The Wayne & Garfield County Insider October 23, 2025 by Wayne & Garfield County Insider

Garfield Memorial Hospital to Host Educational Medicare Seminar for Residents

PANGUITCH - Garfield Memorial Hospital will offer an educational seminar for Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Panguitch City Office (25 S. 200 East).

This free event takes place during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, an important time each year for individuals to review their current coverage, compare available plans, and make informed decisions about what’s right for them.

“Changes to Medicare offerings this year are prompting questions for some of our seniors,” said DeAnn Brown, president of Garfield Memorial Hospital. “This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals who can help.”

Licensed independent Medicare Seminar Cont'd on A3

Quilts of Valor Honors Local Veterans

QOV volunteers seek support in organizing local group in Garfield County by

Crystal Farinella & Melyssa Holbrook

A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” Above, veterans and service members Mark Liston, Crockett Dumas, Art Moss, Marian Casse and Guy Graham are awarded their Quilts of Valor by Sherwood Preece, also a veteran, during the May 2025 Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival.

ESCALANTE - The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream—literally a dream. At the time, founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was deployed in Iraq.

“The dream was as

Henrie's Hitch-N-Post RV Resort Builds Out Their Amenities in Panguitch by Jaynie Connor

Ariana Speirs

With upgraded amenities, welcoming spaces, and a friendly staff eager to help visitors explore the surrounding scenic routes, Henrie's Hitch-N-Post has quickly earned a reputation as a favorite destination for families, road-trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

PANGUITCH - Hen-

rie’s Hitch-N-Post RV Resort, on Main Street in Panguitch, is just minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park and scenic Highway 12. Under the ownership for the past four years of John and Tonja Henrie, it has undergone a revitalizing transformation, becoming more than just a pit stop on Route 89. The resort offers full-hookup RV sites, modern amenities such as laundry facilities and showers, pet-friendly areas, and vacation-style short-term

vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around,

dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being.

The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was quilts equal healing,” said Roberts.

GARFIELD CO.Several aspects of a piece of 2025 legislation— HB48 Wildland Urban Interface Modifications— came into the October 13 Garfield County Commission discussion.

First, in his board report, Commissioner David Tebbs said municipalities are not getting much direction in the WUI fire protection plans they are supposed to have in place by Jan 1, 2026. Near the end of the meeting, Tebbs was able to ask Roger Carter, local administrator advisor for Five County Association of Governments (FCAoG) if he could assist with those plans, given that fire suppression funding would not be accessible without meeting the deadline. Carter said he’d follow up with his state contacts, hopefully acquiring a template that towns can follow. Lastly, during

Henrie's Cont'd on B2 Senators Lee and Curtis Introduce New Bills that will Authorize ORVs in Capitol Reef N.P.

by Karin Simmons

WASHINGTON, DC –Last week, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced he had introduced two new bills that would open national parks to off-road vehicles (ORVs), fundamentally altering the visitor experience and damaging landscapes that draw millions of visitors each year: the State Motor Vehicle Laws in National Park System Units Act and the OHVs in Capitol Reef

ESCALANTE - The Escalante Canyons Art Festival once again offered an excellent experience for all participants. While planning this year’s festival, which took place September 19-28, 2025,

organizers considered a wide variety of workshops, entertainment, and classes. They aimed to include something of every interest for everyone, from writing to gourd painting. And of course, there were

plein air painting and printmaking workshops, watercolor and abstract art classes and music. Getting into the landscape through Roving

Melyssa Holbrook

Kathryn Chamberlain

Noriko Kishi of Salt Lake City, one of the many artists selling at the festival, holds one of her anchovy-themed pottery pieces.

Peg Smith

Quilts of Valor Cont'd on A6 Garfield Commission Cont'd on A5

Redistricting: Utah GOP moves to block changes to electoral map, undo voter-backed law

Utah’s lieutenant governor fears ‘we won’t have maps when we need them’

SALT LAKE CITY -

Utah’s Republican Party is writing a plot twist into the last act of the state’s redistricting case.

As a deadline approaches to firm up boundaries for 2026, the Utah GOP launched a push Tuesday to block a map proposed by the Legislature and repeal a 2018 redistricting law.

The map from lawmakers is the least competitive for Democrats out of four options they considered after a judge struck down boundaries they drew in 2021, saying they came about unconstitutionally.

Lawmakers’ proposed map was also endorsed by the Utah GOP just two weeks ago. But on Tuesday, Chairman Rob Axson filed a petition with Utah’s elections office for a referendum asking voters to reject the plan. Per state code, a group has 30 days to gather signatures from 8% of Utah voters — about 140,000 — including 8% of the voters in at least 15 of the state’s 29 Senate districts.

The map in question is one of three options on the table before a judge who has less than a month to make a final selection. The lieutenant governor, who is Utah’s top election official, set a deadline of Nov. 10.

The move could drag

by Annie Knox | Utah News Dispatch

The Utah GOP is seeking the repeal of Proposition 4, a 2018 voter-approved ballot initiative setting up an independent redistricting commission. A judge reinstated Proposition 4 this year, ruling lawmakers overstepped their constitutional authority.

the process into legally murky territory. If a referendum gets enough signatures, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson is required to put a stay on the law set to be referred to voters.

In an interview Tuesday, Henderson said voters and candidates deserve a degree of certainty, and this adds more uncertainty to “an already tricky situation.”

Asked what her biggest fear is, Henderson replied: “That we won’t have maps when we need them, or that we’ll have to change in the middle of a process. We’re

walking down some roads that have not been tread before. That is concerning from an election administration standpoint.”

Axson did not comment in response to requests from Utah News Dispatch on Tuesday.

The two other maps are being pitched by voting rights groups who sued the state over the 2021 maps: the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Campaign Legal Center and some Salt Lake County voters.

“It’s frustrating, it’s disappointing, and I just don’t understand,” said Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of Better Boundaries, the group behind the 2018 initiative creating an independent redistricting commission. “It’s honestly like one of the last things in their toolbox for them to really get rid of this law that they don’t like, and so we’re still going to be operating on all levels, through any means necessary.”

The Utah GOP is also seeking the repeal of Proposition 4, a 2018 voterapproved ballot initiative setting up an independent redistricting commission.

Axson filed an application for an indirect initiative that would require roughly 70,000 signatures – or 4% of active registered voters – in at least 26 of Utah’s 29 state Senate districts, and by Nov. 15, before it can go to the Legislature for approval.

A judge reinstated Proposition 4 this year, ruling lawmakers overstepped their constitutional authority when they turned the commission into an advisory body that lawmakers could ignore. That ruling also voided the state’s congressional boundaries last drawn in 2021, deeming them the result of an unconstitutional process.

ORVs in Capitol Reef and other national parks: Opening Capitol Reef National Park and all National Park Service-managed areas to OHVs would denigrate the very resources those sites have been set aside to protect.

Sue Fritzke, former Superintendent at Capitol Reef National Park and current Executive Council Member of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks

National Park Act. The bills are also sponsored by Senator John Curtis (RUT). Below are statements from conservation groups and additional information on the legislation.

“We’re deeply concerned for Capitol Reef and America’s national parks. These bills strip the National Park Service’s ability to fully manage park roads by opening them to off-road vehicles that bring noise and damage to fragile landscapes.

In Capitol Reef, the red rock cliffs and dark night skies offer a rare kind of solitude that defines the national park experience here in Southern Utah,” said Cory MacNulty, Campaign Director, Southwest Region at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).

"Adding off-road vehicles to both the busiest paved roads and the most remote backcountry routes would ruin that sense of quiet. There’s no reason to overrun one of Utah’s most awe-inspiring parks, especially with so many opportunities already open to ORVs on surrounding public lands. Capitol Reef is just the tip of the iceberg if this is what is to come for national parks across the country.”

“Opening Capitol Reef National Park and all National Park Servicemanaged areas to OHVs would denigrate the very resources those sites have been set aside to protect, with increased dust and noise and impacts on wildlife, endangered species, and visitors; it would also

be expensive, time-consuming, and detrimental to the visitor experience, “said Sue Fritzke, former Superintendent at Capitol Reef National Park and current Executive Council Member of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

“Substantial opportunities for OHV use, both on and off road exist on Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and the many other public lands in Utah not managed by the National Park Service. The use of OHVs is not appropriate or require a national park setting, and these bills are simply an attempt to homogenize the recreational opportunities of millions of visitors. Having some places that are free of OHVs allows for a broad array of opportunities on public lands.”

“Off-road vehicles have dramatic and damaging impacts on the landscape and the experience of others who recreate outside. They are faster and louder than full-size vehicles and are designed to travel off-road and into rugged backcountry terrain,” said Laura Peterson, Staff Attorney at the Southern Utah Wilderness

Alliance (SUWA). “In Utah and beyond, there are tens of thousands of miles of routes already open to off-road vehicles on surrounding public lands. National Parks are simply too special to be sacrificed to the noise and damage from off-road vehicles.”

The State Motor Vehicle Laws in National Park System Units Act would open National Park Service roads to off-road vehicles (ORVs), nationwide, including “street-legal” ATVs on paved roads and dirt bikes, ATVs, and sideby-sides on dirt roads and trails. Currently, nearly all National Park Service units prohibit ORVs, with only a few exceptions permitted by specific legislation for some

National Recreation Areas, National Seashores, and National Lakeshores.

The OHVs in the Capitol Reef National Park Act would authorize off-road vehicle use on a dozen paved and dirt roads in Capitol Reef National Park. These routes are closed to ORV use to protect specific cultural and natural resources and protect the visitor experience. Opening any Park Service paved or dirt roads to ORV use would directly contradict National Park Service staff expertise and on-the-ground knowledge, which makes clear such a decision would cause irreversible damage.

—Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

ORV s in Nat'l Parks Cont'd from A1

The Insider

The OHVs in Capitol Reef National Park Act would authorize off-road vehicle use on a dozen paved and dirt roads in Capitol Reef National Park.

News from Wayne County

The Round Up

by Adus F. Dorsey II

When it comes to cowboying in Wayne

names are sure to rise to the top. Pictured: Dwight

It is October and round up time for all the cowboys, dudes and dudettes in Wayne County. As far as the cows are concerned, the bovines started their westward migration over a month ago winding their way through the forest and down the trail headed for warmer climes, or just because instinct told them it was time to do so.

The horses, well horses do what horses do as long as there is hay involved, throw on a saddle, strap it down good and tight, hit the trail and they are ready for the day.

When it comes to cowboying in Wayne County, like cream in a pot, certain names are sure to rise to the top, names like Dunc Taylor, Bliss Brinkerhoff, Lewis Blackburn and Dwight Williams, the Baker boys, Carlyle, Lloyd and Gordon, then there was Charlie Snow Jr., Ernest Peterson, and in Bicknell there was Kay Taft, Don Taylor and Pres Taylor and many, many more. (May they all still be riding the big range in the sky.)

One such group that was held in high regard was the Blind Bridle Riders. To know more about those cowboys, we must step back in time a little ways to day at Dunc Taylors when some of the Blind Bridle Riders group got together.

In a Wayne County accent, if there ever was one, Dunc Taylor remembered how the Blind Bridle Riders got their name. “My father-in-law Charlie Snow in Teasdale had an old workhorse named Joker and when he would leave home Joker would be in the field, and after he was gone Joker would jump into the stack yard. So, ole Charlie decided he was just going take Joker with him when it was time to herd cows down to the desert.”

“So, it is time to move all these cows down to the desert and Charlie is all ready to go and goes out to get old Joker and all he had to ride him with was a blind bridle. So, there we were, all geared up and ready

to go and here comes old Charlie Snow from Teasdale riding old Joker with a blind bridle on, and that is how the Blind Bridle Riders got the name.”

“With only one truck filled with grass hay and oats, it would take us seven days to trail all our horses and cows from up at the Fish Creek Ranch, to the Halls Creek Ranch down near the Colorado River. Back in those days the Blind Bridle riders would drive them old cows right down through the “gorge.”

Then about sixty-three was when they put the highway in, after that it was a luxury to get to go down that way,”

Dwight Williams remembers.

“We would always camp at Egg Nogg down at BullFrog, in the old Riddle cabin. Just above the cabin there was water in a spring, and all the cowboys and sheepherders called it Egg Nogg because it was so good. We would never drink water from Bull Frog because it was just too mean of a drink.

“One time we were out on Ticaboo and there were still these two old mules we hadn’t captured yet. It was towards evening one day and Lewis Blackburn and I were riding along and here are these two old mules ahead of us. So, Lewie takes down his lariat and up the side hill he goes a chasing these two mules, just a swinging his rope and all of a sudden his cinch broke. Lewie, saddle and all come off that horse and down the hill they went.”

Dwight’s mule story reminded Dunc of a time he and Ernest Peterson rode all the way down Ticaboo Canyon as far as you could go down where Cass Hite and Burt Loper had places on the opposite sides of the river. And how he carried a raisin pie all the way down in there. “When they got down there, there was a little stream with the best tasting water that came right out of the Wingate, and all of a sudden out from some scrub oak come a damn

Medicare Seminar: Licensed independent agent, Shane Knudsen, will provide information and answer questions about available plans and enrollment options.

Medicare Seminar

Cont'd from A1

agent, Shane Knudsen, will provide information and answer questions about available plans and enrollment options.

“We want to help community members feel confident as they explore their Medicare choices,” said Brown. “Insurance plans vary, so the Annual Enrollment Period is the perfect time to understand

your options and select coverage that best supports your health and wellbeing.”

The changes affecting Medicare Advantage patients will not take effect until 2026, so those enrolled can continue to receive care on their current plan through the end of 2025 while they prepare for 2026.

—Intermountain Health

sheep. Old Ernest Peterson tore into that sheep so fast and had it roped and I was off my horse with that raisin pie in one hand and a knife in the other as quick as I could. We had mutton and raisin pie for dinner, and that sheep was the most flavorful meat I have ever had, it was finger lickin’ good” said Dunc.

“Well night rolls around and come to find out Lewis forgot to bring his bed roll, Dunc then sits forward in his recliner and says, “I was sleeping in this double bed with plenty of covers so Lewis climbed in, we slept pretty good that night,” Dunc said. And that’s just the way life “was” out on the range…

Reference; recorded conversations with Dunc Taylor, Bliss Brinkerhoff, Lewis Blackburn and Dwight Williams at Dunc Taylor house, in what Dunc called “Sunny Bick” (Bicknell)

Adus F. Dorsey II

County, like cream in a pot, certain

Williams, Teasdale.

Wills, Trusts, and More

Making Your Healthcare Choices Heard

What if an illness or an accident leaves you in a coma?

Would you want to have your life prolonged by any means necessary?

Would you want to have some treatments withheld to allow a natural death?

An advance directive allows you to give instructions to your health care providers and your family on these topics. You can give them instructions about the types of treatments you want or don't want to receive if you become incapacitated.

What can happen if there are no instructions, in writing?

Family emotions and differences of opinion can get in the way of making a choice that reflects your true wishes. These differences of opinion can cause much strife in an already difficult time. To make matters worse, such conflicts can end up being decided by the courts, which may receive conflicting

by Jeffery J. McKenna

information from family members. Courts try to determine what your wishes are, based on testimony from family.

The term “advance directive” can describe a variety of documents. Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney documents are types of advance directives.

LIVING WILL

A Living Will allows you to state whether you want your life prolonged if you suffer from a terminal illness or if you are deemed to be permanently unconscious. In general, a Living Will indicates whether you want certain treatments withheld or withdrawn if they are only prolonging the dying process or if there is no hope of recovery.

HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY A Health Care Power

of Attorney (HCPOA) allows you to name someone (an Agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable. The HCPOA can cover any health care decision, even if you are not terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A HCPOA can apply in cases of temporary unconsciousness or in case of diseases like Alzheimer's that affect decision making. As with the Living Will, a HCPOA generally only goes into effect when you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions.

Advance directives can prevent many problems for close family members. They will give you and your family great peace of mind to know that your wishes regarding your health care choices are clear and set forth in writing.

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.

country roads

by Lynn Griffin

Britain's Oldest Woman

Britain's oldest woman turned 114 today. When asked the secret of her longevity, she attributed it to taking a walk at midnight every night.

When quizzed on whether she was concerned about the increase in muggings in recent years, she said that she was not, and would continue mugging people as long as her health holds out.

Cruise

A cruise ship passes by a remote island, and all the passengers see a bearded man running around and waving his arms wildly.

“Captain,” one passenger asks, “who is that man over there?”

“I have no idea,” the captain says, “but he goes nuts every year when we pass him.”

Password

During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was using the following password: "MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofySacramento"

When asked why such a long password, she said she was told that it had to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one capital.

THEME: Halloween ACROSS 1. Eye affliction

Nickname 8. Christmas tree variety

Not we

Use a whetstone

Lyric poem

New Haven University

Unrivaled

Buenos follower

*Number one pumpkin-growing state

Phishing attack

Dead to the world

Albanian money

*"One, two, ____'s coming for you" 26. Harasses 30. Bloodshot 31. System of newsgroups on Internet

34. Muscular strength

35. Not odds

37. Zedong of China

38. Do penitence

39. Form of wrestling

40. Certain Native American dwelling

42. Cleopatra's cause of death, supposedly

43. *____ O'Rourke of "Poltergeist"

45. *Silver ammo, useful against werewolves, sing.

47. Rooster's girlfriend

48. Seattle's ____ Needle

50. Sportscaster Andrews

52. *One of two first ever fun size candy bars

55. Unbroken mustang

One With Everything

"Make me one with everything," says the Buddhist to the tofu hot dog vendor. Then, after getting his tofu hot dog, the Buddhist hands the vendor a $20 bill. The vendor takes the money and begins helping the next customer. The Buddhist looks puzzled and asks the vendor, "Where is my change?"

The vendor replies, "Change comes from within."

Obituaries Kathleen Rees

BICKNELL - On Thursday, October 16, 2025, our beloved mother - Kathleen “Kathy” Rees - passed from this earthly life, welcomed home by friends and family who went before. She was born February 22, 1949 to Kenneth and Loyia Rees. She was the second of six children, with three sisters and two brothers. She had a wonderful childhood making lifelong friends including her dear girlfriends “The Fizzies”. Her best friends, however, have always been her three sisters: Lynell, Deann, and Connie. She also forged close bonds with cousins in early years that extended throughout her life. She attended and graduated from Wayne High School.

Mom was a fiercely independent woman who lived life on her own terms. She possessed a sharp mind and an incredible memory for numbers, details, and people. During her career as a dedicated Physician’s Assistant, she was admired for her intelligence, skill, and compassion.

Beyond her work, Mom found joy in the things she loved most - a good book, a delicious meal, and the company of family. She was an avid reader, a lover of food (Hershey kisses #1), and an exceptional cook whose kitchen was filled with warmth and laughter. Mom also had an affinity for fun and flashy jewelry, with almost enough jewelry sets to wear something different every day of the year!

Active in her local chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, she took pride in her heritage and community. Her life reflected her strong conservative values, her faith, and her belief in hard work and perseverance.

Though the later years were limited by poor health and the constant presence of bulky oxygen tanks and tangled tubing, Mom faced each day with quiet strength and determination. Her will was unshakable, her heart full of love, and her presence deeply felt by all who knew her.

Mom is survived by her siblings: Gaylen (Nancy) Rees, Deann Frazier, Lynell Rees, McKay Rees, and Connie Rees. Her children: Kristi (Jeffery) Pikyavit, Darrin (Leslie) Morrell, Rick (Michele) Morrell, Ken (Angie) Blackburn and Trena (Chris) Mertlich, twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Loyia Rees and her second husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Blackburn.

Mom will be remembered for her independence, her intelligence, her humor, and her unwavering devotion to family. Her example lives on - a lasting reminder of strength, love, and faith.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel, 190 N 200 E in Bicknell. Viewings will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel in Richfield, and from 11:00-12:30 P.M. the morning of the services at the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel.

Burial will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

Enjoy the daylight while you can, soon we will be back to standard time and dark at 5:30. The elected state politicians always promise that we will stay on daylight hours but to get elected they need money, so the big power companies come through with that money. We went down to St. George on Wednesday and it rained all the way down there on 15. Coming home it started raining in Cedar City and by the time we got to Parowan it was snowing. At 20 the rain stopped and it was dry the rest of the way home. By the way if you are going to Cedar City, take a small detour through Parowan. All of Main St. is decorated with all kinds of Skeletons, scarecrows and anything else Halloween and it is really worth the extra trip. I don’t know what it looks like at night, but it is im-

FYI PanguItch

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting @gmail.com

pressive during the daylight hours. Yesterday was the no Kings Day and all 50 states took part and over 3 million were out protesting our president and his quest for total power. Utah had 14 cites take part and all was peaceful. I didn’t see any peacekeepers there with their assault weapons so no one got hurt, like last time. Next year we will be celebrating 250 years of not being controlled by a King. The DUP has their monthly Appreciation and this month it is the much deserved Elaine Baldwin. She has been a member since 2003 and has served in many capacities. Vice President, Registrar, Parliamentarian, Museum Director. Elaine was instrumental in securing the Fort Sanford Historical Marker. Elaine has been Pat's right hand helper with the Sub

for Santa program for more than 30 years and will be badly missed this year with her taking a retirement. Elaine has been the director of the Quilt Walk play and wrote the play off of a story that Pat had found. Thank you Elaine, you can’t be replaced with all that you do. By now you will have received your Ballot for the City Council, make sure you use it. The Council and Mayor are the only ones that are political that you can get a hold of. By the way the City is not responsible for only having one gas station. The other three stations were thought to have been sold, so they pulled out all of the cash registers and anything that was of use. The Subway is owned by a separate company and is open. If all else fails, go out to 10 mile and they have plenty of gas.

On the 7-8th of Novem-

ber, we start off the month with our great Craft Fair and it will be at the Fair Building. On the 11th Veterans Day the American Legion will be having their annual Veterans dinner. All Veterans and their companions and widows of Veterans are invited. I just read that it has been 50 years ago since the start of the Vietnam war, my the how time flies! Then on the 14-15th it is the annual Festival of Trees and all funds go to the Hospital. On Thanksgiving Day we will be having our annual dinner and all are invited, if you have a large family please call me at (676-2418) so we can cook a little more. It is a fun time and it’s like you have one large family to visit with. It will be held at the Senior Center.. Getting old isn’t easy, but my body hates it. Mack O.

Garfield Commission: HB48 Wildland Urban Interface Modifications, City/Town Capital Facilities Plans, landfill needs tracking and assessment, County General Plan update, improper diesel storage by a landowner, Employee Longevity awards to Barry Huntington and Rob Veater, were among items discussed.

Garfield Commission Cont'd from A1

the Board of Equalization discussion, County Assessor Kade Fullmer drew attention to a little know element of HB48 that could affect 1,500-1,600 properties in the county. He said property owners who have structures designated “high fire risk” as defined in the bill could see as much as $2,000 added to their 2026 tax bill by this fee. He said this state fee would appear on the notice without prior disclosure, and the county can do nothing about the mandate at present.

As of October 13, the government shutdown was affecting FCAoG’s ability to continue several of their programs. For example, said Director Darren Bushman, certain weatherization projects are stymied because they are dependent on applicants being qualified for federal heating programs, which are currently shutdown. Roger Carter will continue working with municipalities, “providing administrative assistance to small towns that don't have a heavy administrative presence within their community.”

One thing Carter said he’d like to focus on will be getting towns’ capital facilities plans in place. “These are a high priority for us,” he said. Capital facilities plans must be in place to receive several types of funding. Commissioner Jerry Taylor asked Bushman if FCAoG could help with legislation al-

lowing registered nurses to attend calls with EMTs without requiring EMT certification. Bushman agreed, saying some states follow a “bridge program” whereby an RN only needs to acquire specialized emergency procedure training that isn’t generally included in nursing training.

Upper Sevier and Canyonlands Conservation Districts gave a status report on their county activities, including procurement of a no-till drill available for rent.

Public Works Director Dave Dodds said the land appraisal needs to be completed, which should happen within the next week or so. Commissioner Tebbs praised the action saying Brinkerhoff Custom Meats is a new meat processing facility in Tropic which will be using the new pit, along with anyone else in the community. “I think we all recognize that in an ag community you have animals that die and you got to have somewhere to dispose of them.” Dodds said his department is also investing in a drone that can do 3D imagery and measurements. He said they need that information “to track of how much fill we're putting into our landfills each year,” something that all landfills are tracking in order to plan for future expansion.

Planning Department, Director Kaden Figgins said the first General Plan update meeting is being held, with all water com-

panies in the county being invited to the first session. The public at large is welcome to submit comments on the Plan.

A private landowner, Randy Yard addressed the Commission with concerns about improper diesel fuel storage on adjacent property. Planning Director Figgins said the county has already issued a certified letter to the owner stating they’re out of compliance both with the tank as well as operating a gravel pit in an ag zone.

In their board reports, Commissioner Tebbs, Taylor, and Leland Pollock mentioned the following:

• Bryce Canyon National Park contingency plans are focusing on keeping things open: Visitors Center with limited services; bathrooms, and rangers and search and rescue as needed.

Lance Syrett being inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame.

• UDOT concern about the number of accidents (26) at Hwy 89 and 12 intersection.

The heavy countywide rains necessitated extra road crew work.

• October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• Reservoirs are a big topic at the state level, including building new ones, as well as cleaning and dredging existing ones.

• “New concepts” of forest management are underway with the new National Forest director Tom

Schultz. This “probably is going to revolve around the private sector,” said Pollock, who praised the move toward more local control.

Draft copy of legislation to protect historic and cultural sites currently owned by SITLA, such as Promise Rock. Commissioners recognized two employees for Employee Longevity Awards: Barry Huntington, 20 years; and Rob Veater 30 years.

Following a presentation by the Escalante sixth graders, the Commission approved up to $2,500 for their Washington, D.C. trip in December.

Board of Equalization: Clerk/Auditor Camille Moore reported on the Board’s final recommendation: 17 items were resolved (disputes, equity adjustments, errors brought to the assessor’s attention) with a total of $1.6M of total tax reduction. The Commission voted to approve the Board’s recommendations. As stated by both Pollock and Fullmer, the school district collects approximately 70 percent of the county assessment. Also, Fullmer said property values are adjusted every year. This year, the state mandated property values stay within 90-110% of fair market value. The state has switched to new appraisal software, and all property sales in Utah will be recorded in this software.

The Commission approved three business licenses: Song Dawg Designs, Ticaboo; Dark Petal Medical Arts, Escalante; Bryce Canyon Stargazing, Bryce.

Commissioners approved an additional member to the Panguitch Cemetery Board and approved David Tebbs as the county’s UCIP representative, with Moore as alternate. The Commission went into executive session to discuss personnel.

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/

Quilts of Valor: We desire to start a Quilts of Valor group here in Escalante and we need your help. We want to honor our local veterans with Quilts of Valor. We can’t do it without the support of our local community. Please consider becoming a part of this amazing organization and help us cover our Escalante Veterans with healing and comforting quilts.

EDAF 2025 Cont'd from A1

To Roberts, the model appeared simple: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top, and the other would quilt it. Roberts saw the name for this special quilt: it was Quilt of Valor, or QOV.

Since the creation of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which is based in Winterset, Iowa, over 424,000 quilts have been awarded to veterans and service members.

According to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, a QOV is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” To use the term Quilt of Valor, the quilt must be a specific size, must have a label with required information, it must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded.

We desire to start a

Quilts of Valor group here in Escalante and we need your help. We want to honor our local veterans with Quilts of Valor. We can’t do it without the support of our local community. Please consider becoming a part of this amazing organization and help us cover our Escalante Veterans with healing and comforting quilts.

Currently, the closest QOV group is in Cedar City. We would love to have a core Garfield County group of quilters and sewers that could make patriotic quilt blocks and/ or quilt tops to enable us to award Quilt of Valor quilts to not only our Escalante veterans, but to veterans throughout Garfield County.

We currently have around fifty veterans here in Escalante and our goal is to get a quilt awarded to each and every one of them. The process is simple. A nomination form needs to be filled out, with mostly information from a service members’ DD-214 paperwork.

Last year at our Escalante Heritage and Wild Potato Festival we were

able to honor ten of our local veterans. We would love to be able to do that again, but we can only do that with help from our community. We need help to provide QOV quilts for our veterans.

Information on the requirements for a Quilt of Valor can be found at QOVF.org. If you can’t make a quilt, individual blocks would also be helpful and allow us to put them together to complete a community-made Quilt of Valor. Quilts need to be made of cotton (and reflect best possible workmanship and quality), be a minimum size of 55” x 65” to a maximum size of 72” x 90”.

Any donations of quilt tops, quilt blocks, completed quilts, and fabric material are sincerely appreciated.

Our next QOV award presentation will be at the Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival on May 29 & 30, 2026.

For further information, contact Melyssa Holbrook at wildflowerwest@ hotmail.com or on the Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival Facebook page.

ECAF 2025: The Escalante Canyons Art Festival offered a wide variety of programs including plein air painting and printmaking workshops, watercolor and abstract art classes and music.

Ephraim Schwartz, music coordinator, kept the festival abuzz with an eclectic mix of performances on stage Friday and Saturday. Local act

played alongside the rain for the third year in a row.

EDAF 2025

Cont'd from A1

Talks allowed attendees to learn more about native medicinal plants, the geology of the plateau, bats, conifers and local historical buildings. All great subject matter for any medium.

The variety wasn’t just in the offerings; it also included more than 80 artists from Arizona, Utah, Michigan, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Pennsyl-

vania, and Washington. Each attendee is encouraged to vote for their favorite painting. Attendees from over 15 states, as well as Switzerland, Poland, Japan, Isreal, Canada, and several other European nations, participated in the voting this year. Howard Hutchison from Escalante won the People’s Choice award.

With so much variety and talent in all the painting categories, how do judges determine who

qualifies for an award?

Judges Jim Wodark, Hope Ricciardi and Sue Martin spoke about their choices and led artists around the exhibit to further discuss their subjective thought processes. It was both enlightening and validating for the artists and offered viewers a glimpse into the complexity of line, form, light, composition, and color applications.

In addition to the paintings in the Exhibit tent, there were additional

paintings for sale in the Overflow Painting Booth. As musicians played, Featured Artists Dwight and Jalene Vance showcased their wood carvings while community members displayed their quilts in the Quilt Exhibit, and vendors presented their wares throughout the festival grounds.

Amidst scattered showers, the festival culminated with an awards ceremony late afternoon on Saturday, the 27th. Sunday

morning artists, patrons, and community members gathered at breakfast for final exchanges of art and heartfelt sentiments, and said their goodbyes until

we meet again. We hope you’ll join us in Escalante, Utah for the 2026 festival, September 18-27, 2026!

Pasos Gigantes

Kathryn Chamberlain

Sherwood Preece shows off one of ten quilts that are made by Quilt of Valor volunteers that he brought with him from Salt Lake City, in May of 2025 at the Escalante Heritage & Wild Potato Festival in the Escalante Heritage Park.

Melyssa Holbrook

Schools and Sports

Snow College Retention and Student Success on the Rise

With record retention and completion rates, Snow College’s commitment to affordability and personalized support continues to pay off

- Snow College is celebrating positive enrollment news marked by strong gains in student success, retention, and completion. More students are staying, progressing, and achieving their educational goals — a reflection of the college’s commitment to affordability, access, and personalized support.

Annual enrollment increased by 4%, general retention rose by 6%, and freshman retention climbed by 12%, showing that more first-year students are choosing to continue their education at Snow. These gains align with a record 17% increase in completion rates, one of the most significant jumps in the college’s history.

“Students are choosing Snow College because they feel connected and supported here,” said President Stacee Yardley McIff. “Our students thrive because of the people who believe in them, dedicated faculty and staff who go above and beyond to help each student succeed. These results reflect the power of that commitment and community.”

As colleges nationwide face a shrinking pool of traditional college-aged students, Snow College continues to expand opportunities for learners of all backgrounds. Through initiatives like TechConnect, prison education programs, and the new Bridge to Success initiative, Snow is ensuring higher education remains accessible to

Bryce Valley High School Student of the Week

by Chelsea Nielson

everyone.

The Bridge to Success program offers scholarships for students returning midsemester from church or military service who need financial help to start or continue their studies.

“Snow has always been about opening doors,” Cody Branch, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management said. “Whether students are coming straight from high school, returning from service, or re-entering college later in life, we’re here to help them find their place and their purpose.”

Building on its strong reputation for quality and care, Snow College remains a welcoming, affordable, and opportunity-rich environment where stu-

dents can learn, grow, and thrive.

Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, Utah. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free, gain resumeworthy experience, and develop a plan for the future. The affordable price and personalized environment full of opportunities allow students who find Snow College to find themselves. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.

Snow College

Bryce Valley High School Athlete of the Week

by Lacy Post

Mack Oetting

14th. On the Boys side Curtis

took 4th, Josh Perez came in 5th, Lincoln

Brandon

are

and

Both teams have the State meet next week on the 28th at State. Good luck the team has put in a lot of time getting ready for the State Meet. The Girls Volleyball team finished off their season with another victory over another 2A school. They beat Parowan in 5 games. The Volleyball team has done really well with their victories over 2 and 3A teams, winning 7 out of 9 games. They go to State on Oct. 24 to 25th or this weekend. The bad news, they will be playing up at UVU in Provo. So far not one of the 1A schools have won a game from them, so Good Luck Lady Cats.

Wayne High School Hope Squad Spreads Kindness with “You’ve Been Booed” Project

by Nikki Stringham | Wayne High School

WAYNE H.S. - October is National Anti-Bullying Month, and the Hope Squad at Wayne High School is celebrating it in a big—and spooky—way. Throughout the month, Hope Squad members are secretly delivering “Boo Bags” filled with treats to students’ lockers. Each day, 11 students receive a surprise, and by the end of October, every student in the school will have been “booed.” The goal of the project is simple but powerful: to remind everyone that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

The excitement has spread beyond the student body to include teachers and staff as well. Faculty members have their own version of the “You’ve Been Booed” game—when a teacher receives a Boo Bag, it becomes their turn to choose the next staff member to surprise. The result is a chain of kindness and connection that’s lighting up the hallways with positivity.

By combining the fun of Halloween with the heart of Hope Squad’s mission, Wayne High School is showing that small gestures can have a big impact. Whether it’s a bag of candy or a simple note of encouragement, the “You’ve Been Booed” project is a reminder that WHS is more than just a school—it’s a caring, connected community where everyone belongs.

EPHRAIM

Courtesy Snow College

Wayne High School Hope Squad Members l-r: Tate Saunders, Britta Brinkerhoff, Melissa Jimenez.

Courtesy Nikki Stringham | WHS

BVHS Student of the Week - Rustyn ChynowethNominated by Mrs. Nielson. Rustyn puts in outstanding effort in Business Communications and Accounting. He truly thinks like an accountant. He is consistently analyzing, problem-solving, and giving his best to every assignment. One day we’ll all be looking to you to handle our finances. Keep it up, Rustyn!

BVHS Athlete of the Week - Maggie Harding - Nominated by Volleyball Coach Mrs. Lacy Post. Maggie has fought hard this year to be a team leader. She is working hard in every way to show up and get better. We are so grateful to have her on our team and are proud to have her as captain.

Courtesy Samie Ott

The Fall sports

coming to a close

at the Region 20 Cross Country, held at Fish Lake the Girls took first place with a score 20 and the boys took 2nd with a score of 39 to Bryce Valley’s 36. Brooke Albrecht took 1st, her sister Halle took 2nd and Annie Yardley took 3rd, Sophie Woolsey came in

Henrie

Henrie 14th and

Frandsen 16th.

Panguitch's Henrie's Hitch-N-Post RV Resort:

Henrie’s Hitch-N-Post RV Resort is one of the few businesses in Panguitch that is open year-round “We've updated and improved so much of the property over the last few years, we don't feel like we need to do any more for a while.”

—Tonja

When the Henries acquired the park, they discovered adjacent property for sale that bordered the

to facilitate the expansion of the RV Park.

Henrie's Hitch-N-Post

Cont'd from A1

rentals, as well as a 24/7 laundromat.

“We weren't exactly looking to purchase an RV Park at all. It just kind of fell into place,” said Tonja Henrie. With upgraded amenities, welcoming spaces, and a friendly staff eager to help visitors explore the surrounding scenic routes, the resort has quickly earned a reputation as a favorite destination for families, road-trippers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The resort, formerly known as Hitch N Post Campground and Storage, was acquired in 2021 by John and Tonja Henrie. Over the decades, the park has had several owners, with the previous one owning it for approximately ten years. The Henrie name is well-known in Panguitch, as John Henrie’s parents and grandparents hail from the area. John has spent many summers and holidays visiting family in Panguitch. Just after completing renovations on his grandparents' home on

Main Street, the couple noticed the “For Sale” sign at the RV Park.

Over the years the property has expanded and evolved substantially. The Henries began renovations immediately, beginning with a complete overhaul of the public restrooms and showers, upgrading everything and adding in two more toilet stalls and three more showers in the Men’s and Women’s rooms. Following this, they began the project of renovating the five apartments on the property. One of these they made into their General Managers residence, and the other four were turned into short term rentals.

When the Henries acquired the park, they discovered adjacent property for sale that bordered the RV park's property line. They decided to purchase this land to facilitate the expansion of the RV Park. As a result, they added thirty-four new RV sites to the existing forty-one, allowing for larger accommodations for bigger rigs. After the new expansion was operational, they temporarily closed the

older section of the park to reservations. This allowed them to excavate and replace the outdated sewer and water lines, along with adding concrete slabs to fifteen of the original sites.

The Henrie family has a long-term vision for their resort. They want to attract more international guests to enjoy their slice of paradise, and aim to increase the number of “RVers” visiting over the next five to ten years. “Our staff is amazing. Our customer support is awesome! We found a wonderful couple, Beth & Ed,

to run the everyday of the park,” said Tonja Henrie. Commenting on further planned improvements, Tony Henrie said, “We've updated and improved so much of the property over the last few years, we don't feel like we need to do any more for a while.” Some ideas that have been discussed are a pickleball court, swimming pool, splash pad, more vacation suites, the possibilities seem endless with the additional bordering property they purchased along with the RV Park.

When asked what

decided to

trends in RV travel or outdoor tourism they are seeing and how the resort is adapting Henrie answered, “Tourism seems to be slowing down currently. We've had to adjust and adapt to lower pricing. It's the way the hospitality business is, it comes and goes.” When asked where they recommend their guests check out in town Tonja answered, “We make our recommendations based on our own personal experiences with surrounding businesses. So if we eat somewhere great, we'll be telling all of our guests about it.” She continued, “We also offer sites to vendors that could bring in food trucks/trailers, outfitters, and any other appropriate products for a daily, weekly or monthly fee depending on how long the vendor wants to be there in a vendor site. It gives the vendor access to commercial frontage property, as well as access to customers staying at the park.”

Henrie’s Hitch-N-Post RV Resort is one of the few businesses in Panguitch that is open year-round, and

with that come some challenges with Panguitch’s cold climate. Tonja stated, “We only have about four months out of the year to make our year’s worth of income. The town practically shuts down from October to March with very little excitement. Most restaurants close for the winter season and we try to stay open.” Tonja states it’s challenging to attract guests when there are limited options available. The Henries remain optimistic about increased promotion of the area's winter tourism activities, such as snowmobiling and ice fishing. They believe this will help maintain the town's vibrancy during winter, allowing local businesses to thrive even in the colder off-season months. From spotless facilities to friendly staff ready with local recommendations, Henrie’s Hitch-NPost continues to win over road-trippers and families alike. As Tonya put it, “Being available to our guests to answer questions is probably what sets us apart the most.”

Ariana Speirs

RV park's property line. They

purchase this land

Henrie, Owner, Henrie's Hitch-N-Post RV Resort

Ariana Speirs

Henrie's Hitch-N-Post barrel sign is an iconic fixture on Panguitch's Main Street.

MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION CANCELATION NOTICE

LYMAN TOWN, LYMAN, UTAH

The Municipal General Election will be cancelled on November 4, 2025 in accordance with Utah State Code 20A-1-206.

Positions to be filled:

Mayor: 4-Year term Burke Torgerson

Council Member: 4-Year term Incumbent, Melanie Grundy

Council Member: 4 Year term Incumbent, Kent Jackson

Terms will begin January 01, 2026

Posted October 01,2025

Lyman Post Office

Posted October 23 & 30, 2025

Insider Newspaper

Dortha Chappell Lyman Town Clerk

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 23 & 30, 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

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. 19, 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)

61-3587 (a53706): DKS Revocable Trust propose(s) using 0.0065 cfs OR 0.5 ac-ft. from groundwater (8.9 miles south of Hatch) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION. WAYNE COUNTY

CHANGE APPLICATION(S)

95-4081 (a53679): Rulon Sheldon and Karen G. Ellett Living Trust propose(s) using 0.015 cfs OR 3.098 ac-ft. from groundwater (2.5 miles south of Bicknell) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION; STOCKWATERING. Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.

State Engineer

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on OCTOBER 23 & 30, 2025

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

Legal Notices

Forest Service Announces Fire Positions for 2026

The Dixie National Forest of the USDA Forest Service is hiring! We are looking for dedicated individuals to support fire operations. These positions are vital to wildfire preparedness and disaster response across federal and state agencies. Jobs include fire engine operators, forestry aids and technicians, hand crew members, and hotshot crew members. Applications are open now through October 29, 2025 on USAJobs.gov. Positions

Available:

• Forestry Technician (Hotshot), GW-0456-4 or GW-0456-5 (Cedar City, UT)

• Forestry Aid (Suppression), GW-0456-3 (Cedar City, Escalante, Panguitch, and St. George, UT)

• Forestry Technician (Suppression), GW-0456-4 (Cedar City, Escalante, Panguitch, and St. George, UT)

Any U.S. citizen or national at least 18 years of age can apply. To learn more about the Dixie National Forest visit our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/ dixie . For benefits, information about working in wildland fire, or for more information about the Forest Service, visit www.fs.usda.gov.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

SkyWatcher Leo T

The Constellation Draco and the Draconid Meteor Shower

by Leonard Thomas

SPACE - Although the full moon was the 7th, it's Harvest Moon week, when the Moon shines higher and later now but still bright at nightfall for many days running and already has for weeks.

Up in the high west, Vega is the brightest star these evenings. Find it after Arturus that comes out every night. Less high than Vega in the southwest is Altair, which is not quite as bright. Just upper right of Altair, by a finger-width at arm's length, is little orange Tarazed. Down from Tarazed runs the backbone of the constellation Aquila, the Eagle, alongside the spine of the Milky Way.

Ceres, the largest asteroid and the first discovered, remains in binocular range near Eta Ceti, dim above the southern horizon.

In early dawn, the almost-last-quarter Moon is on its way heading toward Jupiter, Pollux, and Castor.

But let's look up at Vega, high in the sky and a bit west. You might need to go out on the ocean or on a lake in the pines or on the terra cotta in the desert, but when you look at Vega while facing west, and just a little more than a fist at arm's length to the right, you'll find 2nd-magnitude Eltanin, the nose of Draco the Dragon. The rest of Draco's fainter, lozengeshaped head is a little farther right.

Draco always eyes Vega as they wheel around the sky. Farther on, behind Draco's head, his long, arched back and tail loop around the Little Dipper in the north.

And since were looking up here, the Draconid meteor shower peaked last week with a rare twilight show, but there's always after peak meteors. Did you know every shooting star you see is really just a speck of ancient space dust?

Every magical October, when Earth drifts through the dusty trail left behind by Comet 21P/ Giacobini-Zinner, the Draconids make their cosmic comeback.

Unlike the majority of meteor showers that keep

you waiting until after midnight, the Draconids arrive just after sunset, making it a rare twilight performance.

Still, the radiant point of the Draconids is highest in the evening hours, which is why they’re best seen at nightfall, as per EarthSky.

Draco is located near the celestial North Pole and is visible year-round in the northern hemisphere. The constellation is named after the Latin word for dragon and is often depicted as a serpentine creature winding its way through the night sky. It's a beautiful sight to be out in the dark and following the star trails that make up Draco.

Draco has been a prominent feature in various cultures throughout history. In Chinese mythology, the constellation is associated with the Azure Dragon, one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations. The Azure Dragon represents the east and the spring season, as well as the element of wood. In Chinese astrology, those born under the sign of the Dragon are said to be strong, passionate, and ambitious. What is your story about the dragon?

Between 1 and 7 October, ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express spacecraft turned their eyes towards the interstellar comet 31/ATLAS, as it passed close to Mars. The two Mars orbiters had the closest view of the comet of all ESA spacecraft. During its closest approach to the "Red Planet" on 3 October, the interstellar interloper was still 18 million miles away from them. While that's not a long ways, celestially speaking, its a long way to view from.

ExoMars captured the series of images with its Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System, and the comet is a slightly fuzzy white dot moving downwards near the centre of the image. This dot is the centre of the comet, comprising its icy-rocky nucleus and its surrounding coma.

But the coma, measuring a few thousand kilometres across, is clearly visible. The coma is created as 3I approaches the Sun. The

Sun’s heat and radiation is bringing the comet to life, causing it to release gas and dust, which collects as this halo surrounding the nucleus. The full size of the coma could not be measured by CaSSIS because the brightness of the dust decreases quickly with distance from the nucleus. This means that the coma fades into the noise in the image. Typically, material from the coma is swept into a long tail, which can grow up to millions of kilometres long as the comet moves closer to the Sun. The tail is much dimmer than the coma. We can’t see the tail in the CaSSIS images, but it may become more visible in future observations as the comet continues to heat up and release more ice. However, when Auburn University scientists pointed NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory toward it, they made a remarkable find: the first detection of hydroxyl gas from this object, a chemical fingerprint of water. This is a ultraviolet telescope. Swift's space-based telescope could spot the faint ultraviolet glow that ground observatories can't see—because, high above Earth's atmosphere, it captures light that never reaches Earth's surface. Detecting water through its ultraviolet byproduct Hydroxl is a big deal as it is a yardstick that measures every comparison of volatile ices in a comets nucleaus. And Avi Loeb, the astrophysicist from Harvard, still is open to this being an alien spacecraft from the center of the galaxy, which is what it's trajectory shows. So keep an eye on your trajectory, look up, look around, 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.

Unlike the majority of meteor showers that keep you waiting until after midnight, the Draconids arrive just after sunset, making it a rare twilight performance.

C lassified a ds

Public Works Director

Panguitch City

Panguitch City is accepting applications for a Public Works Director. This full-time position oversees city utilities, streets, water, sewer, and maintenance operations. Wage range is $28–$36 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 10, 2025, at the Panguitch City Office 25 S. 200 E. or emailed to mat.panguitchcity@gmail.com.

A full job description is available at www.panguitch.com.

Panguitch City is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Announcements

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

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-Professionals at Bryce Valley Elementary School

• 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.

Southwest Behavioral Health Center is hiring two Prevention Specialist positions

Full Time for Panguitch Area

Part Time for Bryce Valley Area

Prevention Specialist/Coalition Coordinator for Panguitch

**Change in announcement **

*No degree required, however, must be working towards a degree in some way, a class now and then qualifies.

*And experiences in related tasks

*Full time (40 hours weekly) Full Benefits Package- including medical, dental etc) Utah Retirement

*Location: Panguitch, must be a Panguitch area resident (Hatch, Spry and in between)

*Works with the local adult and youth coalitions and Hope Squad, implementing strategies that reduce and eliminate drug use, promote positive lifestyles, reduce factors in the community that lead to risk of use and other social behaviors.

*Host monthly coalition meetings: Set agenda, meeting minutes, ordering supplies, develop flyers and handouts, manage budgets, set up activities and community events and booths, grant and data reports, possible grant writing. Conduct and read data, research reports for development of action plans.

*Develop and present educational presentations and programs in the community related to alcohol, drugs, mental health and other related prevention topics.

*Attend required yearly training out of town, and possibly out of state.

*Attend monthly meetings out of town.

Prevention Specialist/Youth Coalition Coordinator for Bryce Valley

**Change in announcement **

*No degree required, however, must be working towards a degree in some way, a class now and then qualifies.

*And experiences in related tasks

*Part Time (19 hours weekly)

*Location: Bryce Valley area, must be a resident of Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Cannonville, Henrieville and in between.

*Working with the other part time Bryce Valley Prevention Coordinator, primarily leading the youth coalition, and assisting with the adult prevention coalition implementing strategies that reduce and eliminate drug use, promote positive lifestyles, reduce factors in the community that lead to risk of use and other social behaviors.

*Host monthly coalition meetings and activities. Other duties might include ordering supplies, developing flyers, handouts, managing budgets, setting up activities and community events and booths, grant and data reports, possible grant writing. Conduct and read data, research reports for development of action plans.

*Develop and present educational presentations and programs in the community related to alcohol, drugs, mental health and other related prevention topics.

*Attend required yearly training out of town, and possibly out of state.

*Attend monthly meetings out of town.

For both positions, follow the link to see the announcement for more details and to apply. https://sbhc.e3applicants.com/careers/

Contact Melissa Veater, 435-690-0911, if you have any questions. If you think you would be great for the job, apply!

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