veterans.

A variety of food trucks, a snow cone shack, and a Navajo Taco kitchen will keep you full on Friday until the evening potato bar at the Escalante Showhouse on Main Street, where Grammy Award-winning Native American flute and guitar performer, Aaron White, will entertain the audience. Author and historian Lamont Crabtree is the evening’s keynote speaker on the Hole in the Rock expedition.

On Saturday, the same activities are avail-

able, while rodeo events, a chuck wagon dinner, and a live band dance at night will take place at the rodeo grounds.

These two days will conclude this amazing 150th celebration and tribute to the settlers, explorers, Native Americans, and ranchers who created the rich heritage we enjoy today.

Flyers with details on these events were mailed to all residents in Garfield and Wayne counties, as well as to adjacent cities in Kane and Piute counties. We hope you will join us for this last weekend of May. Everyone is welcome. We have something for everyone to do, to see, and to learn.

Garfield Commission: Recent UAC meetings; a national video project focused on PILT and Secure Rural Schools funding; $250,000 toward a future county museum project and the planned Panguitch-to-Red Canyon bike path; and USDA Deputy Secretary Michael Boren's visit to Garfield County and grazing, timber, and public lands access discussed.

a free Nationwide Insurance succession planning program for ranchers and farmers. He shared one story about a family ranch that was eventually divided and sold after siblings disagreed over ownership, leaving family members no longer speaking to each other.

Next, Commissioner Jerry Taylor said it was the first time in two weeks he had slept in his own bed after traveling between meetings in Denver, St. George, and Maui. Taylor, who serves as NACO’s public lands chair, also discussed a national video project focused on PILT and Secure Rural Schools funding that was recently filmed in Bryce Canyon, Escalante, local sawmills, and ranches across Garfield County. Taylor said the project is meant to show how public lands counties still provide roads, schools, emergency services, and healthcare even though most of the land is federally owned. He also announced Garfield County received $250,000 toward a future

county museum project and said he hopes the planned Panguitch-to-Red Canyon bike path eventually stretches across to Torrey.

In his report, Commission Chair Leland Pollock focused heavily on grazing, timber, and public lands access. Pollock announced that 18,000 AUMs across 11 allotments in the Book Cliffs area are being reopened after sitting vacant for years, calling the move important for preserving ranching and rural communities. Pollock also described what he called a “John Wayne meeting” with state forestry officials, Forest Service leadership, and local sawmill operators aimed at getting timber sales moving again on the Dixie National Forest after what he described as a sixteen-month stretch with no timber offered for sale. Much of Pollock’s report centered on a recent Garfield County visit from USDA Deputy Secretary Michael Boren. Pollock said Boren became frustrated after seeing washedout trails and long delays on simple maintenance projects connected to Mule Days and horseback access near Tropic. “We’re going

to open these trails. This is ridiculous,” Pollock recalled Boren telling Forest Service officials after touring the area.

Public Works Director Dave Dodds followed up on the visit, saying Boren also pushed for wider access roads into trailheads so modern horse trailers can safely reach the area. Dodds said Boren made it clear the trails should be open for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and the general public. Dodds also said another timber meeting with Forest Service officials and State Forester Jamie Barnes is scheduled for May 19 as Garfield County continues pushing to get more timber sales moving on the Dixie. On infrastructure, Dodds updated commissioners on the county’s ongoing dam project, saying the new structure is essentially complete except for hydraulic gate equipment that is still pending delivery. Commissioners also discussed holding a ribbon cutting once the project is finished to recognize state leaders who helped secure roughly $5 million for the project. Road crews are also preparing for chip seal season, including planned work on

Insider The

Hole-in-the-Rock road after the BLM determined the work was “reasonable and necessary.” Commissioners criticized continued opposition and litigation from the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance over the project. Dodds also reported new interest from the Utah Trail Network in helping fund a paved walking and biking path between Panguitch and Red Canyon. County leaders said the project could eventually become part of a larger trail connection stretching farther across Garfield County.

Other business included discussion of a business license for Meadowlands LLC and efforts to reorganize the Henrieville Cemetery Board before commissioners entered executive session for personnel and litigation matters.

The Garfield County Commission meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month starting at 10 a.m. All meetings are held in the County Courthouse in Panguitch. Electronic participation is not available, but all meeting recordings are uploaded to the Utah Public Meetings Notice board, https://www. utah.gov/pmn/.

Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1

Courtesy Kylie Frandsen

SkyWatcher Leo T

Jupiter and Venus, Asteroid 2026 JH2 and Blackfoot Creation Myths

by Leonard Thomas

2026 JH2 on May 17, 2026.

SPACE - There’s been a whole lot of shaking going on in our local solar system lately, and there’s always something exciting to look at and soak up. At dusk we can watch the crescent Moon dance with the planets as Bella Luna returns. On Tuesday, the crescent hung between Venus and Jupiter in a spectacular scene. And then by 10:55 p.m., as the whole sky moved westward, Castor Pollux the crescent and Jupiter formed a celestial bow shooting an invisible arrow to the northwest.

I checked out the sliver moon in my binoculars, and the craters looked like they were ten miles away. So even a few days later, enjoy this scene as it evolves.

And of course on Monday, a somewhat close call for Earthlings, asteroid 2026 JH2 came within 57,000 miles of our planet.

The asteroid, discovered just a few days ago, is about sixty-two feet wide and as long as a basketball court or a blue whale. It careened near the Earth on Monday.

57,000 miles from Earth is an eyelash, cosmically speaking—for scope, the distance to the moon is, on average, about 238,855 miles from Earth.

The asteroid was discovered on May 10 by astronomers with the Mount Lemmon Survey, an astronomical project based in Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains, as well as the Farpoint Observatory in Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

It is rare for an object of this size to make such a close flyby of Earth, though not unprecedented.

The big rock came closest at about 3 p.m. Mountain Time according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which maintains a database of the physical characteristics and orbits of most known natural objects in the solar system.

A map shows asteroid 2026 JH2's path through space.

Many asteroids smaller than this one frequently pass by the planet unnoticed, while some others streak through Earth’s atmosphere as bright fireballs in the sky.

Astronomers routinely track asteroids and comets that could come near Earth using a network of telescopes on the ground and in space. NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations program is responsible for finding potentially dangerous asteroids and studying their orbits to determine if they pose a risk.

Astronomers are keeping an especially close eye on one large space rock because it is expected to pass much closer to Earth in a few years than asteroid 2026 JH2.

That asteroid, called Apophis, measures about 1,200 feet across and is projected to come within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029.

NASA’s OSIRISAPEX probe is going to rendezvous with Apophis in June 2029 to study how the close flyby of Earth affects the space rock’s orbit and physical properties. In other words, the Earth is a great big orb in the sky with lots of gravity, and OSIRIS hopes to discover how Earth’s gravity will affect the fly by. The mission was designed as a follow-on to the OSIRIS-REx mission that collected the first-ever samples from an asteroid and returned them to Earth in 2023.

The probe has been operating in space since it launched in 2016, but the Trump administration’s budget request for fiscal year 2027 would end the mission before the asteroid rendezvous—part of sweeping cuts proposed for NASA. If the White House proposal is enacted as is, OSIRIS-APEX would be among more than fifty missions canceled.

And as we look into how different cultures from different geographic locations interpret constellations, stars and star lore, we’ll check out a legend from the Plains Tribes or nations: This legend is a

creation myth noted in a book titles Sky Wolf’s Calls by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Loniger the Blackfoot in Canada with a bit of the intro from George Bird Grinnell.

The Blackfeet believe that the Sun made the Earth–that he is the creator. One of the names by which they call the Sun is Naapi— Old Man. This is how they tell of the creation: In the beginning, water was everywhere; nothing else could be seen. Something was floating on the water, and Naapi and all the animals were on a raft.

Naapi wished to make land, and he told the muskrat to dive down to the bottom of the water and try to bring up a little mud. The beaver dived and was underwater for a long time, but he could not reach the bottom. Then the loon tried, and after him, the otter, but the water was too deep for them. At last, the beaver was sent down, and he was gone for a long, long time, so long that they thought he must be drowned, but at last, he came up and floated almost dead on the water. When they pulled him up on the raft and looked at his paws, they found a little mud clutched in one of his paws.

Naapi restored Beaver’s life by sharing the spirit of breath. Then he took the mud, rolled it between his hands and threw it back into the water. It did not sink, instead, it grew larger until they could step onto solid ground. That was the beginning of land. Grateful Naapi made Beaver the Chief of the Water People and gave him the power to control the flow of water.

So look around, look up, and get just a little bit lost in space.

Leonard Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Broadcasting and worked as a park ranger as a star guide at Capitol Reef National Park. He is a resident of Torrey, Utah, and is the creator of the podcast SkyWatcher Leo T, which is available to listen to on Spotify.

BLM Seeks Input for September 2026 Sale of Oil and Gas Leases in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY -

On May 22, the Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 35 oil and gas parcels totaling 34,596 acres in Utah in a September 2026 sale. The comment period ends June 22, 2026. The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in April 2026 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

All parcels that are included in a federal oil and gas lease sale include appropriate stipulations

to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System. BLM lease sales are held online through Efficient Markets.

The parcels BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment, are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/ProjectHome/?id=759276D6511E-F111-8341001DD800B811

—Bureau of Land Management

Courtesy The Virtual Telescope Project

Near-Earth asteroid

Wills, Trusts, and More

Survivor's Checklist and Legal Procedures at Death

One of the greatest challenges in life is the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, in addition to the emotional strain that accompanies such a loss, there are also many legal and financial matters that must be addressed. This article provides a brief checklist of some of the legal issues that should be considered following the passing of a loved one.

Legal Documents: Determine whether the deceased left a will, trust or other documents to take effect upon death. Whether there is a will or trust will effect how the estate administration should proceed. If there is no will or trust, state laws will govern the administration process. It should be noted that powers of attorney that may have been used while the decedent was alive terminate upon death. Individuals Cared for by the Deceased: Minor children or incapacitated adults who were being cared for by the deceased may require someone else

by Jeffery J. McKenna

to be appointed to care for their needs. In many cases, the court will appoint a guardian and/or conservator. The deceased may have nominated this person in a will.

Inventory of Assets: It is very important to locate all of the deceased’s assets and ensure that they are protected and sufficiently insured. Secure and inventory family heirlooms, antiques and other personal property items of value. If the deceased lived alone, it may be wise to promptly change the locks on the home. In doing an inventory of the assets, it is helpful to take photos or videos.

Payment of Creditors: Before paying funeral expenses or other debts, determine whether there are sufficient assets in the estate to satisfy all obligations. Paying certain creditors too early may create

complications if the estate later proves insufficient to pay others.

Social Security: Contact the social security office to determine what benefit, if any, may be available for the surviving spouse and/or minor children.

Tax Returns: Often, state and federal tax returns including the deceased’s final 1040 income tax return, the estate or trust’s 1041 income tax return.

The preceding is a brief list of some of the items that should be considered upon a loved one’s death. Although proper estate planning can do much to minimize and help simplify procedures at death, there are legal issues that must be addressed when a loved one dies. An estate plan that addresses and minimizes these legal issues is truly a wonderful gift for those that are left behind.

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 435 628-1711 or jeff@bmo.law or visit the firm’s website at www.bmolawfirm.com. He would enjoy hearing from you.

paid for by Dan Gardner for Utah House District 69

tHe lAuGhiNg pOiNt!!

Telegram

A blonde and a redhead have a ranch. They have just lost their bull. The women need to buy another, but only have $500.

The redhead tells the blonde, "I will go to the market and see if I can find one for under that amount. If I can, I will send you a telegram."

She goes to the market and finds one for $499. Having only one dollar left, she goes to the telegraph office and finds out that it costs one dollar per word.

She is stumped on how to tell the blonde to bring the truck and trailer. Finally, she tells the telegraph operator to send the word "comfortable."

Skeptical, the operator asks, "How will she know to come with the trailer from just that word?"

The redhead replies, "She's a blonde so she reads slow: 'Come for ta bull.'"

Wishes

A bus full of ugly people had a head on collision with a truck. When they died, God granted all of them one wish. The first person said, "I want to be gorgeous." God snapped his fingers and it happened. The second person said the same thing and God did the same thing. This want on and on throughout the group. God noticed the last man in line was laughing hysterically. By the time God got to the last ten people, the last man was laughing and rolling on the ground. When the man's turn came, he laughed and said, "I wish they were all ugly again."

THEME: Candy

ACROSS

1. Family room staple

5. Refrigerator sound

8. *One of original Life Savers flavors

12. Diabolical

13. Supernatural life force

14. Dust allergy triggers

15. Magnesium silicate

16. Thor's father

17. Audience’s approval

18. *Coconutty candy bar (2 words)

20. Baltimore player

21. Dip a ____ ____ the water

22. Acronym, abbr.

23. *"The Freshmaker" candy

26. Deck painter, often

30. Flight info

31. Russia's plain

34. Nat of Jazz

35. N in RN

37. Across, in verse

38. *Inspired by "Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

39. Under the weather

40. Lipase or sucrase, e.g.

42. Part of a match

43. English traveling courts

45. Ones with title

47. ____ Aviv

48. Sign of life

50. Between Phi and Kappa

52. *Once known as Chicken Feed (2 words) 56. Trollop, in the olden days 57. Eyeball rudely 58. "I ____ wed"

Opposite of fires

Bear's den

Gives a hand 62. Between ids and super-egos 63. Symbol of indus

Load of Beans

A teacher asked her students to use the word "beans" in a sentence. "My father grows beans," said one girl. "My mother cooks beans," said a boy. A third student spoke up, "We are all human beans."

Quick Thinking

PUNishment

What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down? It gets toad away.

Teacher: "What is the chemical formula for water?"

Student: "HIJKLMNO."

Teacher: "What are you talking about?"

Student: "Yesterday you said it's H to O!"

Memorial Day has come and gone, and with a lot of great help, we got the flags out at the cemetery and around Main and Center streets. My daughter, Kelly, got on the internet and asked for help, and we had enough help to put things up very fast.

Zions Bank has gone through a new face lift, with new landscaping and new signage, and it has done wonders for the looks of the bank. We have a pile of rubble where the Chevron used to stand. I guess the wrecking crew hit the water line, and the water was down for part of the town.

I saw a couple of "No Vacancy" signs at some of our motels. Many of the food places did really well on Friday and Saturday. I hear that Henrie’s Drivein will be open now seven days a week. They had lines of cars waiting to get into Henrie’s on both days. We made it through May without any rain, but there was plenty of wind. The April showers that bring May flowers were very little and our beautiful crab apple trees bloomed,

FYI Panguitch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

but with the wind, they didn’t last more than a few days. The wind really dries out the green areas, so you can plan on a lot of wildfires this summer. June, July and August are dry months of the year. We used to get monsoon rains in August, but there has not been much these last few years.

This weekend, the 5th and 6th, will be the Rick Burningham baseball tournament down at the baseball complex.

The Panguitch Quilt Walk Festival is just around the corner, and it gets started with the Chocolate Fest and silent auction on the 10th at the middle school. The Quilt Walk play will start on Thursday at the Social Hall, and for the first time in thirty years, I won’t be in it, since I am too old to get up and down the stairs. At the same time, the quilting classes will begin and run through Saturday. These classes will be at the high school. On Saturday morning, the Lions Club will have their famous all-you-can-eat breakfast. Breakfast starts at 7:30 and runs till every-

one is fed. The breakfast will still be $7.00. On Friday, there will be the old homes tours, and they go from 3-6 p.m.

The Panuitch Quilt Walk Festival started thirty years ago as part of the Main Street Program. It was decided that the 2nd week in June was the slowest week of the summer. Pat wrote the story of the quilt walkers, and Elaine made it into a play. Claudia started the quilt class with only sixteen people in attendance. They never gave up, and now, with Jerrilu Houston in charge, there are over three hundred in the classes. They also have a Quilt Walk Park next to the bank that draws in a lot of tourists taking pictures.

It looks like our president is continuing to do things without thinking. He tore down the back of the White House before he was told that he only lives there for his time in office. He said that he had $400 million to do the job. Now, he wants a billion dollars to finish the work; all of the gold he is going to put in there really runs

up the cost.

Last year, he said he didn’t like smart people, and that cost him a few votes. Then last month, he said he didn’t like handsome men, and now he is doing the same for police officers. Since in office, he has pardoned the biggest drug dealer in the world because he was convicted of selling four hundred tons of cocaine during President Biden's time in office. He used the same reasoning for pardoning fifteen hundred rioters who were at the U.S. Capitol trying to overthrow the government; one hundred and forty-two police officers were injured and five were killed that day. Many of these nice people are back in jail, some for murder and one for molesting a child. The president is now after 1.8 billion in U.S. tax dollars so that he can give the rioters money for trying to follow his orders.

Many have given their lives to keep our country free, and we are the country of the free because of the brave.

Mack O.

Rural Utah Families Struggle to Find Available, Affordable Childcare

by Mark Richardson | Utah News Connection

Adobe Stock

High turnover and low wages have historically forced many childcare workers to rely on public benefits, making recruiting and retaining qualified staff in Utah rural communities exceptionally difficult.

UTAH - Nearly half of young children in the United States live in a childcare desert, according to a new nationwide analysis from the Center for American Progress.

The problem is even more acute in Utah, where most counties lack an adequate number of licensed providers for children younger than age 5. Statewide, licensed providers meet only about 36% of the need, with rural communities facing significant shortages.

The Center for American Progress says the shortage has created a stark ur-

ban-rural divide.

Casey Peeks, the center's senior director of early childhood policy, said policymakers often focus on affordability because child care costs are out of reach for many American families. But she said cost is not the only challenge.

“You can make childcare free for every family living in a rural community tomorrow, but that's not going to solve the access piece,” Peeks said. “We both need to bring down the cost for families, but we also need to think about supply solutions.”

The childcare shortage

costs Utah an estimated $1.3 billion each year in wages and productivity. Peeks said inadequate staffing leads to program closures, fewer options and higher costs.

Utah lawmakers passed several bills this session aimed at addressing the problem, including expanded tax credits for employers that provide child care, an increase in the Child Tax Credit and an extension of paid maternity leave for state employees.

The annual cost of childcare in Utah is between $7,000 and $10,000. A child care worker is paid about $15

an hour on average.

Hailey Gibbs, associate director of the center's early-childhood policy team, said the system does not sufficiently prioritize children’s needs. While childcare is often discussed as a support for working parents, Gibbs described the sector as a “pay-to-play” system that undervalues caregivers and early educators.

“That seems to really reflect a misunderstanding about child development and the needs of young children," Gibbs said, "and also the returns that children see in their education, in their health outcomes, even in their adult earnings when they have these kinds of really enriching early opportunities.”

Gibbs said the data shows the need for comprehensive solutions that address both cost and availability, starting with better wages for childcare professionals. She said state and federal lawmakers also need to address the lack of public investment that creates a wide gap between what families can afford and what providers need to sustain and grow programs.

Dining Guide

Schools and Sports

A Heartfelt Message of Gratitude to the WSD Staff

Nichol Stringham

(Top Row L to R) Kerry Anderson, Busdriver; Linda Hunter, WHS GearUp Advisor; Corri Robinson, WHS 7 and 8 grade English Teacher; Shane Bradbury, WSD Maintenance; (Middle Row L to R) Erica Taft, WSD Character Education/SEL Coordinator; Autum Cartmell, WHS SpEd Aide; Jennifer Hunt, WHS Concurrent Enrollment; Geneva Peterson, WHS History, English, Yearbook Teacher; (Bottom Row L to R) Tracie Fallis, WHS Aide and Study Skills Teacher; Tina Peterson, WHS SpEd Aide and Drama Teacher; Stephanie Williams, WHS Business, Health, and Computer Teacher; and Nikki Stringham, WHS Assistant Principal and WSD Character Education/SEL Director were all recently honored through Wayne School District's Employee Recognition Award program.

WAYNE CO. - Wayne School District (WSD) is demonstrating that its greatest asset isn't its infrastructure or curriculum, but the remarkable individuals who bring its mission to life every day. The Employee Recognition Award serves to spotlight these outstanding team members—spanning long-term educators, custodial crews, and nutritional staff—who consistently exceed expectations to foster a supportive and thriving atmosphere for all students.

The true magic of this initiative lies in its origin: every single recipient is nominated directly by their colleagues. This peer-driven approach highlights the collaborative spirit and quiet dedication that keeps the schools running smoothly. Adding a personal touch to this high-level recognition, the Wayne School District Superintendent Randy Shelley travels to various campus locations throughout the school year to personally present certificates and small tokens of gratitude to

these everyday champions.

By celebrating employees across all departments, WSD underscores a fundamental truth: every single position is essential to student achievement. From the welcoming smile of a bus driver in the morning to the meticulous care of the maintenance crew, the district remains dedicated to praising the daily difference-makers who ensure their schools are unparalleled environments for both education and employment.

Wayne School District

wants to extend a deeply sincere and heartfelt thank you to every single employee across the WSD. The truth is simple: we would not have the absolute best kids without the absolute best district staff. Thank you for your tireless dedication, your unwavering care, and the love you pour into our schools and students every single day. You truly are the heart of our community.

—Randy Shelley, Wayne School District Superintendent and Wayne School District Board

Utah Youth Teach & Lead at National “Ignite by 4-H” Conference

by Julene Reese | Utah State University Extension

BVHS Students and Athletes of the Week

by Samie Ott | Bryce Valley High School

UTAH - A delegation of 66 teen leaders, volunteers, faculty, and staff from Utah State University Extension 4-H recently attended “Ignite by 4-H” in Washington, D.C. The conference is designed to strengthen workforce readiness by helping youth explore career pathways, build confidence, develop leadership capacity, and apply real-world problemsolving skills. This year marks the state’s largest delegation to date.

Utah youth served as both learners and leaders at the conference, presenting fifteen youth-led workshops for peers from across fifty-three states and territories and nine U.S. Naval installations. Topics included mental health strategies, equine science, STEM outreach, and culturally responsive programming. Through these presentations, youth strengthened skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking.

and represent our state on a national stage shows exactly what Beyond Ready is about: building confidence, career skills, and leadership that prepares them for work, life, and meaningful service in their communities.”

“This national visibility for our youth is more than recognition—it is proof that when young people are given real opportunities to lead, they rise to the occasion,” said Dave Francis, USU Extension youth development director. “Watching Utah 4-H youth teach, present,

While at the conference, three Utah 4-H AgriScience Ambassadors and one advisor were invited to attend the Great American Agriculture Celebration on the White House South Lawn, marking the 250th anniversary of American agriculture. This invitation further highlights the importance of Utah’s youth leadership and workforce development efforts.

“It was an amazing experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend,” said 4-H ambassador Kendall Burch. “Being able to hear the President of the United States of America speak about things that will impact me and my family's future and things I hold so close to my heart was an incredible experience that words can barely describe.”

Emily Davis, 4-H ambassador, said it was truly an amazing opportunity to attend the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House.

“I felt as if I was walking amongst giants,” she said. “To be able to gather with agricultural people of all kinds and celebrate America and its producers opened my eyes to see how many people are really involved in the agricultural scene to help keep our country running. I am honored to be included, and grateful I was able to participate in this monumental experience.”

Francis said the strong showing for Utah 4-H demonstrates both the reach of the program and the readiness of 4-H youth to lead, teach, and engage with their peers.

“We are incredibly proud of our youth,” he said. “The experience reinforces the impact the 4-H program has on preparing our young people for work and life.”

BRYCE - Kinzee

Twitchell has been nominated by Ms. Jensen as Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) Student of the Week

"Kinzee is the definition of consistency and character. She sometimes flies under the radar and doesn’t get the recognition she deserves, but her impact is impossible to miss. When the room goes quiet during discussions, she is often the one to step up and lead the way," said Jensen.

Megan Gray has been nominated by Mrs. Nielson as BVHS Student of the Week

"Megan has worked so hard on her coding skills. She never gives up, even when it’s tough, and she pushes herself to figure things out. She is always willing to ask questions and get the help she needs. Her growth and effort have really stood out, and I am so proud of her," said Nielson.

Lindi Rich as been nominated as BVHS Spring Athlete of the Week in golf by Coach Karl Roundy. "Lindi has worked

hard to improve her game and has been in the Top 10 girls in the region throughout the season! Way to go, Lindi," said Roundy.

Josh King has been nominated as BVHS Athlete of the Week in boys track by Coach Adam Platt and Coach Lizzy Armenta. "Josh has shown tremendous growth this season. He is often the last to leave practice, taking extra time to refine his form. He is a great example of hard work and dedication," said Platt and Armenta.

Gen Syrett as been nominated as BVHS Athlete of the Week in girls track by Coach Adam Platt & Lizzy Armenta.

"Gen consistently shows a strong work ethic and a coachable mindset. She brings great energy to every practice, pushes herself, and is always willing to step up for relays," said Platt and Armenta. We are proud of these amazing Mustangs and the example they set every day in the classroom, in activities, and in athletics.

Courtesy

Courtesy Samie Ott

Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) Students and Athletes of the Week (from top to bottom) Kinzee Twitchell, Megan Gray, Lindi Rich, Josh King, and Gen Syrett. BVHS is proud of these amazing Mustangs and the example they set every day.

Fire Restrictions:

Due to rapidly increasing fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning May 22 at 12:01 a.m. on all BLM-managed lands in southwest Utah. Fire restrictions apply to Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Beaver counties in Utah.

Fire Restirctions

Cont'd from A1

Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in effective working order.

The BLM asks target shooters to know their ammunition before visiting public lands. Ammunition packaging may not indicate the presence of steel in the bullet, especially in military surplus and foreign-made ammunition.

To determine whether a bullet contains steel, test with a magnet. Orange or red painted tips may indicate tracer ammunition which can ignite flammable substances, such as dry grass, upon contact.

Wayne

To prevent a wildfire, the public should:

• Fully extinguish campfires and avoid building fires when winds are 15 mph or higher.

• Avoid target shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions.

• Choose a target shooting backstop free of rocks and dry grass—any bullet hitting rocks can create a spark. Avoid cutting, welding or grinding of metal in areas of dry vegetation. Keep trailer chains lifted above the ground— dragging chains can create sparks.

• Avoid parking a hot vehicle over dry grass.

• Maintain tires, wheels and bearing on trailers to prevent mechanical failure.

BLM statewide fire prevention order UT91425-001 prohibits fireworks, explosives of any kind, and tracer and incendiary ammunition yearround.

• Check off-highway vehicle exhaust system yearly to ensure the spark arrester is mounted securely and is qualified.

• Fully extinguish and properly dispose of cigarettes.

BLM prevention orders are available at Utah

- Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm. gov) and on utahfireinfo. gov. The public is reminded to use caution to prevent wildfires when visiting public lands. Please be prepared with water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher handy during the dry summer months. In the event of a fire, call 911 immediately. For more details on the prevention order, contact Nick Howell, Fire Management Specialist, at nhowell@blm.gov or 801320-8345.

—Bureau of Land Management

Commission: Approval of volunteers for the newly formed Wayne County Community Recreation Center board, approval of Resolution 2026-02 imposing county fire restrictions, and the prairie dog fence project at Wayne Wonderland Airport discussed.

calls and warned conditions remain dangerously dry. “I’ve only got volunteers. I can’t order them to go out and leave their jobs to watch people’s fires,” Lutz said. “I think it’s the only responsible thing to do, especially with the upcoming holiday.”

Commissioners approved Resolution 202602 imposing county fire restrictions beginning May 19. The restrictions prohibit open fires, fireworks, charcoal and pellet grills, smoking in vegetated areas, welding and other activities capable of starting wildfires. Propane stoves and grills that can be turned off with a valve are still allowed. Officials said conditions currently meet Stage 2 fire restriction criteria despite recent moisture. Commissioners also discussed posting signs and public notices to help inform residents and visitors about the restrictions. During the discussion, Lutz also praised local volunteer firefighters for their recent response efforts.“They have been training and training and

training,” Lutz said. “Last week is what they live for, is to be able to save somebody’s house and not get anybody hurt.”

The meeting later shifted to the ongoing prairie dog fence project at Wayne Wonderland Airport. Jones & DeMille representative John Spendlove presented an FAA grant application for the roughly $1.2 million project, which would be funded at 95% by the FAA, leaving about $30,000 as the local share. Officials said trapping efforts at the airport have not been successful, while similar fencing projects in Cedar City and Parowan have reportedly helped keep prairie dogs away from runways. Commissioners expressed frustration after previously being told the county likely would not have to contribute local funds. “We’ve been working on this damn thing for over a year,” Commissioner Cook said. Cook said he did not want the county to miss the funding opportunity while waiting for clarification on the remaining local share. Commission Chair Blackburn said he wanted clarification on funding commitments before signing the

application.“In the very beginning, we were told it wasn’t going to cost us anything,” Blackburn said. No action was ultimately taken after motions both to table and approve the application failed for lack of a second. The issue is expected to return at the next commission meeting.

In other business, commissioners approved the annual Indigent Defense Commission grant application. The grant helps fund public defense services in district court, justice court and child welfare cases. Commissioners also approved payment of vouchers before entering a brief closed session for personnel matters.

The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.

Wayne Commission

Cont'd from A1

Amber Fullerton: Winning this award means more to me than I can really put into words. This award reminds me that the small things matter. Every story time, every maker's market, every messy craft, every late-night planning session, every child excited about reading, and every person who feels welcomed in our little library matters.

—Amber Fullerton, Bicknell librarian

provide mobile and on-site

counties, as well as Antimony

Amber Fullerton Cont'd from A1

ian position at the Bicknell Library in November 2022. Her family’s roots in Wayne County run deep, with her great-great-grandfather, Holt, settling Fruita in 1899.

Residents throughout the area know Fullerton simply as “the librarian.”

In addition to overseeing the Bicknell Library, she serves as headquarters librarian for the Tri-County Bookmobile program in Bicknell, helping provide mobile and on-site library services to rural communities throughout Wayne, Sevier, and Piute counties, as well as Antimony in Garfield County. Her nomination also highlighted her expanded role within the Rural Services team over the past year.

Fullerton was recognized for the way she identifies community needs and creates practical, creative

solutions to meet them.

For example, when the local grocery store stopped offering carpet cleaner rentals, residents were left without nearby access to the service. Seeing the need, Fullerton successfully proposed adding a carpet cleaner to the library’s “library of things,” where it is now regularly checked out by residents across several counties.

"See a need; fill a need,” said Fullerton. She has also worked to make library services more accessible for Spanish-speaking residents by introducing dual-language signage and expanding the library’s Spanish-language collection.

Fullerton has also helped cultivate an eclectic mix of programs and partnerships that have made the library an active gathering place. Weekly Thursday story times often feature a variety of guests, including local park rangers, grand-

parents, and representatives from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Fullerton said Summer Reading is a huge love of hers, especially the activities and programs that bring local families into the library.

Beyond story time, the library’s “Crafting Change” program offers a wide range of creative, handson activities including bath bomb making, embroidery lessons, paint nights, succulent pot crafting, journal writing activities, and Zen salt gardens. The library also encourages young entrepreneurship through the Children’s Makers Market, where local children create and sell handmade items.

Fullerton’s creativity also led to one of the library’s most unique additions: library bees. An observational beehive was installed through a partnership with Utah State University Extension and a grant from the Bee Cause Project and Whole Kids

Foundation. Located at the bookmobile headquarters in Bicknell, the hive allows visitors to safely observe approximately 16,000 bees through plexiglass panels. Children later helped name the bees “The Flower Puff Girls” and “Bumbelina.” “People have been so enchanted by being able to see what is going on in the hive,” Fullerton said in a Utah State Library feature.

“Winning this award means more to me than I can really put into words,” Fullerton said. “This award reminds me that the small things matter. Every story time, every maker's market, every messy craft, every late-night planning session, every child excited about reading, and every person who feels welcomed in our little library matters.”

Fullerton received the award May 19 during the Utah Library Association Conference in Provo.

Courtesy Jami Carter

Bicknell librarian Amber Fullerton recently earned the Utah Library Association’s Special Service Award, which honors librarians who make significant contributions to their communities across Utah. Fullertonbecame the Bicknell librarian in 2022. In addition to overseeing the Bicknell Library, she serves as headquarters librarian for the Tri-County Bookmobile program in Bicknell, helping

library services to rural communities throughout Wayne, Sevier, and Piute

in Garfield County.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE

The following described property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, payable in lawful money of the United States at the time of sale at the main front entrance or foyer of the Sixth Judicial District Court, Garfield County, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah, 84759 on June 24, 2026, at 1:30 pm prevailing Mountain Time of said day, or as may be continued in accordance with Utah Code §57-1-27, for the purpose of foreclosing a Deed of Trust, originally executed by PROMISEROCK 10H LLC, a Utah limited liability company, as to Parcel 1, and TRU NORTH HOLDINGS, LC, a Nevada limited liability company, as to Parcel 2, as trustor, in favor of SOUTHERN UTAH TITLE COMPANY as trustee, for the benefit of COLONY PARTNERS, L.L.C., a Utah limited liability company, as to an undivided 60% interest and CIEL HOLDINGS, L.L.C., a Utah limited liability company, as to an undivided 40% interest, together with any legal holder of the Note, as beneficiary, covering real property located in Garfield County, Utah, as more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto.

To be eligible to bid, prior to the start of bidding, bidders (other than beneficiary) must deliver a deposit to Steven T. Waterman, Trustee, in certified funds in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) along with an executed copy of the Bidder Contract and Registration Form (available upon request from Trustee) PRIOR to the commencement of the sale - registration opens thirty minutes in advance of sale time. Each bid is an irrevocable offer of purchase as set forth in the bidder contract. If a successful bidder fails to deliver the purchase price by 3:00 o'clock pm MT on the next business day after the sale, then the monies deposited by the successful bidder will be forfeited in favor of beneficiary in addition to all other remedies available including those set forth in Utah Code Ann.§ 57-1-27. Steven T. Waterman of Dorsey & Whitney LLP was substituted as trustee on February 10, 2026.

Dated: May 20, 2026

Steven T. Waterman, Trustee

Request Information and Bidder Contract from: Waterman.Steven@Dorsey.com AND McDermaid.Diane@Dorsey.com

EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The Land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Garfield, State of Utah, and is described as follows:

Parcel 1:

The West 10 acres as measured parallel to the West line of the following described property

Beginning at the South Quarter comer of Section 2, Township 36 South, Range 4 West, of the Salt Lake Base & Meridian and running thence North 0°15'41" West along the quarter section line 1319.26 feet; thence North 89°50'39" East along the 1/16 section line 335.44 feet more or less to a point on the Southwesterly right of way line of the Utah State Highway 12 said point being on a 5829.58 foot non-tangent radius curve whose center bears North 19°53'36" East; thence Southeasterly along the arc of said curve to the left 862.57 feet through a central angle of 8°28'40"; thence South 78°34'39" East along said right of way line 170.29 feet; thence South 51 °31 '40" West 1693 .87 feet to the point of beginning.

Parcel 2:

Together with an easement for ingress, egress and public utilities over, under and across the North 60' of following described property, as created by Warranty Deed recorded September 13, 2024, as Entry No. 287456 in Book 581 at Page 316, Official Garfield County Records:

Beginning at the South Quarter comer of Section 2, Township 36 South, Range 4 West, of the Salt Lake Base & Meridian and running thence North 0° 15 '41" West along the quarter section line 1319.26 feet; thence North 89°50'39" East along the 1/16 section line 335.44 feet more or less to a point on the Southwesterly right of way line of the Utah State Highway 12, said point being on a 5829.58 foot non-tangent radius curve whose center bears North 19°53'36" East; thence Southeasterly along the arc of said curve to the left 862.57 feet through a central angle of 8°28'40"; thence South 78°34'39" East along said right of way line 170.29 feet; thence South 51 °31 '40" West 1693 .87 feet to the point of beginning.

Tax Parcel No.: 15-0075-0191

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4 & 11, 2026

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE

The following described property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder, payable in lawful money of the United States at the time of sale at the main front entrance or foyer of the Sixth Judicial District Court, Garfield County, 55 South Main Street, Panguitch, Utah, 84759 on June 24, 2026, at 1 :30 pm prevailing Mountain Time of said day, or as may be continued in accordance with Utah Code §57-1-27, for the purpose of foreclosing a Deed of Trust, originally executed by TRU NORTH HOLDINGS, LC, a Nevada limited liability company, as trustor, in favor of SOUTHERN UTAH TITLE COMPANY as trustee, for the benefit of COLONY PARTNERS, L.L.C., a Utah limited liability company, as to an undivided 50% interest and CIEL HOLDINGS, L.L.C., a Utah limited liability company, as to an undivided 50% interest, together with any legal holder of the Note, as beneficiary, covering real property located in Garfield County, Utah, as more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto.

To be eligible to bid, prior to the start of bidding, bidders (other than beneficiary) must deliver a deposit to Steven T. Waterman, Trustee, in certified funds in the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) along with an executed copy of the Bidder Contract and Registration Form (available upon request from Trustee) PRIOR to the commencement of the sale - registration opens thirty minutes in advance of sale time. Each bid is an irrevocable offer of purchase as set forth in the bidder contract. If a successful bidder fails to deliver the purchase price by 3:00 o'clock pm MT on the next business day after the sale, then the monies deposited by the successful bidder will be forfeited in favor of beneficiary in addition to all other remedies available including those set forth in Utah Code Ann. § 57-1-27. Steven T. Waterman of Dorsey & Whitney LLP was substituted as trustee on February 10, 2026.

Dated: May 20, 2026

Steven T. Waterman, Trustee

Request Information and Bidder Contract from: Waterman.Steven@Dorsey.com AND McDermaid.Diane@Dorsey.com

EXHIBIT A

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The Land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Garfield, State of Utah, and is described as follows:

BEGINNING AT A POINT SOUTH 00°13'58" EAST 1764.81 FEET AND SOUTH 89°38'14" EAST 50.00 FEET FROM THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 36 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST, SALT LAKE BASE AND MERIDIAN; AND RUNNING THENCE NORTH 89°38'14" EAST 1224.65 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°21 '45" EAST 355.70 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°38'14" WEST 1225.46 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°13'58" WEST 355.70 FEET TO THE POINT.

TOGETHER WITH ALL OF WATER RIGHT NO. 61-3202, ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE UTAH STATE WATER ENGINEER, BEING 36.00 ACRE FEET (12.0 ACRES). TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS, AND THE RIGHT TO USE THE WATER IN THE WATER TANK ADJACENT TO THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPRTY.

Tax parcel: 22-0077-0014

Property address: 606 North Shya Road, Bryce Canyon, Utah 84 764

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4 & 11, 2026

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

WAYNE COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

Wayne County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) is requesting statements of qualifications from qualified engineering consultants for a water development feasibility study in Wayne County. Interested consultants should email Jakelle Pace at jakelle@ wayne.utah.gov to request the official solicitation.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 2026

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 JAMES W. SKIDMORE deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600003, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that MARY SKIDMORE was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES W. SKIDMORE 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 15TH day of May, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 11 & 18, 2026

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 THOMAS J. POLING deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS, Case No. 263600007, Assigned: JUDGE LARSEN. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that HOLLY INFUSO was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS J. POLING 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 15TH day of May, 2026. BARRY L. HUNTINGTON

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 11 & 18, 2026

NOTICE OF JUNE BOARD MEETING ANTIMONY TOWN BOARD

The Antimony Town Board meeting for June will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at 7pm at the Antimony Community Center. This meeting will be our annual public hearing for next year's budget.

If you have any questions, contact Tiana Phillips-town clerk at (435) 624-3300.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28, 2026

ACCEPTING BIDS HATCH TOWN

The Town of Hatch is now accepting sealed bids for the repair of the fence at their town park. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Hatch Town Office drop box until Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, or can be mailed to PO Box 625 Hatch, Utah 84735. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TORREY TOWN

There will be a Public Hearing to discuss the Torrey Town Annual Budget for 2026-2027. Public Comments are invited.

June 11, 2026, at 7:00PM at the Torrey Town Office, 75 E. 100 N., Torrey, Utah.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 2026

NOTICE TO CONCTRACTORS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS GARFIELD

COUNTY

Garfield County is seeking qualified contractors to provide trail maintenance and restoration services on the Grand View Trail located on the Dixie National Forest, Powell Ranger District, in Garfield County, Utah.

The project will generally consist of trail tread restoration, drainage improvements, brushing, hazard tree removal, and related trail maintenance activities under the direction of the Garfield County Trails Coordinator.

Interested contractors may obtain the Request for Proposals from: Garfield County Public Works Department 55 South Main Panguitch, Utah 84759

Telephone: (435) 238-0935

Email: dave.dodds@garfield.utah.gov

Proposals must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026. The County reserves the right to accept and/or reject any and all proposals and to waive any informalities.

Garfield County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Dated this 21st day of May, 2026. Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4 & 11, 2026

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET HEARING AND ADOPTION FOR LOA TOWN

The Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing for the 2026-2027 fiscal budget on Thursday, June 11, 2025 starting at 6:30 pm at the Loa Town Hall Office at 80 W. Center, Loa, in conjunction with its regularly scheduled meeting. The hearing is to accept comments on the 2026-27 budget before its adoption during the Loa Town Council meeting. The Town Council meeting will follow after the hearing. If anyone would like to view the tentative budget before the meeting, visit the Loa Town Hall, MondayThursday from 9 am to 5 pm. The public is welcome to attend this hearing and meeting. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 2026 BUDGET HEARING TO AMEND THE 2025/26 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET LOA TOWN

The Loa Town Council will hold a public hearing to amend the 2025-2026 fiscal budget on Thursday, June 11, 2026 starting at 6:30 pm at the Loa Town Hall Office at 80 W. Center, Loa in conjunction with its regurlarly scheduled meeting. The Loa Town Council will approve the budget amendments in its regularly scheduled meeting following this hearing. The public is welcome to attend this hearing and meeting. If you have any questions, contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4, 2026 NOTICE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ENFORCEMENT PANGUITCH CITY

(Pursuant to City Ordinance 12.04.150)

Panguitch City hereby provides 30-day notice to all property owners and residents to remove any unauthorized items located within the public right-of-way, in accordance with Panguitch City Ordinance 12.04.150 - Obstructions and Storage Within Public Rights-of-Way

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Inoperable or Unregistered vehicles

Trailers, campers, or equipment not actively in use

Farm equipment, machinery, or materials

• Debris, trash, or personal property

• Any obstruction to travel, drainage, utilities, or emergency access

The City defines “storage” as placement of any item within the right-of-way for more than seven (7) consecutive days. Such placement is unlawful without City authorization.

Failure to remove these items within the notice period will result in enforcement action, including:

Civil fines after fourteen (14) days of continued violation

• Removal and impound of items after thirty (30) days without further notice

• All costs for removal, storage, and disposal will be charged to the property owner

Items will be marked for removal starting on June 29, 2026.

The City may remove items immediately if they pose a threat to public safety, obstruct emergency access, or interfere with utilities.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take immediate action to avoid penalties and removal.

For questions or to make arrangements, please contact Panguitch City at (435) 676-8585.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4 & 11, 2026

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)))

• Trade Restriction Certification (49 U.S.C.§ 50104, 49 CFR Part 30)

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 FINAL TAX SALE

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DESTROY SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS GARFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Garfield County School District, Department of Special Education, intends to destroy the Individualized Education Program (IEP) records, evaluation reports, and related special education data of students who graduated, moved, or exited from special education services during or prior to the 2000 school year.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), these records are no longer needed by the school district to provide educational services to the student.

Why you should claim these records:

These personal records may be needed by the student or parents for future purposes, such as qualifying for Social Security benefits, vocational rehabilitation, college accommodations, or state services.

Who can claim these records:

The parents of the student (if the student is under 18).

• The student (if the student is 18 years of age or older).

How to request records:

To request these records before they are destroyed, the eligible parent or adult student must contact the Special Education Department at vonnie.parkin@garfk12.org no later than July 1, 2026 required to claim records.

If no contact or request is made by the deadline, all specified records will be destroyed via secure shredding in accordance with state and federal laws. A permanent record consisting of the student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, and year completed will be maintained by the district indefinitely

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on MAY 28 and JUNE 4 & 11, 2026

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

• Para-Professional at Panguitch High 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.

SENIOR CENTER MENUS

Bryce Valley Senior Lunches at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center

TUES June 2nd Meat and Vegetable Lasagna, Garlic French Bread, Green Salad, Steamed Broccoli, Melon in Season, Peanut Butter Bar

WED June 3rd Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken, Mixed Veggies, Gravy, Biscuit, Green Salad w/ Boiled Egg, Melon in Season, No Bake Cookie

THURS June 4th Cheeseburger, Tomato, Lettuce, Onion, Pickle, French Fries, Macaroni Salad/Veggies, Melon in Season, Zucchini Bread

Call by 10:00 A.M. if you want a lunch or need a ride. 679-8666

All meals are served with milk & bread. Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $10 for those under 60 years of age.

HELP WANTED

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 The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.

Answers for this week

& Garfield Cos. 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

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 welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors at Wayne Community Health Centers (WCHC) facilities. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining infection control standards by adhering to strict cleaning protocols and healthcare-specific sanitation guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily cleaning and sanitization of exam rooms, waiting areas, offices, restrooms, hallways, and common spaces. Follow established healthcare cleaning protocols to disinfect high-touch surfaces, medical/dental equipment exteriors, and other sensitive areas.

• Empty, clean, and disinfect trash receptacles, replace liners, and dispose of medical and regular waste according to safety guidelines.

• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and polish floors as required.

• Replenish supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, and sanitizer dispensers.

• Assist with deep cleaning and special project cleaning (e.g., floor waxing, carpet shampooing) as scheduled.

• Respond promptly to spills, contamination incidents, or other urgent cleaning needs.

• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and notify supervisor when reordering is needed.

• Report maintenance or safety issues immediately to appropriate personnel.

• Lock and unlock assigned buildings, secure rooms, and set alarms as directed.

• Support emergency cleaning efforts after facility incidents (e.g., infectious disease exposure, weather events).

• Follow OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control regulations, including the proper handling of biohazardous materials.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Previous custodial or janitorial experience required; healthcare setting preferred.

• Knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Basic understanding of infection prevention and control standards.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and perform physical tasks.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.

Work Environment:

• Primarily works indoors in a clinical or administrative setting. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, biohazards, and bodily fluids (with appropriate PPE provided).

• Regular use of cleaning equipment and tools.

Supervision and Evaluation:

• Reports directly to the Facilities Manager

• Performance evaluated annually and as needed based on quality, reliability, and compliance with WCHC standards. If interested please send resume to AmberLee Ellett, aellett@waynechc.org

The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial, geographic and/or cultural barriers to healthcare.

SERVICES