The Wayne & Garfield County Insider October 16, 2025
How to Help Birds of Prey When Hunting Near Zion in 2025
ZION - The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and The Peregrine Fund are once again asking hunters in the Zion hunting unit to stop at a check station this month, where they can demonstrate their efforts to help protect scavenging wildlife—like eagles, hawks and California condors— and also enter to win a prize.
During October, the DWR will be operating a check station where hunters who take action to help condors can enter to win an $800 gift card donated by The Peregrine Fund for outdoor equipment. After stopping at the check station, big game hunters can enter the drawing by either:
• Showing lead-free ammunition they are using during their hunt, or
• Providing proof they removed all the remains (including gut piles) of their harvested animals from the field.
The Hunters Help-
by Jaynie Connor
County Commissioner David Tebbs,
BRYCE CANYON
N.P. - On October 2, 2025, representatives of the Utah Film Commission, Garfield County Office of Tourism, and the Utah Office of Tourism gathered together
WCFD Update; FFSL to Offer Free Lot Assessments to Landowners/Residents
by Steve Lutz | Wayne County Fire District
Courtesy Steve Lutz
On the way to another deployment in Koosharem, Wayne County Fire District crews found and responded to a large motor home blazing at a rest area on Highway 24.
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Fire Department (WCFD) has had a busy and interesting summer. Thanks to our volunteers' hard work and willingness to learn new skills, along with help from outside of Wayne County, we were able to send wildland firefighters to the fire in Monroe Canyon, Pine Valley, and to others in Nevada and Wyoming. On the way to another deployment in Koosharem, crews saw smoke from a different fire. When they followed the smoke, they found a large motor home blazing at a rest area on Highway 24. Their quick action pre-
for a ribbon cutting celebration for the Utah Film Trail marker at Bryce Canyon National Park. This marker is located at Sunset Point and highlights the filming location of The Deadwood
Coach (1924). This event happened during the 2025 Utah Tourism Conference, hosted by Garfield County Office of Tourism in Bryce Canyon National Park.
A crowd gathered at
5:30 p.m. in the Sunset Point parking area for the presentation and to watch Garfield County Com-
Ribbon Cutting Cont'd on B3
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met for its regular meeting on October 6, 2025, and moved through a concise one-hour agenda. The first item on the agenda was a report from engineer Parker Vercimak of Jones & DeMille Engineering, who presented an update on the Bicknell Business Park. Six firms submitted proposals, and the commission awarded the project to Jackson Excavation, a local contractor already working nearby. Commissioner Cook recommended selecting Jackson, noting that the company had installed the original water line years ago and that their current work on the nearby EMS building would make coordination easier. The project will extend water and power to four buildable lots, using grant funds that must be spent by year’s end.
(OHVR) grant summer cycle, investing $1.78 million in trail maintenance, search and rescue, education, snowmobile grooming, access protection, tourism and land acquisition across the state.
“We saw a strong volume of applications and
TORREY - The Fall
2025 Citizen Science Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Event was held on Monday, September 22, 2025, after a weather delay from
Saturday, September 20. The event is sponsored by the Entrada Institute (www.entradainstitute.org) and Capitol Reef National Park, with assistance from
Torrey Dark Skies and a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers. Spe-
Garfield County Tourism Director Falyn Owens, Managing Director of Utah Office of Tourism and Film Natalie Randall, and Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce cut the ribbon on the new Utah Film Trail marker—located at Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park and signifying the filming location of The Deadwood Coach (1924)—on October 2.
Jaynie Connor
Courtesy Barb Walkush
The September 2025 Fall Night Sky Monitoring group on Sept. 22. Back row is Scott Schelin, Karen Davenport Rohr, Pearl Thorndal-Stewart, Christoph Luty, Gary Pankow, Dave Cushing, Rod Frazier, and John Lee. Front row is Mary Schelin, Shari Zinik, Steve Zinik, Nancy Talcott-Luty, Anne Macey, Susan O'Connor-Wright, Jean Morrell, Susan Snow, and Linda Peer.
Kathryn Chamberlain
Helping Birds of Prey Cont'd on B2
Wayne Commission Cont'd on B4
Thousands of Acres of Federal Land
Now
Open
for
Coal Leases
are Adjacent to Utah National Parks
Environmentalists worry
what the action will mean for landscapes
UTAH - An initiative of Congress’ spending package known as the “big, beautiful bill” has started to become a reality, leaving environmentalists with deep concerns about the future landscape of national parks.
The map of 13.1 million acres of federal land now available for coal leasing triples the benchmark set by the law and includes parcels near or directly adjacent to landmarks like Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, an analysis from groups including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance found.
“The Trump Administration views Southern Utah’s remarkable redrock country as just another place to exploit and plunder as they promote new coal mining. Nothing could be further from the truth. America’s national parks, national monuments, and wild public lands don’t deserve this fate, and we’ll work tirelessly to stop it from happening,” Steve Bloch, legal director at the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, said in a news release.
About 48,000 acres of federally-owned land in Utah are available for coal-mining operations, a big step in the Trump administration’s plan to increase energy production in the country, particularly fossil fuels.
According to the analysis, an almost 12,000-acre parcel available for coal leases is directly adjacent to the west side of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and south of Bryce Canyon.
Mining in the area could affect the water that feeds tributaries of the Paria River, Jacqualine Grant, executive director of Grand Staircase-Escalante Partners, said in a statement.
There are also parcels on the east side of Zion National Park, including a portion of the North Fork of the Virgin River and North Fork Road, the analysis says. Public land bordering scenic roads like state Highway 89, also known as Utah Heritage Highway, and the Mount Carmel Scenic Byway would also be available for lease in the area.
East of Capitol Reef National Park, the Bureau of Land Management is also offering an approximately 2,000-acre piece of land for leases, the environmentalists said.
“Coal mines near Zion, Bryce Canyon or Capitol Reef? It’s absurd. It was decided decades ago that these lands would be off the table,” Cory MacNulty, Southwest campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association, said in a statement. “Dirty energy development has no place near our national parks, especially as iconic landscapes across the Southwest are already at risk of having hazy skies, polluted water, and a degraded visitor experience from nearby drilling and
in southern Utah
by Alixel Cabrera | Utah News Dispatch
mining.”
The Department of the Interior, however, argues that opening the land for lease, along with lowering royalty rates to 7%, will help strengthen supply chains and the country’s energy security.
“President Trump promised to put American energy workers first, and today we’re delivering,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said
in a news release. “By reducing the royalty rate for coal, increasing coal acres available for leasing, and unlocking critical minerals from mine waste, we are strengthening our economy, protecting national security, and ensuring that communities from Montana to Alabama benefit from good-paying jobs.”
Lease sales are already happening across
the country, according to the release. Together, they add hundreds of millions of tons of coal.
The agency is also spearheading efforts to recover minerals like uranium, zinc, germanium, tellurium and rare earth elements from mine waste and abandoned sites.
This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.comon October 8, 2025.
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Medicare in Garfield County
I just got off the phone with Select Health. As many of you may know, Select Health is a health insurance subsidiary of Intermountain Healthcare, the parent company to our beloved Garfield Memorial Hospital and Clinics. I had received a letter notifying me that my Medicare plan would not be available in 2026 and that I would need to choose another plan.
Remember that Select Health is a subsidiary of Intermountain Healthcare. What will that mean for Garfield Memorial? I have not investigated the option of using another insurance company, so I hope someone else will offer seniors in Garfield County Medicare plans. I hope that Garfield County has not become a health insurance desert and that Intermountain Healthcare will not pull out of the county altogether.
Garfield Memorial Hospital and Clinics is in jeopardy, either of being closed or of burdening Garfield County taxpayers
Much to HIS surprise, the Select Health representative with whom I was speaking had to tell me that Select Health would be offering NO Medicare plans in Garfield County for 2026. Apparently Garfield County no longer provides a profitable enough market for Select Health.
with covering additional costs that Intermountain Healthcare will not want to assume. Medicaid moneys are drying up and now Select Health is moving out of the Garfield County Medicare market for reasons of low profitability. Under those circumstances I can’t see a bright future for Garfield Memorial or for the folks that depend on its hospital and clinics.
I urge anyone who has influence with the Congress and with any other contacts in Washington, D. C., or Salt Lake City, to use that influence to get this sinking healthcare ship turned around.
Ellen Fisher, Hatch
Response to Charlie Kirk Letter to the Editor
Daniel Lee Gardner's letter to the editor in the October 9 issue of The Insider—"A Tribute to Charles J. Kirk"—made many good points. I hope we can all agree that murdering someone we disagree with is abhorrent, nihilistic, and tragic. Violence against people we disagree with is rampant in America, especially against politicians and public figures like Charlie Kirk. We must all work against that violence. I didn't agree with a lot of what Kirk said or supported, yet in the name of free speech, I could never support silencing him.
And, as Mr. Gardner said, "any celebration of his murder is vile." However, I take serious issue with his comment that "employers firing employees that make celebratory remarks online is very well deserved." If we're going to accept and
promote free speech, as Mr. Kirk did, we're also going to have to accept that some of that speech will be vile or deeply offensive. Free speech is not reserved for only those we like or who are polite.
I also agree with Mr. Gardner's desire to see a calming down of our political rhetoric. The hatred towards those we disagree with is now endemic. In the past few months President Trump has called Demo-
crats and liberals "scum," "vermin," "animals," "sick," losers," "lunatics," "treasonous," "demonic," "Unamerican," "Marxists," "Communists," "fascists," "enemies of the people," and "the enemy from within." Perhaps Mr. Trump's allies and supporters could persuade him to set a better example? The rhetoric will not calm down as long as the president speaks that way.
Bill Barrett, Torrey
In the September 25, 2025, issue of The Insider, it was stated in the "FYI Panguitch" column that President Trump "signed a bill that required $100,000 to get a [tourist] visa to come into our country."
According to an NPR article on September 19, the $100,000 fee is in fact for highly skilled and educated workers (such as software engineers or medical professionals) seeking to enter the country through the H-1B visa program. —Insider
Alixel Cabrera Utah News Dispatch
A trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is pictured in May 2024.
News from Wayne County
Big Apple Boxing
by Adus F. Dorsey
In 1939, boxing reigned as the supreme American sport, and this was no less so in the tiny hamlets of Wayne County. The same year, 1939, an open-air dance hall had been built and began operating in the center of an apple orchard in Torrey. The combining of activities, that even Ripley might not have found a parallel to, was having boxing matches precede the evening’s dances.
WAYNE CO. - Torrey Town has not always been famous for its big trees, burger joints, BMWs and Range Rovers. There once was a time when boxing was as popular as sitting around the living room radio listening to Abbott and Costello.
Coral Lee Coffee, while sipping a cup of coffee sitting in her wraparound kitchen nook, often shared the story of J. Balle and boxing at the Big Apple.
The year was 1939; it was the later part of the Great American Depression and just a couple of years before our country’s entrance into WWII. Boxing reigned as the supreme American sport, and this was no less so in the tiny hamlets of Wayne County.
The same year, 1939, an open-air dance hall had been built and began operating in the center of an apple orchard in Torrey. The combining of activities, that even Ripley might not have found a parallel to, was having boxing matches precede the evening’s dances. The matches, especially, were enthusiastically attended by every “red-blooded male” in the county. After the matches, the hall would be cleared of spectators, the ring rolled off the floor, and benches were restored to the edges of the floor. And most of the same people would purchase a second ticket for an evening of dance and, one dared hope, perhaps, even romance.
Boxing and dancing helped fill the vacuum of too few recreational activities. Chores would be hurriedly completed or neglected to allow fans to be in place in time for the bouts. This required some complicated planing for families coming from neighboring communities. The highway into the lower county was unimproved, often in poor repair, and extra driving time might be required. Being late for the dance was one thing, but you had to be on time for the boxing matches, which were the big draw.
Much of the boxing talent was local but was supplemented by young men, mostly from Eastern cities, who were stationed nearby on the Boulder Mountain. They were assigned to one of the federal government’s depression
busting programs, referred to as the Civilian Conservation Corps or the CCC. Among the corps members were several who not only knew how to fight but were eager to show off their talents and earn a few dollars in the bargain. Many exciting hours were spent through those summer nights watching their homegrown fellows duke it out with the young corpsmen from the camp; the season would start about the same time as the surrounding apple trees were in bloom. Among the local fellows was a Torrey fellow named Roe Pace who was considered the best in his weight division in the county. He had been the one to whip among the local fighters. That was true, at least, until the return of J. Alton Balle, whose professional fighting title was Red Balle.
The proprietor of the Big Apple Dance Hall, himself a rabid fight fan and great admirer of Dempsey and his fighting style, was determined to see Balle’s defeat. No one could believe he had been able to persuade Balle to fight both the Torgerson brothers in the same match. It was considered a real triumph. Seeing Balle finally on his knees or, better yet, lying flat on the canvas as the final ten count rang out was eagerly anticipated by fight fans far and wide. Word of the match spread like wildfire. An hour before the fight, a line had already formed in front of the ticket window. Old rattle-trap vehicles, filled to the brim with excited fans, were noisily making their presence known as they pulled off the highway, parking between the native cottonwood trees lining both sides of the street. As fans passed through the ticket gate, they pressed forward to be as near ringside as possible. Extra benches had been borrowed from the church across the street to accommodate what was sure to be a record crowd. There was standing room only when the huge Torgerson brothers approached the ring, surrounded by a bevy of trainers and supporters as a roar went up from the spectators. Soon after, Balle strode unattended down the same aisle. His steely stare at the ring ahead and his measured walk gave no
hint of his being affected by his opponents’ reception. The crowd was accustomed to his demeanor. It reflected his confidence, and it sent the crowd into a frenzy of boos, cat calls and raised fists. With hands the size of a dinner plate, Wiff Torgerson gave a smiling salute to the screaming fans as he lowered his heavy, towering frame through the ring ropes for the first round. His handlers reasoned it was best to begin with the larger brother, hoping to put the fear of the almighty into Balle as the brother towered above him and nearly doubled him in weight. The strategy was understood and agreed to by the fans. Throughout the first round, Balle capably avoided the few blows which, if any of them had connected, could have put him, not just out of the ring, but out of the hall. Such hard-thrown blows had the effect of also causing the brother to lose balance and be in position for the studied, well-placed punishing blows of Balle. Almost from the beginning of the fight, each brother would be so winded at the end of his round he could hardly exit the ring. Balle, on the other hand, would appear unaffected and grin a greeting to each brother in turn.
Between the brothers, they did “last” all ten rounds, but there was no other way that the decision could be made other than for all ten rounds to be called for Balle, even by the Torgerson-favoring judges. It was a quiet crowd who exited the hall that evening. There’d be no further discussion of a rematch.
Balle went on to become the Wayne High principal, where discipline reigned supreme. Reference; Breakfast with Coral Lee Coffee, an interview with Coral Lee Coffee at her house in Torrey, Utah 2004
Courtesy Adus F. Dorsey II
Wills, Trusts, and More Planning Ahead: Selecting
the Best Guardian for Your
If you have young children, you've probably thought about who would raise them if both you and your spouse were to die. It's not an easy thing to consider. However, you can make plans now that will put your fears to rest, knowing that your children will be nurtured and cared for.
You can use your will to name the person you want to be the guardian of your children. The judge will appoint the person you nominated in your will as guardian, unless it is not in the best interests of the children for some reason. If you do not name a guardian in your will, anyone who is interested can request to be appointed. The judge then must decide, without your opinion.
Legally, you may name co-guardians, but keep in mind that coguardians could later go separate ways. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a guardian or co-guardians:
• Is the prospective guardian old enough? He or she must be an adult, 18 years or older.
• Does your choice have a genuine concern for your children's welfare?
Children
by Jeffery J. McKenna
Is your choice physically able to handle the rigors of child rearing?
Does he or she have the time? The resources?
Does he or she have children close in age to that of your children? Is this a benefit?
• Does the guardian share your moral beliefs?
• Would your children have to move away from other family members?
If you're having a hard time selecting a guardian, talk with the people you're considering. They may not be willing or able to accept the responsibility. Their feelings about acting as guardian may help you decide.
When you and your child's other parent make your wills, you should name the same person as guardian. Otherwise, in the event of both your deaths, the court would be faced with wishes that conflict, and would have to make the choice. If you don't agree on one person, candid discussions with your potential guardians may help you reach an agreement.
Most people want their children to stay together. However, you may have good reasons for naming different guardians for different children. In all cases, you should keep the best interests of your children at heart. In most cases a judge would grant custody to a nonparent only if the surviving parent had abandoned the child or was found to be an unfit parent for some reason.
Most people have strong feelings about how they want their children to be raised. Your concerns may cover anything from keeping the children together to religious teachings. All of these wishes can be expressed in your will.
The decisions are difficult. In all cases, the best interests of the children come first. Selecting guardianship for your children is, in itself, a good reason to make a will and trust. Nothing gives greater peace of mind than knowing your children will be cared for if something were to happen to you.
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.
First Words
An eight-year old boy had never spoken a word.
One afternoon, as he sat eating his lunch, he turned to his mother and said, "The soup is cold."
His astonished mother exclaimed, "Son, I've waited so long to hear you speak. But all these years you never said a thing. Why haven't you spoken before?"
The boy looked at her and replied, "Up until now, everything has been satisfactory."
A Horse Walks Into a Bar
A horse walks into a bar.
He approaches the bartender and says, "If there is a triangle with three sides labeled x, y, and z, and x and z are perpendicular to each other, which side is the hypotenuse?"
The bartender thinks for a moment, then replies, "Y, the long face."
Chess
I was visiting the house of a distant cousin when I saw that he was playing chess with his cat. I said that it had to be the most intelligent cat ever.
My cousin replied, "Absolutely not! She has lost all her matches!"
THEME: Scary Movies
ACROSS
Gym
A man tells his wife he’s going to the gym. She says, “You’ve been saying that for years!”
He replies, “I know, but this time I’ll actually lift something—like the remote!”
Comics Shower
country roads
by Lynn Griffin
1. Awestruck
5. Paid player
8. Precedes pedia
12. Oxen connector
13. Sonic sound
14. ____ Dondarrion, "Game of Thrones" Lord of Blackhaven
After five long years of studying, a student comes rushing into Einstein's office shouting, "Sir, Sir, I finally understand your Theory of Special Relativity!" Einstein rolls his eyes, "It's about time."
Shakira's don't lie?
Roll call answers
Visi____ or Ostro____
Thumbs-up
Italian frozen dessert
Southern England's coastal town
*____ Polanski, director of "Rosemary's Baby"
*The story of Damien Thorn, with The (1976)
*Americans' attacker in London (1981)
Pump it!
Pirate Captain
Frozen H2O
Devotional wor-
Obituaries
Kerry Crofts
ORDERVILLE - In loving memory of Kerry Crofts, of Vernal, Utah.
Born in Panguitch Utah, who departed this world, on August 23, 2025, at the age of 24.
Kerry leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends.
You can leave a sympathy message to family on the memorial page of Kerry Crofts to pay them a last tribute to the family.
As we bare farewell to this cherished soul, solace is taken in the memories held dear; the laughter shared, the wisdom imparted, the moments of quiet reflection in their presence.
Though Kerry may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the echoes of his kindness, the warmth of his embrace and the light of his enduring love.
He is predeceased by his mother, Gwyn; and his brother, Kevin.
He is survived by his father DeLin Crofts, of St. George, Utah, and brother, Charlie Darren Crofts.
A grave side service was held with burial in Orderville, Utah, on October 12, 2025.
Out of town family members from Arizona were his aunt, Carolyn Crofts, Destry Miller and Cody Miller.
Our weeks’ vacation, in Soouthern California went great. The weather was excellent, I packed all my warm clothing and didn’t use any of it. Our family down there is doing really well and our newest great grandchild is just as cute as his picture. He is learning to walk and is a real handful. We always catch up on our Mexican food while we are there. The building down there seems to never stop, with new buildings going in close by and home projects seems to pop up everywhere. Boy is there a lot of people living there
by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com
and with all of the traffic on the highways, I always wonder, when do they work. We got home Saturday evening and we were followed by a big parade, I guess it wasn’t for us. It seems that the boys have won another baseball championship. I went up to the gym to work out and in that short distance I was taken back by the beautiful colors. I don’t know if it is because of lack of moisture or what, I just think they are the best I have ever seen, no need to go anyplace else this year, we have them all beat.
Not a lot goes on in October, but we do have Halloween and the Main Street Carnival and Trunk or Treat, that goes on the 31st.
However, November is loaded with events, starting with a local election that will be held on November 4th. That weekend we will have our Annual Local Craft Fair on 7th & 8th come out and do your Christmas shopping early. On the 11th it will be Veterans Day and the American Legion will be having their annual Veterans Day Dinner at the Smoke House
at 6:30. All veterans and their companions, and widows of veterans are invited also. Then for Thanksgiving we will be hosting our 17th annual dinner and all are invited to come and it will be at the Senior Citizens Center and will start at 12:30 and will run till everyone is fed.
When Pat and I got married we didn’t have much, but we have been able to hang on to most of it. Mack O.
Snow College Announces Record-Breaking Completion Rates, with 17% Increase in 2024
EPHRAIM - The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) announced record-breaking completion rates, with Snow College making a significant contribution to this achievement with a remarkable 17% increase in completions in 2024.
USHE’s release also emphasized the important role community colleges play in the larger system, saying, “Community colleges play a critical role in this success, with 52% of their transfer students earning bachelor’s degrees at four-year insti-
tutions.” Because of the smaller campus, students at Snow College receive more personalized attention and hands-on opportunities in their first two years. This preparation results in Snow College students being uniquely prepared for the challenge of upper-division classes when they transfer to a four-year institution.
In addition to its impressive completion gains, Snow College continues to excel in offering programs that align with Utah’s most in-demand fields. According to the USHE release,
Intermountain
as One
of
the
Primary Children’s
SALT LAKE CITYIntermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has achieved a Utah medical milestone—one that directly benefits children and families throughout the Intermountain West.
For the second consecutive year, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in all eleven pediatric specialties that it evaluates—and for the first time ever is ranked in the Top 25 in the nation in six specialties—as part of the magazine’s 2025 rankings of the Best Children’s Hospitals in America, which was unveiled today.
“This is a remarkable recognition for our passionate caregivers, and a testament to the teamwork and collaboration that they demonstrate daily to ensure that our patients receive the very best care anywhere in the nation. I’m so proud of our team and grateful for their relentless pursuit of excellence for the young patients we serve,” said Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus, and regional president of children’s health for Intermountain Health.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings ranks the nation’s top fifty children’s hospitals annually in eleven pediatric specialties to help patients, their families, and healthcare providers make informed decisions about their healthcare. These rankings are based on clinical data including patient outcomes, safety, reputation,
and technological capabilities.
The eleven specialties evaluated by the magazine include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.
Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is ranked in the Top 25 in a record six specialties for 2025:
• Cardiology and heart surgery: #12
• Neurology & neurosurgery: #16
Nephrology: #18
Gastroenterology and GI surgery: #20
• Orthopedics: #22
Urology: #22
Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital also ranked as one of the nation’s top fifty children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in the following pediatric specialties:
• Behavioral Health: Top 50 Cancer: #37
• Diabetes and endocrinology: #37
Neonatology: #39
Pulmonology & lung
surgery: #42
“We’re committed to continually improving clinical care and helping our patients thrive, and as a result, are recruiting some of the nation’s best physicians to our teams here at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Angelo P. Giardino, MD, PhD, chair of the University of Utah School of
the top certificate programs statewide include Nursing Assistant, Commercial Driving (CDL), EMT Paramedic, Electrician, and Phlebotomy—all of which are available (or soon will be available) at Snow College. The institution also provides leading programs in Nursing, Psychology, Business, Finance, and Computer Science, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to transfer to a four-year school or start their career right away, meeting workforce needs and contributing meaningfully to Utah’s growing economy. “These results reflect what Snow College does best,” said Snow College President Stacee Yardley McIff. “At Snow, we take great pride in offering programs that not only meet the state’s most critical needs but also empower our graduates to build successful, meaningful careers. This year’s record completion results are a testament to our students’ determination and the dedication of our faculty and staff who support them every step of the way.”
—Snow College
Hospital Ranked
Nation’s Best Pediatric Hospitals in Every Category—Including Six in Top 25— by U.S. News & World Report for 2025
Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and chief medical officer at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “This independent national recognition by U.S. News & World Report underscores our commitment to innovative, high-quality, and compassionate care for children.”
One of those patients who benefited from that patient-centered care was Rachel Glade, who was treated by Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital behavioral health team for several years.
She joined other patients and families this fall in opening Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, which is dedicated to enhancing access to adolescent behavioral health services for children and families in the community.
Rachel has had multiple heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and feeding therapies, among other treatments and surgeries from the day she was born and throughout her life. She is also hard of hearing.
“I know this was difficult for everyone around me, but I understand now that I was hurting deeply and needed, somehow, to get that out,” said Rachel, signing in American Sign Language, at the grand opening for the Taylorsville Campus. “I had suffered through a ton of medical trauma, and on top of that, I couldn’t hear the voices that tried to comfort me.”
Rachel is now twentythree. She graduated from cosmetology school and works at her family busi-
ness. She enjoys doing hair and makeup, hiking, spending time with her boyfriend, and eating her favorite foods.
“It is incredibly important for kids to receive mental health support when they are young so that they can enter adulthood with life skills,” Rachel said. “I am so thankful for all of the years Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has been there for me with my medical and behavioral health needs, and I am so happy this new campus will be able to provide further support for countless children and teens for decades to come.” Improving access to behavioral health services is part of Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise to create the nation’s model health system for children, which also includes work to strengthen Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
“Earning a top ranking from U.S. News is a recognition that reflects far more than numbers,” added Tyler Leishman, associate vice president for children’s health - pediatric service lines for Intermountain Health. “It represents the collective dedication, innovation, and compassion of all our caregivers in helping our patients and families thrive. Our focus on quality and improved clinical outcomes created measurable improvements, driving improved rankings in seven of eleven specialties.”
—Intermountain Health
WCFD:
The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands is offering free, on-site wildfire risk assessments to help landowners and residents better understand their property’s vulnerabilities—and how to address them. These assessments are a practical first step toward making your home and landscape more fire resilient.
vented the flames from spreading to Fish Lake Mountain. The experience of working with multiple agencies better prepares our folks for a big fire here in Wayne County.
We need to apologize for the illegal action of one firefighter who decided to display a political flag at the Torrey Apple Days Parade. The action of this firefighter resulted in a number of complaints to district officials. The WCFD does not endorse any political officials or candidates. To do so is a violation of Utah law and contributes to societal divisiveness and is the antithesis to the mission of the department, which is for neighbors to help neighbors, no matter who they are or what they believe. It won’t happen again.
A fun fire prevention event was held at the Entrada Institute. The event featured free food, live music featuring Torrey’s own Capitol Reefers band, fire swag, and lots of good information about the Urban Wildland Interface (WUI) and how to increase safety for properties in the WUI.
Despite losing a FEMA grant to provide nominal stipends to support volunteers and to pay our only paid person earlier this year, another FEMA
grant application to get new self-contained breathing apparatuses for the department was approved for nearly $200,000.
WCFD has also scheduled lot assessments for Wayne County for Tuesday and Wednesday, October 28 and 29, 2025.
What are Lot Assessments?
• The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands is offering free, on-site wildfire risk assessments to help landowners and residents better understand their property’s vulnerabilities—and how to address them. These assessments are a practical first step toward making your home and landscape more fire resilient. What to expect?
A trained specialist will visit your property (with your permission).
• You’ll receive a personalized report identifying wildfire risks and actionable recommendations.
Whether you live in a wildland-urban interface or just want to be proactive, these assessments are informative, voluntary, and 100% free.
How do I sign up?
Search for Utah WUI
Land Use Permission Form
Due to weather and scheduling constraints, not all assessments will be completed before winter. Remaining properties will be visited in spring and summer 2026 after the snow has melted.
To sign up, scan the QR code to complete the WUI Land Permission Form and take the first step toward protecting your home from wildfire.
WCFD Cont'd from A1
Schools and Sports
Bryce Valley High School Athlete of the Week
by Tyler Chappell
BRYCE - Cata (Antonio) Moreno has been nominated by baseball coach Tyler Chappell as the Bryce Valley High School Athlete of the Week.
Cata's work ethic and leadership are second to none. The results speak for themselves, with a .476 batting average, a 1.289 OPS, and only three strikeouts on the season, along
with a 1.816 ERA. We also want to recognize and congratulate him on setting a new state record, with 137 career RBIs, passing the previous mark of 135. We know the hours and hours
of practice that he has put in for years to reach this moment, and are grateful for the contributions he has made to Bryce Valley baseball.
We are so proud, Cata!
Bryce Valley High School Student of the Week
by Roman Platt
BRYCE - Ashlynn Stock has been nominat -
the BVHS Student of the Week.
Ashlynn is a student who is always willing to ask questions when some -
thing isn't quite making sense. She always demands complete explanations and perseveres for understanding even when
the content is tough. Being willing to ask questions is a huge asset in life.
Keep it up, Ashlynn!
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: UPCOMING GAMES...
Bryce Valley High School
Volleyball: 10/17-18: 1A-2A Clash @ SVC 10/22: State 1st Round
Cross Country: 10/16: Against Wayne (Region) 10/28: State Meet
Panguitch High School
Football: 10/17: Against Altamont
Volleyball: 10/16: Against Parowan
by Mack Oetting
THE BASEBALL TEAM DID IT AGAIN, WITH THEIR SECOND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW. IT WAS AN EXCITING TOURNAMENT, BUT THE CATS CAME OUT ON TOP.
In my opinion, baseball is the hardest championship to win. With the rules that are in place that a pitcher can only pitch so many pitches in a week, so you can’t win with just a couple of good pitchers. The Cats went to Springdale for a game against Tinict and won. On Thursday they played against Piute (a team that they had beaten 15-0 the week before) and lost. Fortunately for the Panguitch team, when you get that far the tournament is double elimination. On Friday they had a double header and beat both Valley and Bryce Valley. On Saturday the Cats played Piute again in the
morning and won and that set up the championship game in the afternoon. The championship game was one for those that went to the game will remember forever. Going into the last inning the T Birds led the game 9-4 and all that the Birds had to do was get 3 more outs. The Cats scored 6 runs in their half of the inning and won 10 to 9. Pitching was scarce on both sides, but it is, what it is.
The cross country team went to Water Canyon and the boys took first place and the girls didn’t have enough runners for a team. They will be at Region @ Fish Lake tonight the 16th. I had driven a bus to Fish Lake and it isn’t a good place to run because it is about 9,000’ and no one runs at that altitude.
The Volleyball team kept rolling along with another three game victory against Piute. Tonight they have a game against Parowan and hopefully all will go well. There is also the region cross country meet on the same night. State will be at UVU on the 24-25.
SUU Recycling Returns to Campus with Focus on Sustainability
by
Ali Maynard | Southern Utah University
CEDAR CITY - Recycling is an essential factor in upholding Southern Utah University's dedication to sustainability. However, due to high contamination rates, the recycling bins around campus had to be removed for several years. Despite this setback, the SUU recycling team has been working hard to reintroduce its recycling program on campus. T-Birds can help this program soar by learning how to recycle correctly.
"Recycling may seem like a lot," said Ben Cozzens, the sustainability specialist at SUU, "but even small efforts can lead to major changes when it is shared."
The four main objects that can be recycled include: #1, #2, and #5 plastics, mixed paper products, flattened cardboard, and metals. All of these things must be clean and dry. Plastics #3, #4, #6, and #7, waxed and carbon paper, paper smaller than a credit card, and glass cannot be recycled.
"Don't throw in anything you wouldn't want to touch with your bare hands," Cozzens said, "like food, tissues, or napkins."
Plastic numbers identify what kind of resin a plastic product is made of, allowing companies to discern which objects can be recycled. Only placing #1, #2, and #5 plastics in recycling bins keeps the process moving smoothly by preventing contamination. These numbers are usually found stamped on the bottom of a plastic product. If a product does not have a number on it, it should be placed in a trash bin.
"Be sure to share this information with your fellow T-Birds," Cozzens said, "and anyone else visiting campus to help keep our University of the Parks brand and keep the parks and campus beautiful."
T-Birds can learn more about campus recycling at suu.edu.
Courtesy Samie Ott
Cata (Antonio) Moreno has been nominated by baseball coach Tyler Chappell as the Bryce Valley High School Athlete of the Week.
Courtesy Samie Ott
Ashlynn Stock has been nominated by Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) math teacher Roman Platt as the BVHS Student of the Week.
ed by Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) math teacher Roman Platt as
Helping Birds of Prey:
The Hunters Helping Condors collaborative effort demonstrates one of the ways that hunters are at the forefront of wildlife conservation. Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death for free-flying condors in Utah and Arizona. We are very grateful for all the hunters who are taking steps to prevent secondary impacts to scavenging wildlife, including eagles and California condors.
Helping Birds of Prey
Cont'd from A1
ing Condors program launched in Utah in 2011 to help recover California condors. These unique, enormous birds were listed in 1967 under the precursor to the Endangered Species Act, and by 1982, only 23 were left in the world (one of which was in captivity). Due to the steep decline of the population, the remaining wild condors were captured and held in captivity for safekeeping, which gave rise to a successful captive breeding program that has allowed for the reintroduction of the endangered birds back to the wild. The population now numbers more than 500 birds, with over half of those flying free in the wild. There are currently 87 condors in the wild Arizona/Utah population.
Like other raptor spe-
Danielle Finlayson, DWR Southern Region Conservation Biologist
cies, including eagles and hawks, California condors play an important role in the ecosystem by removing dead animals from the landscape. Condors are obligate scavengers, meaning they feed exclusively on dead animals. Unfortunately, this leaves these birds particularly susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning, which results from consuming the remains of animals shot with lead ammunition.
“The Hunters Helping Condors collaborative effort demonstrates one of the ways that hunters are at the forefront of wildlife conservation,” DWR Southern Region Conservation Biologist Danielle Finlayson said. “Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death for free-flying condors in Utah and Arizona. We are very grateful for all the hunters who are taking steps to prevent secondary impacts to scavenging
Night Sky Monitoring:
wildlife, including eagles and California condors."
The check station will be located at the intersection of Yellowjacket Road and Hancock Road. (This site is approximately 3.25 miles north of the entrance to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.) It will be open from 9 a.m. to dusk on the following dates:
• Oct. 18-20
Oct. 25-26
As part of the program, prior to each hunting season, the DWR also issues a coupon to hunters who draw an any-legal-weapon big game permit for the Zion Unit in southern Utah, where California condors can be found. That coupon allows the hunters to obtain free, or heavily discounted, lead-free ammunition.
Learn more about lead-free ammunition and how to help birds of prey on the DWR Wild podcast.
—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Preserving the ability to see our awe-inspiring night sky for future generations is what brings folks from across the county out in the darkest hours of the evening. Appropriate lighting is key to safety and to protecting wildlife from the harmful effects of artificial light at night. Humans, too, need light and dark to maintain crucial circadian rhythm and good health.
Night Sky Monitoring Cont'd from A1
cial thanks to the entire group for staying up late to help gather the important night sky data. Thank you to many others that tried to help us monitor on Saturday night following the Heritage StarFest events even though the weather did not cooperate. In the end, the fall monitoring data was collected by six newcomers, along with twelve veterans. Volunteers, past and present, ensure success, and our heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you.
Preserving the abil-
ity to see our awe-inspiring night sky for future generations is what brings folks from across the county out in the darkest hours of the evening. Appropriate lighting is key to safety and to protecting wildlife from the harmful effects of artificial light at night. Humans, too, need light and dark to maintain crucial circadian rhythm and good health.
Torrey is Utah’s first community to be designated as an International Dark Sky Community by the Dark Sky International Association (https://darksky. org). It is joined by Helper, Moab, Castle Valley, Springdale, and now Bluff.
Taking sky brightness readings twice a year helps these communities maintain inspirational night sky viewing and Dark Sky Certification. An increasing number of visitors bring their curiosity and dollars to dark sky designated places, which include Capitol Reef National Park, as well as twenty other state and national parks in Utah.
Mark your calendars because the next sky brightness monitoring date will be in the spring of 2026. We would love to have you join us.
For more information, visit www.torreydarkskies. org.
OHV Projects:
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR), working with the OHV Advisory Council, has approved funding for thirty projects through the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation (OHVR) grant summer cycle.
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
with
sory Council, has approved funding for thirty projects through
way Vehicle Recreation (OHVR) grant summer cycle.
itation and deliver clear safety and resource messages ($53,300.96).
noticeable rise in proposal quality this cycle, which shows how committed Utah is to safe, sustainable riding,” said Wade Allinson, OHV program manager for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Partners are leaning into trail stewardship, safety and community benefit, and it shows in the work we’re funding. From clearing and signing singletrack to equipping search and rescue teams and educating riders, these projects improve experiences today while protecting access for tomorrow.”
2025 Summer OHVR Grant Project Highlights: Southern Utah University - Dixie National Forest Pine Valley and Cedar City OHV Trail Systems: Four seasonal interns will maintain more than fifty miles of motorized trail, including logging out, brushing, tread work and signage ($176,619.98).
• Millard County TourismCountywide Trail Maintenance: Purchase of a trail dozer and tools to maintain more than 1,000 miles of routes and support coordinated assessments with land managers ($123,682).
BLM Salt Lake Field Office - Fivemile Pass Restroom Maintenance and Kiosk Installation: Facility repairs and new kiosks at high-use staging areas to improve san-
Grand County Economic DevelopmentMoab Motorized Trail Ambassador Program, Phase 2: Expands ontrail education and rider engagement to promote safe, responsible recreation in the Moab area ($98,157.15).
• Tread Lightly! - Utah Program Manager and Statewide Education: Funds a Utah-based manager to lead year-round stewardship education, outreach and volunteer projects with local partners ($150,000).
Grand County Search and Rescue - OHV Update and Refresh: Replaces two aging UTVs to improve backcountry response and reliability during multiple or extended rescue operations ($61,673.85).
Utah Avalanche Center - Motorized Avalanche Forecasting: Supports daily winter forecasts, field operations and motorized outreach that improve safety for riders across key mountain zones ($94,543.04).
Sand Rock Ridge Riders ATV Club - OHV Staging Area Land Purchase: Purchase of a three-acre parcel of land in Millard County to build a new OHV staging area ($82,045).
The OHVR Grant supports projects that plan,
build and care for responsible motorized recreation across Utah. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, state and federal land managers and nonprofits. Typical awards range from $1,500 to $350,000 for trail work and for access protection and education; $1,500 to $150,000 for search and rescue and for snowmobile; $1,000 to $15,000 for OHV tourism; and $10,000 to $1,000,000 for land acquisition, which is open year-round. Proposals are evaluated for safety and stewardship impact, community partnerships and readiness to deliver. The next OHVR grant cycle will open for applications on Jan.15, 2026.
The OHVR Grant, launched in 2020, has now funded over $24 million in OHV-related projects throughout Utah. The OHV Advisory Council reviews, scores and recommends grant applications. Council members help shape the future of OHV activities in Utah, and play a vital role in advocating for OHV enthusiasts by engaging in impactful activities. For a full list of the 2025 OHVR Grant summer cycle recipients, visit recreation.utah.gov/ grants/. For more information on the Division of Outdoor Recreation, visit recreation.utah.gov. —Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
Courtesy Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
(DOR), working
the OHV Advi-
the Off-High-
OHV Projects Cont'd from A1
Ribbon Cutting:
Utah's great at doing that, trying to find things that we can do as a family. And the Utah Film Trail accomplishes that goal to create family opportunities. We want to create nostalgic opportunities. We worry about the next generation coming out and enjoying these landscapes. This provides that opportunity.
—David Tebbs, Garfield County Commissioner
Managing Director of Utah Office of Tourism and Film Natalie Randall addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting for the new Utah Film Trail marker—located at Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park and signifying the filming location of The Deadwood Coach (1924)—on October 2.
missioner David Tebbs, Garfield County Tourism Director Falyn Owens, Managing Director of Utah Office of Tourism and Film Natalie Randall, and Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce cut the ribbon strung across the marker.
First to speak was Natalie Randall, who thanked visitors for attending the event and gave a brief history of the marker. “The first place in Utah to have a film location was here in Bryce Canyon...what’s so unique about this film marker is truly the partnership with the national park, specifically Bryce Canyon, for allowing us to have this here for visitors to enjoy from across the world,” she said.
The Deadwood Coach is a silent film featuring Tom Mix, a leading star of the 1920s. For over a century, Utah has enchanted filmmakers with its breathtaking and diverse landscapes, serving as the backdrop for many of Hollywood's most iconic productions.
Now, the Utah Film Trail, developed by the Utah Film Commission in collaboration with the
Utah Office of Tourism, offers film lovers a chance to immerse themselves in these iconic settings. Randall went on to explain that “Film Tourism” in Utah is estimated to generate $600 million per year in tourist spending over a decade. And 39% of the state’s visitors come as a result of seeing a movie that was filmed in the state.
Virginia Pearce stated that this is a project that the Utah Film Trail has been working on for ten years now. “This was an idea that we had because we know that people love film, and we were celebrating the 100 years of film and television in 2024," said Pearce. "And through that research, we really started to find so much out about the films that were made in Utah.” In 2024, Utah marked a century of film production, showcasing a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes in famous Hollywood movies.
In March 2025, the Utah Film Trail was officially launched, and film enthusiasts were invited to explore various sites across the state, each marked with physical plaques commemorating notable movies and TV shows filmed at those locations.
According to the Utah Office of Tourism Utah
Film Trail website, this trail guides visitors "off the beaten path to discover the real-world locations featured in some of their favorite films and television shows," and each marker includes a QR code that links travelers to utahfilmtrail.com, where they can find detailed information about each site and explore more locations across the state. Additionally, an interactive map is accessible on utahfilmtrail.com, featuring GPS coordinates for all Utah Film Trail spots to assist tourists in planning their adventures.
During the ceremony, David Tebbs spoke to the small audience about his passion for tourism in Utah, highlighting it as a wonderful activity for families to enjoy together. “Utah's great at doing that, trying to find things that we can do as a family. And the Utah Film Trail accomplishes that goal to create family opportunities. We want to create nostalgic opportunities. We worry about the next generation coming out and enjoying these landscapes. This provides that opportunity,” said Tebbs.
Utah Groups Highlight Wildlife Recovery Successes
Public invited to Oct. 18 summit at the Hogle Zoo
SALT LAKE CITYAt a press event at the Utah Hogle Zoo on October 1, Utah conservationists celebrated the state’s new Utah Wildlife Action Plan with Western toads, bald eagles, and Bonneville cutthroat trout—all species that have benefited from previous versions of the plan.
“Utah’s conservation efforts have made a huge difference for some of our most at-risk species, and the Utah Wildlife Action Plan has facilitated so much of that work,” said Isobel Lingenfelter, Conservation Director at the Utah Wildlife Federation. “The 2025 revision will help us proactively protect iconic Utah species like Gila monsters, cutthroat trout, and pygmy rabbits.”
One of the 256 species prioritized in the new plan is the Western toad, which has seen serious population declines over the last two decades. In 2008, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, along with two other zoos, stepped in to breed boreal toads as a hedge against extinction. In 2022, 1,900 toads were released to their native habitat on the Paunsaugunt Plateau, demonstrating how the foresight and partnerships outlined in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan can create critical successes for at-risk species across Utah.
“The 2025 Utah Wildlife Action Plan took more than three years to update and revise with the help of more than thirty-five partners working to conserve Utah’s native species,” said Paul Thompson, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Habitat Section Assistant Chief. “This plan incorporates all wildlife, plants, and insects in need of conservation attention, highlights the habitats that they depend on, identifies threats to those species and habitats, and outlines important conservation actions to ensure these species will persist in Utah for generations to come.”
The Utah Wildlife Federation is hosting a wildlife summit, scheduled to take place at the zoo on October 18, and is open to the public. The Utah Wildlife Summit will offer attendees opportunities to learn about ways to support the Utah Wildlife Action Plan, UDWR’s new ten-year blueprint for helping more than 250 at-risk species across the state. Your ticket purchase supports the Hogle Zoo and its conservation programs, including its Western toad program.
—Utah Wildlife Federation
Jaynie Connor
Ribbon Cutting Cont'd from A1
Wayne Commission:
An update on the Bicknell Business Park, sheriff deputy wages, approval of a proclamation that October 5-11 be recognized as National 4-H Week, and an update on Little Wayne Wonders daycare center in Loa discussed.
Next, a longtime Wayne County resident, John Dillenbeck, addressed commissioners about low sheriff deputy wages, saying it would be difficult for officers to live on $19 an hour. “I just don’t understand it,” he said. “How can someone come here, be a deputy, buy a home, have a family, and survive?” Commissioner Cook agreed the concern is valid and said the challenge extends beyond law enforcement.
“A lot of county employees aren’t compensated as well as private industry,” he said, adding that the commission is “trying to do what we can.” Sheriff Gulley acknowledged the struggle to retain officers, estimating that it costs about $30,000 to replace a single deputy. The commission plans to revisit the matter during the upcoming budget cycle.
Nadia Harris from Utah State University Extension presented a proclamation recognizing National 4-H Week, October 5-11. Commissioners unanimously ap-
proved the proclamation, commending 4-H for its positive influence on local youth and its long-standing contributions to leadership, science, and agriculture programs in Wayne County.
Jaden Blackburn, owner of Little Wayne Wonders, gave an update on his new daycare center in Loa, which opened September 8. The center currently serves twenty-two children from ten families, ranging in age from two months to eight years, and operates from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with six employees. Blackburn said the center can accommodate up to fifteen more children depending on scheduling and staffing. Most families receive state childcare assistance, and additional grant funding from the county’s economic development program is being processed to help offset startup costs. Commissioners praised the new daycare and its cheerful murals—painted by local artists and volunteers— and its bright, storybooklike atmosphere. Blackburn said he wanted it to feel “creative and fun—a place kids want to be.”
Legal Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
In other items of business, the commission: Ratified participation in the national opioid settlement with secondary manufacturers;
• Approved the hiring of Deanne Frazier as Meals-on-Wheels driver and Shannon Harbor as site manager for senior services; Announced intent to hold a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on November 17 to consider a modest property tax increase of about $1.37 per month for the average homeowner;
• Approved a sanitation fee adjustment, the first since 2015, raising rates to $240 per year for 90-gallon cans and $288 for 300-gallon cans; Granted a conditional use permit for Dave Torgerson to build a 100-by-60-foot shop with limited living quarters, noting the dwelling cannot be rented.
Vouchers were approved, and the meeting adjourned.
The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYDIVISION OF AIR QUALITY
A Notice of Intent for the following project submitted in accordance with R307401-1, Utah Administrative Code (UAC), has been received for consideration by the Director:
Company Name: Kings Peak Lumber LLC
Location: Kings Peak Lumber LLC - Panguitch Lumber Mill – 165 North 700 West, Panguitch, UT
Project Description: Kings Peak Lumber LLC (KPL) has requested an Approval Order (AO) for a new sawmill located in Panguitch, Garfield County. KPL will conduct bucking, debarking, sawing, planing, conveying, wood waste handling, and wood drying at the facility. Felled trees are debarked and cut into logs outside of the sawmill building. Sawing, cutting, and planing operations are conducted inside of five (5) enclosures. The sawmill utilizes an enclosed conveyance system and captures particulate produced from sawing, cutting, and planing cyclones. After processing, the lumber is dried using a dry kiln, powered by two (2) 12 MMBtu/hr Low-NOx burners. One (1) 13 MMBtu/hr boiler is also used to dry lumber.
The completed engineering evaluation and air quality impact analysis showed the proposed project meets the requirements of federal air quality regulations and the State air quality rules. The Director intends to issue an Approval Order pending a 30-day public comment period. The project proposal, estimate of the effect on local air quality and draft Approval Order are available for public inspection and comment at the Utah Division of Air Quality, 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Written comments received by the Division at this same address on or before November 15, 2025, will be considered in making the final decision on the approval/disapproval of the proposed project. Email comments will also be accepted at dunganadams@utah.gov. If anyone so requests to the Director in writing within 15 days of publication of this notice, a hearing will be held in accordance with R307-401-7, UAC.
Under Section 19-1-301.5, a person who wishes to challenge a Permit Order may only raise an issue or argument during an adjudicatory proceeding that was raised during the public comment period and was supported with sufficient information or documentation to enable the Director to fully consider the substance and significance of the issue.
Date of Notice: October 16, 2025
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 16, 2025
REQUEST FOR BIDS
LYMAN TOWN
Lyman Town is seeking bids for the construction of 2000 feet of fencing around the Lyman Cemetery.
This bid will include the removal and disposal of the existing fencing.
The new fence will be constructed as follows:
2 - 7/8 inch drill steel posts placed 10 feet apart and cemented in.
2 - 7/8 inch drill steel top rail placed at 5 feet high.
Continuous fence panels (5 rail 1 5/8 in. pipe 4 feet tall). These panels will be placed with a 6 inch space under the top rail and 6 inches off the ground.
Existing gates and cattle guards will remain intact and be incorporated into the project.
This project will need to be done when cows are not in the fields around the cemetery.
The expected completion date will be September 1, 2026. Bids may be sent to Lyman Town: 115 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 23, Lyman, Utah 84749.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 16 & 23, 2025
LOA TOWN CANCELS NOVEMBER
5, 2025
ELECTIONS
Loa Town met at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and passed Resolution No. 2025-10-09 cancelling the November 5, 2025 elections according to Utah State Code 20A-1-206, whereas the number of council members running did not exceed the number of council seats available.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 16, 2025
NOTICE OF WORK MEETING
TORREY TOWN
Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and Members of Town Council will hold a special work meeting on Thursday the 16th Day of October 2025 at 6:30 pm at the Torrey Town Office, Bay 1 located at 75 E 100 N. The council will meet to discuss town staff salaries.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 16, 2025
Legal Notices
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 Nov. 5, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.
KANE COUNTY
CHANGE APPLICATION(S)
61-3582 (a53658): Family Trust of The George R. Aiken Jr. and Donna M. Aiken Revocable Trust propose(s) using 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (1/2 mile N of Long Valley Jct) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING.
Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.
State Engineer
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 9 & 16, 2025
LAND FOR SALE AT AUCTION
UTAH TRUST LANDS ADMINISTRATION
Utah Trust Lands Administration is planning to sell a one-acre lot within the historic Widtsoe townsites, in Garfield County. The auction will be held online November 13-18, 2025. The property has potential for recreational and/or residential use. Water rights are available to be purchased. The minimum starting bid will be $20,000. Financing is available. Please call (801) 538-5163 with any questions or visit trustlands.utah. gov. (C-27308)
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 9, 16 & 23,2025
PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY LOA TOWN
Loa Town Planning Commission is looking to fill one vacancy. If you are interested in joining this great group of people and serving your community, please contact Michelle Brian at 435-836-2160 for more information. You must be a customer on the Loa culinary water system in order to apply for this position.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 4, 11, 18 & 25 and OCTOBER 2, 9 & 16, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - GENERAL PLAN
BICKNELL TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION
Bicknell Town Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to allow comments regarding the 2025 updated goals for the Town's General Plan. The hearing will be held before the regularly scheduled planning commission meeting on October 21, 2025, at 6:45 p.m. at the Bicknell Town Hall, 64 West 100 North Bicknell, UT 84715.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 9 & 16, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
CENTRAL UTAH HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Central Utah Health Department will hold a public hearing to discuss the 2026
Fee Schedule
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Central Utah Health Department Office at 70 Westview Drive, Richfield
The public is invited to attend and provide input. Copies of the proposed budgets and fee schedule are available for review at the Health Department office during regular business hours.
For more information, call 435-896-5451.
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 9 & 16, 2025
NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGE
WAYNE COUNTY
Please take notice that the Wayne County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following:
PROPOSED CHANGE: AMEND EXISTING 6 RV SITE PARK & CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
INTENDED USE: ADD 2 ADD’L RV SITES TO AN EXISTING 6 RV SITE PARK and amend existing CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
CHANGE REQUESTED BY: ADAM WHITE/ A & B INVESTMENTS A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD DURING THE PLANNING & ZONING MEETING ON: October 22, 2025 @ 7:00 PM AT THE WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Located at: 2050 E SR 24 Caineville, UT 84775
LEGAL DES: 9.63 acres located in the SW1/4NE1/4 Sec 30 T28S R9E
Parcel 01-0081-0555/ O-550-1A
Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 9 & 16, 2025
Calassified ds
Position Announcement
Position Title: Deputy Clerk/Auditor (Full-time)
Department: County Clerk/Auditors Office
Location: Wayne County Courthouse
Application Deadline: Closed when filled
Starting Pay: $16.65
Benefits: Health, dental, retirement, paid time off, and more
Overview:
The Wayne County Clerk/Auditor’s Office is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented individual to join our team. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve the public while supporting essential government functions such as elections, budgeting, public records, and so much more.
Supervision Received:
Works under the supervision of the County Clerk/Auditor
Required Duties and Responsibilities:
· Performs various clerical and secretarial duties; Operates personal computer and custom software applications; Drafts or composes correspondence; Performs over the counter customer service as needed.
· Human Resources: Maintains personnel files related to payroll and benefit administration; ensures separation and privacy of related files in compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), and HIPPA guidelines. Assists with annual performance reviews and the promotion of programs for the improvement of employee effectiveness, such as training, safety, health and wellness, counseling and welfare; Schedule and conduct employee meetings as needed to inform and train employees on policies and procedures and new laws or regulations affecting the County.
· Accept applications for and issuing of building permits.
· Accept applications for and issuing business licenses, including annual renewal.
· Passport Acceptance Agent: Accepting and processing of passport applications and related forms. Job requires training, certification and annual recertification.
· Various duties related to Elections such as Voter Registration, filing, processing of ballots and election returns, etc.
· Various duties related to accounts payable such as computer entry, printing and filing reports,
· Various duties related to accounts receivable such as billing, receipting, and preparing deposits.
· Some duties related to payroll such as printing reports, copying and filing, and updating employee files.
· Long term records maintenance.
· Required to become a notary.
· Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
· High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
· Prior administrative or clerical experience preferred
· Strong computer skills
· Excellent communication and organizational skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Must pass a background check
Work Environment:
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity are required to perform essential job functions but may be accommodated. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance.
How to Apply:
Applications can be picked up at the Wayne County Clerk's Office, 18 S Main Loa UT 84747. Please include cover letter and resume. Job is open until filled. Call the Wayne County Clerk's Office at 435-836-1300 with any questions.
Wayne County Clerk/Auditor Felicia Snow
FOR RENT
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
• Registered Behavior Technician at Bryce Valley High School
• Esports Coach at Bryce Valley High School
• Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers
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.
Immediate job opening for:
Customer Service Rep in the Escalante Business Office
Happy, friendly, outgoing customer oriented attitude a must. Serves as primary point of contact for new customers. Sells and promotes services of the company to new and existing customers. Assists customers with new service requests, billing inquiries and other account activities. Excellent benefits and competitive compensation based on experience. Submit resume to:
SC Broadband PO Box 555
Escalante, UT 84726
Attn: HR or email HR@socen.com
MOVING SALE
Moving Sale by Peggy Taylor
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 420 North 1100 East, Loa
MEETINGS
TROPIC AA MEETING Wednesday at 6 PM. Tropic Heritage Center. All meetings are closed discussion.
Escalante AA Meeting Tues. & Fri. at 6pm Call 435-676-3653
The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking.
We Buy 8,000 Cars a Week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-542-0335
sudoku
Wayne Community Health Center
Part-Time Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental
Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant.
Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?
• Escalante Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team. Why choose Escalante Dental
• Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours
• An inclusive and supportive work environment
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
Position Overview:
As a Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner
• Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures
• Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems
• Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments
• Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus:
• Dental assisting experience
• Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry
• Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays
• X-ray Certification
Tues. Oct. 21st Chicken Sandwich, Potato Salad/Baked Beans, Chips, Relish Tray, Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce
All meals are served with milk or juice. If you would like a meal, please call us by 10:00 am. 826-4317. Suggested donation for seniors over 60 is $4.00, and under 60 is $10.00
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. ISO
Answers for this week
• CPR Certification How to Apply: We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. If you’re passionate about dental health and eager to contribute to a supportive team, we want to hear from you! Please email your resume to aellett@waynechc.org and take the first step toward an exciting career with Escalante Dental.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today!
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 SENIOR CENTER MENUS Escalante Senior Citizens Menu
