The Wayne & Garfield County Insider September 11, 2025

CUHD Announces West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes Near Mona Reservoir

JUAB CO. - The Central Utah Health Department (CUHD) has confirmed that mosquitoes collected near Mona Reservoir in Juab County have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

While no human cases have been reported locally this season, CUHD reminds residents that the presence of the virus in mosquito pools indicates an increased risk of transmission.

“Finding West Nile Virus in mosquitoes is a reminder that the virus is present in our area and people need to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their animals,” said Nate Selin, CUHD’s Health Officer.

CUHD recommends the following precautions:

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET

West Nile Virus Cont'd on A2

Bringing Back the Classics: New Owners, New Vision for Bicknell Theater

by Amiee Maxwell

the theater The Historic Bicknell Theatre, and a grand re-opening celebration is

October 4, 2025. The event will feature games, prizes, and half-off

BICKNELL - Once on the brink of closure, the Bicknell Theater will find new life under the ownership of Bicknell brothers Curtis and Anthony Allred, and they’re on a mission

America250 Utah | Boulder Town Kicks Off with Dedication of 'Boulder: Hands on the Rock' Sculpture, Sept. 13 by Peg Smith

Courtesy Cheryl Cox

Boulder resident and artist/sculptor Scott Aho's “Boulder: Hands on the Rock” sculpture will be dedicated at Boulder’s kickoff event commemorating America250 Utah | Boulder Town. The dedication will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Boulder Town Community Center.

BOULDER - “You won’t believe this,” said Boulder resident and artist/sculptor Scott Aho, “but it took me right around 250 hours to do the carving on this stone.”

Aho volunteered this information upon learning that his “Boulder: Hands on the Rock” sculpture was go-

to bring the heart of movie-going back to Wayne County.

After learning through the grapevine that the theater was slated to close by year’s end, Curtis Allred

Where to Go in Utah to See Red Kokanee This Fall

UTAH - Autumn brings a lot of beautiful colors to Utah’s landscape, and driving to see the leaves change color is a popular activity for many locals. However, trees aren’t the only things that turn a brilliant shade of red in the fall in Utah—kokanee salmon do as well.

In September and early October, kokanee salmon— which are a shade of silver most of the year—change to a bright red before they travel up rivers and streams to spawn. Their red color makes the fish easy to spot in the waters where they lay

Kokanee Salmon Cont'd on A3

reached out to the owner on a whim to learn more. The building had been up for sale for the past year, and no local buyers had stepped forward. Dwindling movie attendance and mounting

losses had made the venture unsustainable.

“He said he didn’t want to sell to anyone who

Bicknell Theater Cont'd on B2

WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met Tuesday morning, September 2nd. First on the agenda was Ted Winder from Color Country Animal Welfare. He was there to give an update on the nonprofit’s work and to ask the county to consider providing some financial support in the upcoming 2026 budget. Speaking on behalf of the group’s president, Sarah Tal, who was out of town, Winder shared how the shelter in Torrey has grown since opening three years ago. “We served over 550 animals last year—around 40 a month,” he told the commission. That includes adoptions, spay and neuter services, lost-and-found pets, and even temporary boarding for tourists’ dogs.

“We average about three or four dogs a week during the tourist season,”

Wayne Commission Cont'd on A6

TORREY - If Wayne County’s dark skies fill you with awe, you will want to attend the 16th annual Heritage Starfest, presented through the partnership of

Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) and the Entrada Institute. You will learn about astronomy, our connection to the night sky, and how darkness is important to the

health of all living things. Evening events begin in CRNP on Tuesday, Sep-

Heritage Starfest Cont'd on B3

New Bicknell Theater owners Curtis (right) and Anthony Allred. The Allred brothers

Amiee Maxwell

Hands on the Rock Cont'd on

Courtesy Entrada Institute

The 16th annual Heritage Starfest, presented through the partnership of Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) and the Entrada Institute, will take place on

Celebrating 50 Years; Intermountain Health Shares

Story of Dr. Donald L. Lappé, Physician Who Delivered First Baby Born at New GMH Facility in '75

Courtesy Intermountain Health

Garfield County News article, published July 10, 1975, featuring Dr. Donald L. Lappé's (right) arrival to Panguitch to set up his general practice. Lappé was a part of the first birth at the new Garfield Memorial Hospital on October 9, 1975.

PANGUITCH -

Over the next year, Garfield Memorial Hospital (GMH) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, GMH is highlighting the story of Dr. Donald L. Lappé, the physician who was a part of the first birth at the hospital on October 9, 1975. Dr. Lappé became a stalwart at Intermountain Health, and it all began in Panguitch.

“I was a city slicker in rural Panguitch,” said Lappé. At that time, he had graduated from Princeton University, cum laude in electrical engineering. He had attended medical school at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completed his medical internship at Dartmouth and residency at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester.

“The year Intermountain Health Care was founded (1975), I volunteered to be a general practice physician in Panguitch, Utah. It was the summer before we moved into the brand-new Garfield Memorial Hospital,” Lappé said. The program that brought him was part of the National Health Services Corps, an arm of the U.S. Public Health Service. The program’s intent was to bring the most modern treatment and innovative care practices to rural Utah.

“The biggest reason I came, though, was Jim Yardley,” Lappé said. “Jim was a county commissioner at the time, and he was so warm, hospitable, and inviting. How could I possibly say no? And it was one of the best things I ever did."

"The Yardleys welcomed me into their home for a few months until I found a little house to rent, north of town. The town taught me everything they knew from rural life: hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and adventuring in the wilderness with them.

I like to think I might have taught them some city ways, too [Lappé was born in Newark, NJ]. The good people in Panguitch became, and still are, my extended family," said Lappé.

West Nile Virus:

Finding West Nile Virus in mosquitoes is a reminder that the virus is present in our area and people need to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their animals.

—Nate Selin, Central Utah Health Department’s Health Officer

West Nile Virus

Cont'd from A1

when outdoors.

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed (buckets, bird baths, old tires, clogged gutters).

Keep doors and windows screened to prevent mosquitoes from

entering your home. Some people bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus may develop fever, headache, or body aches but severe illness is rare. Anyone who feels unwell or develops concerning symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes should contact their healthcare provider. For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito prevention, visit centralutahhealth.gov or call CUHD at 435-8965451.

—Central Utah Health Department

at delivering babies," Lappé said. "The tenacity and courage of the moms-to-be made deliveries amazingly smooth. They would come in almost ready to deliver, and we would barely have time to get them in bed and hooked up to an IV before baby would arrive. I delivered about twenty-five babies there."

Lappé also treated an equal number of patients who came in suffering from heart failure.

"My first training was as an electrical engineer, and you can see similar principles in heart function," he said. "The heart moves; it’s different from the kidney, liver and other organs. I was fascinated by that."

Fifty years ago, there was no Life Flight helicopter service in Garfield County. "We had a station wagon with a bed,” Lappé said. “The hospital was a big old house with limited equipment. We set bones and delivered some babies there. [In 1975], we moved into this beautiful facility with state-of-the-art everything."

The county provided $500,000 for the new Garfield Memorial Hospital, the city $100,000, Panguitch Stake $60,000, Escalante Stake $40,000, and Health Services Corporation $300,000, for a total cost of approximately $1 million. Then Intermountain purchased it brand new as part of the fifteen hospitals owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"But as nice as the building was, what makes Panguitch great is the people,” said Lappé. "Wonderful people like the Yardleys, Tom and Ron Hatch, Denny Orton, Dennis Moser and so many more. And, yes, I delivered the first baby born at the ‘new’ hospital, but the amazing nurses were really the backbone of care. They knew everything." Those three seasoned nurses were Cleo Henrie, Evelyn Rowe, and Louise Holman.

"With the expertise of these incredible nurses and the strong women in Panguitch, we were very good

That fascination led Lappé back to Johns Hopkins after his Panguitch days, where he completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease. He then returned to Utah and served as the Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Program at Intermountain Health, Chairman of the Cardiovascular Department, Chief of Cardiology and has published many manuscripts and abstracts. He has been honored with the William Osler Award by Intermountain Health in 2001, as a Health Care Hero in 2008 by Utah Business, and received the Distinguished Service to Healthcare Award in 2014 from the Utah Hospital Association. He said he is currently "mostly retired" as Emeritus Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Program and has been seeing many of his long-standing outpatients in clinic.

After 1976, Lappé never delivered another baby. However, every Pioneer Day when the Panguitch parade comes by the corner gas station, you might find him with Alice, his wife, and many of their other family members celebrating with the Garfield County folks who welcomed him into their hearts and lives fifty years ago. And at least a few of those were welcomed into the world by him.

—Intermountain Health

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Thank You

On Monday, September 1st, my daughter crashed her bike on the Red Canyon Bike Trail. I can’t express enough thanks to the people who stepped in and helped us.

First, several local residents stopped and offered support and initial first aid. A special thanks to the gentleman with the first aid kit and the nurse who stayed with us until the sheriffs arrived. Thank you all for taking the time to help a stranger! Next, the Garfield County Sheriffs who responded were fabulous. I appreciate the rapid response to the situation and the support you provided, as well as the

help moving our bikes. Thanks also to the ambulance crew who assessed and transported my daughter. Your expertise and calm demeanor are appreciated. Lastly, thanks to the people working in the Panguitch Hospital Emergency Department for the great care you provided.

I’m sorry that I didn't get the names of the people who helped that day, but please know that your kindness is deeply appreciated. I am incredibly thankful for the people who step up when it matters most.

With sincere appreciation, Heidi Frederick, Bryce

Dr. Donald L. Lappé. Lappé arrived to Panguitch to set up his general practice in 1975 and was part of the first birth at the new Garfield Memorial Hospital on October 9, 1975.

Courtesy Intermountain Health

Kokanee Salmon: Autumn brings a lot of beautiful colors to Utah’s landscape, and driving to see the leaves change color is a popular activity for many locals. However, trees aren’t the only things that turn a brilliant shade of red in the fall in Utah—kokanee salmon do as well.

their eggs. The males also acquire humped backs, hooked jaws and elongated teeth during their spawning transformation.

These unique fish can migrate up to twenty miles each year during spawning. Visit the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative website to learn more about these important migrations and barriers that can prevent them.

Strawberry Reservoir (Wasatch County)

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is again hosting a free viewing event and educational opportunity to see the kokanee salmon. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service visitor center at Strawberry Reservoir. The visitor center is located along U.S. Highway 40, about twenty miles southeast of Heber City.

While the fish are exciting to see, note that you are not allowed to keep any kokanee salmon caught anywhere in Utah from Sept. 10 to Nov. 30, during the spawning season. Visitors should also not disturb the spawning fish by wading into the water, trying to pick the fish up or allowing their dogs to chase the fish. Violators could be cited. If you’d like to see these fish during their unique transformation, here is where to go in Utah:

about the salmon and see them up close. New at this year’s event will also be the unveiling of a kokanee salmon mural, as part of the Wildlife Walls project. Seeing the fish up close and also seeing this beautiful new mural will be a great time for families.”

If the visitor center parking lot fills up, overflow parking is available southwest of the visitor center.

Participants will be able to see a few salmon in the Strawberry River next to the visitor center. But, if you walk to the fish trap and egg-taking facility behind the visitor center, you’ll see hundreds of the bright red fish. DWR biologists will be at the facility to show you the salmon and talk with you about the peculiar life cycle of the fish.

“Kokanee are easily visible at this viewing location,” DWR Central Region Outreach Manager Michael Packer said. “Once you arrive at the fish trap, you can ask questions

SkyWatcher Leo T

JUICE and Navigating the Seas and Stars

by Leonard Thomas

evening.

SPACE - At dawn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury make a line almost staight up that lengthens this week, as Jupiter gets higher and both Venus and, especially, Mercury move lower. Fainter Castor and Pollux stand off to Jupiter's side.

Just after dark, Saturn is the orangeish planet, low in the east, but as the evening advances, Saturn gains a companion. It is blueish Fomalhaut, the autumn star, which makes its appearance above the southeast horizon some three fists to Saturn's lower right.

If you can get a good horizon to the southeast, it'll make you feel the vast vista between you and the rest of the universe.

And, there is a new discovery way out there in the universe. This information is from a report by Avi Cohen. Astronomers are surprised by a Milky Way molecular cloud that is holding the mass of 160,000 suns. This discovery offers new insights into star formation and galactic evolution. Located approximately 23,000 light-years away, this massive structure, using the Green Bank Telescope, can be seen as a cloud nestled within

a dusty lane of the galactic bar, a crucial region for material transport to the galaxy’s core.

JUICE or Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, just got a gravitational kick from Venus flying by on August 31st. Using the gravity of Venus, Earth, and the Moon to gain extra velocity, it is set to arrive at Jupiter in July 2031. JUICE will orbit Jupiter for three years, and then begin orbiting Jupiter's largest moon, Ganymede, as well as checking out its other large icy moons. JP/ NASA scientists hope to find out about possible buried oceans of liquid water, which could be habitats for microscopic life.

Now we explore navigating the seas and the stars in the tropics. To be able to sail the seas at all is amazing, but to learn about how Pacific Islanders did so across thousands of miles is mind blowing. In Micronesia, skywatching and navigating experts would locate and memorize the shapes of positions of linear stars to star constellations on an imaginary, three-dimensional compass and knew how to identify a chain of stars appearing over the same point on the horizon throughout the night and use that knowledge to steer to boat to a

particular island. In order to chart the east-west segments of a course, the people of Oceania used the wind, the ocean currants, and astronomical observations and relied on purely natural forces to hone navigation into a fine art.

Imagine being on the infinite, powerful ocean, rising and falling and cresting on a pitch black night with stars, nebulae, and clusters all around you as you set out on an outrigger boat. I imagine it would be lonely, as you set out to sail for a few hundred miles or more to another island, knowing and reading the currents and adjusting to directional wind changes and gusts and reading the stars above as you would a map and being so in touch with nature.

So, keep navigating, feel the current sand the breeze, look up, look around, and get a little bit lost on Earth and 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.

While the event is free, participants are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite. For more information about the event, call the DWR Springville office at 801-491-5678. If you miss the event, you will also be able to watch a livestream of the kokanee salmon at the fish trap on the DWR YouTube channel from Sept. 13-20.

Visitors who can’t attend the event can also see the kokanee salmon in this area on their own throughout September.

Fish Lake (Sevier County)

The DWR will also be holding a viewing event at Fish Lake on Oct. 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. Fish Lake is located about forty miles southeast of Richfield.

The viewing event will be held at the newly renovated boardwalk near the Fish Lake Lodge, and participants will be able to see the fish swimming up Twin Creeks, a tributary to Fish Lake. The Fish Lake Lodge is located at 2 N. State Route 25, Fish Lake. Parking is available at the Twin Creeks picnic area, northeast of the lodge along Route 25.

“Kokanee have now been in Fish Lake for about ten years and have done well,” Southern Region Outreach Manager Adam Kavalunas said. “The boardwalk provides a great view of the spawning fish. This can be a great location to take pictures or video clips of kokanee because the water is crystal clear in this area.”

While the event is free, attendees are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite, as well. Visitors who can’t attend the event can go see the kokanee salmon in this area on their own, as

well, throughout October. Here are several other spots around Utah where you can see bright red kokanee, as well:

CENTRAL UTAH

Jordanelle Reservoir and Provo River (Summit County)

The kokanee in Jordanelle Reservoir spawn in the Provo River, above the Rock Cliff recreation area. The recreation area is located on the eastern tip of the reservoir, two miles west of Francis. The Rock Cliff area has several trails that lead to the river's edge and a bridge that crosses the river, where you can view the salmon. Spawning usually runs through the month of September and peaks about the middle of the month.

NORTHERN UTAH

Causey Reservoir (Weber County)

You must hike or paddle to see kokanee salmon at Causey Reservoir. You'll find viewing opportunities at the left-hand and righthand forks of the South Fork of the Ogden River, which connects to the reservoir. The left-hand fork is not accessible over land— you must use a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or canoe to get there. The righthand fork can be accessed by land and requires about a 2.5-mile hike in from the Skullcrack Canyon parking area. Peak spawning time is the middle of September.

Smith and Morehouse Reservoir (Summit County) You should be able to see some kokanee salmon as they swim up either Smith and Morehouse Creek or Red Pine Creek. Late September to midOctober is usually the best time to see the fish.

Stateline Reservoir (Summit County) This reservoir on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains—about a halfmile from the Utah-Wyoming state line—offers great kokanee-viewing opportunities. The fish are typically small, but very abundant at this location. Fish run up the east fork of Smith's Fork, which feeds into the north end of the reservoir. Peak spawning time is the middle of September.

SOUTHEASTERN

UTAH

Electric Lake (Emery County)

At the north end of Electric Lake, the main tributary splits into Boulger Creek and Upper Huntington Creek. Salmon run up both creeks starting in early September, and the spawning season lasts until the end of October. However, the best viewing opportunities at Electric Lake are typically during the first half of October. Both creeks are typically accessible from the pulloff on the north end of the lake, which runs to the boat ramp. Upper Huntington Creek runs several miles north, right along state Route 264. There are many small pull-off areas, and the creek is very close to the road. Visitors should note that this is the first year that DWR hasn’t stocked kokanee salmon in this area, so the number of fish may be lower than in past years.

NORTHEASTERN

UTAH

Sheep Creek (Daggett County)

Flaming Gorge is home to northeastern Utah's largest kokanee population. Typically, the best place to view the spawning fish is from the Highway 44 bridge over Sheep Creek or the educational trail along the creek. If you see the DWR fish trap in the creek, please leave it alone and avoid the stream section below the trap. Disturbing these fish could cause them to die sooner or avoid the trap, reducing the number of eggs the DWR can collect for future kokanee salmon production. The trap remains installed throughout the kokanee run and is used to collect eggs and milt (sperm) from some of the spawning fish. These spawning efforts are critical to providing kokanee fisheries for both Utah and Wyoming.

If you see any of the beautiful spawning kokanee this fall, tag @UtahDWR on social media for the chance to be featured on our channels.

—Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Kokanee Salmon

Cont'd from A1

@SkyWatcherLeoT

The night sky looking south in the late

In September and early October, kokanee salmon —which are a shade of silver most of the year— change to a bright red before they travel up rivers and streams to spawn.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Wills, Trusts, and More

Do You Have a Plan for Incapacity?

Thorough estate planning should address the implications of incapacity. If you no longer have the ability to make decisions, what happens?

This article will shed valuable light on this question.

First, every state has laws that address how to help citizens that find themselves unable to make decisions. These state laws establish the rights for citizens to use advanced directives. Each state also sets forth different court sanctioned procedures for citizens that have not executed the prescribed, advanced directives.

Next, it should be noted, that the advanced directives and the court procedures can be divided between health care and financial matters. The court procedures are usually Guardianship proceedings for health care and Conservatorship proceedings for finances. These court procedures can be long

by Jeffery J. McKenna

(often several months) and costly (usually thousands of dollars).

On the other hand, the use of financial and health care powers of attorney can be comparatively inexpensive and immediate in their application. Powers of attorney serve as advanced directives to agents that you’ve preselected. Pursuant to the authority in the powers of attorney, the agent you named, when you had capacity, can step up and govern your financial matters and health care decisions, when you don’t have the ability to do so.

A person’s incapacity to make decisions can result from an unexpected accident or natural causes such as illness or aging. In either case, if you have not established advanced directives prior to your incapacity, you family or friends will be forced to

proceed with the court procedures.

Lastly, with advanced directives, you dictate your desires. In addition to being much cheaper and faster to implement, powers of attorney for financial matters and health care matters allow you to dictate what you want. Within these advanced directives, you can specify the scope of your agent’s decisions and direct them regarding your desires. For example, the Utah Health Care Medical Directive has specific questions that relate to your end of life decisions. Without this guidance, many decisions cannot be made.

This article briefly touched upon the implications and the law as it pertains to incapacity. Although no one wants to find themselves mentally or physically incapacitated, all of us should plan for it.

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

Three Kick Rule

A big-city lawyer went duck hunting in a rural area. He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a farmer's field on the other side of a fence.

As the lawyer climbed over the fence, an elderly farmer drove up on his tractor and asked what he was doing.

The litigator responded, "I shot a duck, and it fell into this field, and now I'm going to retrieve it."

The farmer replied, "This is my property, and you're not coming over here."

The indignant lawyer said, "I'm one of the best trial attorneys in the city, and if you don't let me get that duck, I'll sue you and take everything you own."

The old farmer smiled and said, "Apparently, you don't know how we settle disputes in the countryside. We settle small disagreements with the 'Three Kick Rule.'"

The lawyer asked, "What is the 'Three Kick Rule?'"

The farmer replied, "Well, because the dispute occurs on my land, first I kick you three times, and then you kick me three times, and so on, back and forth, until someone gives up."

The attorney quickly thought about the proposed content and decided that he could easily take the old codger. He agreed to abide by the local custom.

The old farmer slowly climbed down from the tractor and walked up to the attorney. His first kick planted the toe of his heavy steel-toed work boot in the lawyer's groin and dropped him to his knees.

His second kick to the midriff sent the lawyer's last meal gushing from his mouth.

The lawyer was on all fours when the farmer's third kick to his rear end sent him face-first into a fresh cow pie.

The lawyer summoned every bit of his will and managed to get to his face. Wiping his face with the arm of his jacket, he said, "Okay, you old coot. Now it's my turn."

The old farmer smiled and said, "Nah, I give up. You can have the duck."

PUNishment

Walking on the shore, I spotted a gigantic clam. I tried to drag it back home, but I had to stop because I pulled a mussel.

THEME: Combo Words ACROSS

1. Wood file 5. Pick up a perpetrator 8. This and that 12. Title for Turkish leader 13. Tarantino's "____ Bill: Vol.1" 14. Ten million, in India 15. Type of word 16. Kent State state

Oohed partner 18. *Sleeping in a very fancy tent 20. Board game of diplomacy

21. Canada's favorite tree?

22. Long time

23. Asian wild sheep 26. Galilei's first name 30. Ever, to a poet 31. Lease giver 34. Hokkaido native 35. Sends unwanted emails

37. Charlotte's creation

38. "Bravo! Bravo!"

39. Roughly (2 words)

40. Common spa treatment 42. Gobbled up 43. *Movie theater snack 45. Infer using data 47. Entrepreneur Mary Ash's middle name 48. Wiser 50. Decomposes 52. *Communication device 55. Veranda, in Honolulu 56. Rum-soaked cake 57. Shades of color

Left after deductions, in U.K.

by Mack Oetting ~ mackoetting

This last week was short, what with Labor Day and all, but the big news was the car show on Saturday. The show just gets bigger and better each year. There were a lot of beautiful cars there, and many won trophies. We got there at nine in the morning and had trouble finding room to park. I was so afraid that it was going to rain that I didn’t bring any suntan lotion, and I finally have some color on my legs after all summer running around in shorts. One of the things that is constantly true is that the owners of the cars are all older, with money to spend on their

hobbies. I had my same old cars there, but I have a combined thirty years of work that I have put into them to get them in condition to show. There is still a little work yet to do on the Model A. I think there will be a car show around Christmas time that will be held at the Triple C Arena, so see you there. There is a group here in town that doesn’t want us to lose the memory of 9/11 and will have a ceremony out at the cemetery. All are welcome to come, along with any veterans. We must never forget 9/11 as an attack on our country. As summer ends, so

do our daylight hours; we have lost two hours of daylight so far, an hour in the morning and one in the evening. Up north, the days are even shorter. Alaska will lose it faster, and by December, it will be dark all twenty-four hours. In normal times, this would be the start of the second season, but we will have to see what happens. Some years, it is bigger than the rest of the summer because it brings adults who stay in the motels instead of camping. For the first time in four years, there were more people filing for unemployment than there were new jobs created. The unemployment has grown to 4.4%, and the new jobs was at 22,000, which is a far cry than what it was for the last three years when an average of 230,000 were created each month. ICE raided the Korean auto company in Georgia and arrested 550 of their employees. I guess you can include Korea as being not one of our allies. Since the world isn’t afraid of our president, he has started to invade our own cities, starting with Washington D.C., a city that ranks 34th on violent crimes. This is way below some of the cities that are in Texas that are in the top ten for violent crimes. Utah has been hit with the big rich guy’s budget. The government has stopped a project approved by President Biden’s infrastructure bill. It was to create another underpass under I-15. They said this was a green project that would save gas usage, but I guess we can’t have that. The state, as a whole, had over two billion dollars worth of projects allocated through that bill, and they are now in court over the halting of these funds. Boy, isn’t your grass green from the little bit of badly needed rain we had?

Mack O.

Obituaries

Philip A. Taylor

1937 - 2025

FREMONT - Philip Alvin Taylor, 88, surrounded by his family, returned to his heavenly father on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at his home in Bicknell. Philip was born on May 27, 1937, in Torrey, Utah, to Alvin G. and Pearl Behunin Taylor. He was the oldest of four children. Philip attended Wayne High School, where he graduated in 1956. He then moved to St. George to attend Dixie State College where he received his associate degree, along with the golden glove champion in boxing at 126 pounds for two years.

After college, he moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where he worked construction. On the weekends, he would travel to Salt Lake City to the dance halls, and this is where he met his first wife of 36 years, Audrey Dehon Fenstermaker. They were married on October 8, 1959. Later solemnized in the Manti LDS temple December 19, 1969. Together they raised five children in Fremont, Utah.

In 1961, he was hired temporarily for 6 months as an animal damage control hunter. After the 6-month period was up, the Utah State Department of Agriculture hired him full time. His district covered all the mountains of the Fish Lake and Dixie national forests. His duty’s included trapping coyotes and using hounds to catch lions and bears that had killed livestock on different ranges of the mountains. As time went on, he found that the Redbone hound was one of the best dogs. He bought several Redbone dogs and began a breeding program that what most hounds men say was the greatest bloodline of dogs that became famous nationwide. After a few years, he was promoted as the Utah bear and lion specialist and traveled statewide to help other trappers kill the lion or bear that had killed livestock in their districts. He received the Utah wool grower’s hall of fame award in 1999 and was inducted into Utah state trappers’ association hall of fame in 2010.

After 44 years as a government trapper, he retired but continued trapping coyotes and bobcats for many years. Philip was also a farmer in Fremont and had at one time 300 head of sheep, which helped support his family.

Philip was an active member of the church and served as second counselor and ward clerk in the Fremont ward.

After the passing of his first wife, Philip met Diane Burt Baldwin and was married on October 7, 1995, in West Valley City, Utah. Diane and Philip lived in Fremont for a few short years before buying a home and moving to Bicknell. Philip and Diane were married for 30 years, and we believe that Diane is the reason he lived as long as he did. She welcomed Philip’s children as her own family. They enjoyed going to lunch in Torrey after church. Philp was a great neighbor and friend to everyone he met and very honest in his dealings. The shake of his hand was as good as his word, and he will truly be missed.

Philip will be missed by his wife, Diane; his children, Nancy (Correy) Brinkerhoff, Las Vegas; Gena (Chris) Tisdal, Gold Canyon, Arizona; Earl (Mindi) Taylor, Salina; Tom (Barbara) Taylor, Glenwood. Stepsons: Raymond Mark (Michelle) Torres Heriman, Randal V Torres Ogden; 13 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Steve (Joyce) Taylor, Fremont; Anna Lara (Jerry) Moosman, Woods Cross; and Marcus (Mary Ann) Taylor, Central Valley.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Fenstermaker Taylor; daughter, Caroline Taylor; grandson, Logan Curtis.

The family would like to thank all the nurses of hospice and the compassionate care they provided.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Fremont Ward LDS Chapel.

Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. or at the ward chapel in Fremont Saturday morning from 10:00 to 12:30 prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Philip's obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

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

Jaynie Connor

Mack Oetting at the 2025 Cruizin' Old 89 Car Show in Panguitch on September 6, 2025.

Judge Denies Utah Lawmakers’ Request to Pause Order Tossing Out

Congressional Map

Attorneys for Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson say

UTAH - Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson issued a decision late Tuesday, September 2, denying Utah lawmakers’ attorneys’ request to push pause on her ruling that tossed out the state’s current congressional boundaries and ordered lawmakers to draw a new map.

“By granting a stay and proceeding with the 2026 election under the current 2021 Congressional Plan, this Court would be sanctioning the Legislature’s violation of the people’s constitutional right to reform their government through redistricting legislation,” the judge wrote in the decision.

Gibson ruled the Utah Legislature unconstitutionally overturned Better Boundaries’ ballot initiative known as Proposition 4, a voter-approved law that created an independent redistricting commission meant to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The 2021 Utah Legislature repealed and replaced it with a new law, SB200, which turned that commission into an advisory body that lawmakers could ignore —which they ultimately did when they adopted the 2021 congressional map.

deadline for new map

could be pushed back until Nov. 10

by Katie McKellar | Utah News Dispatch

Judge Dianna Gibson holds a hearing on Utah’s congressional maps process, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Judge Gibson previously ruled—based on a decision last year by the Utah Supreme Court —that the Legislature had violated voters’ constitutional right to make laws when legislators repealed Proposition 4, the citizen-passed Better Boundaries initiative.

Delaying the order “would sanction the wholesale repeal of Proposition 4 and would irreparably harm the people of Utah,” the judge wrote Tuesday. “Given the Court’s ruling, this Court cannot conclude that a ‘stay’ would be just under the circumstances.”

Wayne Commission:

Gibson’s ruling has major implications for the future of Utah’s federal political landscape. Before the 2021 map was adopted, one of Utah’s four U.S. House seats was competitive for Democrats. Today, Republicans consistently dominate all four.

An update on Color Country Animal Welfare's work and a request for financial support, approval of funding for two separate initiatives aimed at addressing addiction prevention and community health, and a request by Tiffany Martineau from Wayne EMS to purchase 300 Naloxone (Narcan) kits for community distribution discussed.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1

he said. “Some trails in Capitol Reef don’t allow pets, so people board their dogs with us for the day. It’s $30 for the day or $40 overnight, and the tourists are glad for the service. Local motels send them our way.”

The shelter also runs a pet food bank for those people in the county who might be having a hard time feeding their animals. They show up regularly at the Torrey farmers' market and host “Read with Your Dog” programs at the county library. During the Monroe Fire, they even took in animals from evacuated homes, and they’ve helped place pets rescued from out-of-state disasters, including flooding in Texas.

Color Country’s annual budget has climbed to $340,000—all raised through private donations and grants. They’ve applied to the Eccles Foundation for $25,000 this year after receiving $16,000 last year. County support, even in a small amount, would help strengthen their standing with larger funders.

Winder asked the commission to consider including Color Country in the animal control portion of the 2026 budget. “I noticed you’ve got a line for coyotes,” he joked. “Maybe we could land somewhere near that.” The commissioners said they would take the request under consideration and thanked the group for their

work in the community.

Commission Approves Funding for Rural Wellness and Opioid Prevention Programs

The Commission also approved funding for two separate initiatives aimed at addressing addiction prevention and community health. Kate Chappell of USU Extension presented the Crafting Change program—an 18-month pilot program focused on addiction prevention through monthly workshops for teens and adults. The hands-on classes will rotate through different locations in the county and use interactive, craft-based learning to focus on the underlying causes of addiction, not just symptoms. Planned classes include activities like crocheting, fly tying, woodworking, and other crafts—practical, creative outlets designed to build confidence and engagement. The program will also coordinate with existing counseling services to expand its reach.

“We can’t just hand people a brochure and send them on their way,” Chappell said. “If we don’t give them that Band-Aid and keep them here long enough to learn new methods and new approaches and rewire their brain to think a little bit differently, we’re going to lose them.”

The Commission approved $5,000 in funding for the initiative.

Tiffany Martineau from Wayne EMS presented a request to purchase 300 Naloxone (Narcan) kits for community distribution. The $25,000 request

will be funded through the county’s opioid settlement funds. The kits will be made available to teachers, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and any community member who completes a one-hour online training provided by the state. The goal is to make overdose response tools widely available, while ensuring proper training and legal protection. Both funding requests were approved unanimously.

In other business, the county:

Joined the national opioid settlement against Purdue Pharma. The agreement waives future claims against the Sackler family. Legal counsel recommended joining the class action. Wayne County has already received $69,000 from earlier settlements; this deal is part of a $6.5 billion national payout over fifteen years. Renewed the Predator Damage Control Fund contract with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Funding levels remain unchanged. Discussed livestock trail access issues where development has blocked traditional stock driveways. The Commission plans to refer the issue to Planning and Zoning for possible building permit requirements or mapping efforts to protect historic use.

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

Her ruling comes during a time when fights over redistricting are on the national stage. While redistricting efforts in Texas, California and other states are playing out middecade —fueled by President Donald Trump’s aim to bolster the U.S. House’s slim GOP majority in the 2026 midterm elections— Utah’s effort for an independent and nonpartisan process is court ordered.

Gibson, in her decision issued Tuesday, said the state could set itself

apart from other states.

“Utah has an opportunity to be different,” the judge wrote. “While other states are currently redrawing their congressional plans to intentionally render some citizen votes meaningless, Utah could redesign its congressional plan with an intention to protect its citizens’ right to vote and to ensure that each citizen’s vote is meaningful.”

Gibson also acknowledged that the “timing of this ruling,” along with

the injunction on the 2021 Congressional Map, “presents challenges for the Legislature…to accomplish its duty” to draw a new map in compliance with Proposition 4 in time for the 2026 elections.

In an effort to address those timing challenges, Gibson asked the lieutenant governor’s office if there would be any flexibility—even if it’s a matter of days—to push back the previously set deadline of Nov. 1 for the court to select a new map while also allowing enough time for counties to finalize their precincts before candidates can begin filing in January.

In a court filing also submitted Tuesday, attorneys for Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson wrote that after consulting with county clerks “and due to the extenuating circumstances of this litigation, the deadline for congressional map submission for this election cycle is Nov. 10, 2025.” Given that new deadline, it’s likely Gibson will offer some adjustments to the proposed timeline she included in her order, which gave lawmakers, plaintiffs and third parties until Sept. 24 to submit their proposed congressional maps for the court to choose from. This article was originally published on utahnewsdispatch.com on September 3, 2025.

Pool Photo by Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune

Schools and Sports

After 50 Years, Football Program Returns to Panguitch

by Jaynie Connor

PANGUITCH - After almost fifty years without the sport, high school football is making a triumphant comeback in Panguitch. The Bobcats—under the guidance of head coach Luke Allen and supported by a dedicated roster of only thirteen players—are taking to the field for the first time since 1975. In a town where community and tradition are deeply rooted, the return of football signifies more than just the start of a new season; it represents the revival of a cherished chapter in Panguitch High School's history, driven by local pride, enthusiastic underclassmen, and a community eager to support its team.

“I feel honored to coach football. It is unlike any sport where camaraderie and trust are at its highest level,” said Allen.

“This is something that the men who played football fifty years ago still talk about. Bringing an opportunity like this to the younger generation can only bring the com-

“Since then, my family and I have moved around the country a bit. In almost every stop, I have found a way to participate in coaching football,” said Al-

football? The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) provides an eight-player football option within the 1A classification, designed for the state's

pete with eight athletes on a smaller field measuring 80 yards in length and 40 yards in width, compared to the standard 100 by 53⅓ dimensions. Coaches typical-

munity closer together. So, it means to me that I’m helping give the community another avenue to support one another.”

Panguitch had recently started a youth football team with kids from 5th to 8th grade, but other than that, the kids in the area didn’t have any experience.

“Many of these players hadn’t watched football before they began playing, let alone picked up a football,” said Allen.

Allen, who was raised in Piute County, Utah, understands the experience of growing up in a town without a football program. His cousin, a coach for a seventh-grade football team in Richfield, inspired him to join the sport. He played in Richfield until his junior year of high school, but, ultimately, chose to return to Piute High School for fall baseball. In his senior year, he moved to Blanding, Utah, where he played on their 2A team and in the 2A state championship game.

len. Most recently, he has coached eight-man football in Enterprise, Oregon, and, according to Allen, seeing different coaching styles and systems has given him an appreciation for continual learning and flexibility in adapting to the skill set of the team.

As the newest member of Utah High School Activities Association’s 1A eight-player football classification, the Bobcats are scheduled to play opponents throughout the state this season. You may be asking yourself, what even is eight-player

smallest schools. Many rural institutions in Utah lack the enrollment numbers necessary to safely or competitively support an eleven-player team. Consequently, eight-player football enables these schools to sustain and nurture the sport within their communities. The UHSAA brought back this format in 2022 after an increasing number of schools faced challenges in maintaining traditional teams.

The game is an adapted version of traditional eleven-man football. Instead of eleven players, teams com-

ly opt to remove two linemen and either a back or receiver, leading to a more open style of play. Offenses utilize the entire field, emphasizing speed and passing, while defenses face the challenge of covering larger areas. Although the rules and scoring remain unchanged, games frequently result in higher scores due to the open space and fewer defenders.

For these schools and communities, eight-player football offers more than merely a modified game; it helps preserve local traditions, provides students

with opportunities to compete, and enhances pride in small towns. It has rapidly become a vital component of high school sports culture in rural Utah.

“I’m not certain [the members of the Bobcats football team] have grasped the significance of their foundational efforts just yet. We try to keep the focus on today’s practice and this week’s opponent. One day, they’ll look at this program and realize they set a high standard for work and preparation,” said Allen.

Numerous athletes from the previous football program still reside in Panguitch and have descendants who are currently playing on the team.

The Bobcats kicked off their home season on August 23 at Panguitch High School, with many of these original players attending to watch the game and share fond memories with one another.

Allen's weekly goals for the team focus on enhancing both their football knowledge and skills. Beyond just the scoreboard, he hopes that his players will learn valuable lessons from this season. “Success isn’t dictated by the score. We can win with poor preparation and effort, and I consider that unsuccessful. Success is dependent upon your preparation, effort and execution. If those three things happen, success is always present,” said Allen.

The 2025 Bobcat Football Team Roster: Jackson Heaton, Gaige Stewart, Jackson Excell, Parker Henrie, Bridger Stewart, Mason Mecham, Kole Fullmer, Krue Spencer, Eli Peterson, Archer Ward, Peyton Stewart, Boston Veater, TJ Tebbs. The Panguitch Bobcats Head Coach is Luke Allen with assistant coaches, brothers, Lane and Jace Mecham.

The community has shown up tenfold for the new sport, donating their money, time, and talent to get this program off the ground. Allen says he is more than grateful for the community support. “Many parents and community members have volunteered time and talents to getting this program going. Many of these people ask to help and specifically ask to remain anonymous. Mostly, they express my shared feeling of desiring the program to start the right way and keep improving every year,” said Allen.

by Mack Oetting

The Lady Cats volleyball team just keeps rolling along, with another victory over a 2A team. Last Wednesday, the Cats beat the Escalante Moquis in three games. There was a small crowd because the baseball team also had a game on the same date. Then on the next night, they traveled up to Gunnison, and also took them out in three games. They have played six 2A teams and have won five of them. Last Wednesday, the Cats had a game here with Bryce

Valley. It is always a fun game to watch. This Saturday will be the sophomore tournament, and it will be a test of their future performance in the Region 20. The concession stand will have food available all day long starting with breakfast. On the 17th, the Cats will be going down to Valley for a game, and then a 3A team from Pine View will be here on the 23rd.

The boys baseball team had a split week, with a loss to Piute, 5-1, on Wednesday. However, on Saturday, they had a couple wins against Wendover and Tintic. So it looks like Region 20 is where the competition is going to be for the Cats. The Cats go out to Green River on the 10th and have a game here against Wayne

Jaynie Connor

The Panguitch High School (PHS) Bobcats football team played the Utah Military Academy on Friday, September 5th, at 5 p.m. at PHS.

Jaynie Connor

Panguitch High School (PHS) Bobcat football player Mason Mecham runs the ball down the field during a home game against the Utah Military Academy on Friday, September 5th, at 5 p.m.

Bicknell Theater: Our focus is to bring the community back to the theater by offering it to them at a price point they can afford and showing movies they want to see.

—Curtis

Allred, co-owner of the new The Historic Bicknell Theatre

New Bicknell Theater owners Curtis (left) and Anthony Allred. Their plan is to transition the theater into a discount venue, offering movies for just $5 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors. “This isn’t about making money,” said Cutis Allred, “it’s about serving the community.”

Theater Cont'd from A1

would shut it down,” Curtis recalled. “But his asking price was just way out of our ballpark.”

Enter Anthony: recently retired after a thirty-year career with Costco and new to Bicknell— though his wife, Liesl, has deep roots in the area. After some brainstorming and number-crunching with his brother, Curtis, the two decided to make an offer on the theater. To their surprise, it was accepted.

Now, just one week after signing the pa-

pers, the two brothers are waist-deep in paperwork, film studio contracts, and dreams. “We’re excited, we’re terrified, but we’re committed,” said Curtis Allred. “Ultimately, we can pour our heart and soul into the place but it’s up to the community. If they want it to stay open, they'll come back and support it.”

Built in 1947, the Bicknell Theater has long been a community fixture. The theatre has had many owners and iterations throughout the years, and to honor its history, the Allred brothers are renaming the theater The Historic Bicknell Theatre. Their hopes?

Keep it affordable, make it fun, and bring back the classics. Their plan is to transition the theater into a discount venue, offering movies for just $5 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors. First-run blockbusters will still play, just not immediately. They will only be able to show new releases once they cycle out of the Richfield movie theater. This allows the theater to show older hits and cult favorites other theaters can’t.

They hope to eventually offer three movies a day, including at least one newer release, and operate seven days a week. Cur-

The Utah Office of Homeless Services & Utah Homeless Services Board Announce a Contract to Acquire Land to Construct a State Homeless Campus

SALT LAKE CITY -

The Utah Office of Homeless Services and the Utah Homeless Services Board announce a contractual agreement for the state to acquire land for the development of a first-of-its-kind in Utah, comprehensive, transformative homeless services campus.

Located on a 15.85acre parcel located at 2520 N. 2200 W., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116, the planned facility will provide approximately 1,300 beds, creating a sustainable and transformative solution to address homelessness in Utah.

The campus is envisioned as a comprehensive hub where individuals experiencing homelessness can access the support and treatment they need to move from homelessness to stability and long-term self-reliance. Designed to complement the existing homeless resource centers, shelters and service providers throughout Utah, the transformative campus is a place where those experiencing homelessness find help for recovery, employment, criminal justice assistance, and housing, accessible in a single location.

“This is more than a campus, it’s a turning point for Utah of reimagining hope,” said Wayne Niederhauser, state homeless coordinator. “It will further fulfil the identi-

fied need to provide additional beds and treatment in Utah’s homeless response while providing individuals served by the campus a transformative path from crisis to stability and, ultimately, thriving.”

Operating as a “hub and spoke” system, where individuals can Step In to access core services at a centralized hub, and once stabilized and ready to Step Up, they can Step Out to be connected efficiently to additional specialized resources across the community—the spokes. This model reduces barriers to service access, increases operational efficiency, and strengthens the broader network of support. By expanding capacity and improving the overall system’s accessibility, the campus would enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of the region’s homelessness response.

“Despite tremendous effort, resources, and goodwill across the state, homelessness in Utah has continued to worsen—for both those experiencing it and for our communities,” said Randy Shumway, chair of the Utah Homeless Services Board. “The proposed Utah campus will take a humanfirst approach that provides healing and stability while embedding accountability at every stage. By pairing compassionate support and medical care with clear expectations and opportunities for growth, the campus

will help individuals reclaim their inherent dignity, achieve self-reliance, and live drug-free, crime-free, and contributing lives.”

The land acquisition agreement announcement marks an important step toward realizing a vision of making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring in Utah.

A feasibility study has been completed and environmental studies are ongoing. The next steps are to secure funding partnerships, continue to engage with community stakeholders, service providers, and state leaders to bring the campus to actualization. It is anticipated that the initial operations of the campus will begin in 2027.

"Our state has long needed more shelter beds and services, and this campus represents a critical step forward in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “By providing consistent shelter and wraparound services in one location, this facility could also help Salt Lake City first responders by reducing the number of emergency calls, freeing up law enforcement to focus on public safety, and better connecting people to the help they need.”

Sign up to receive updates about the transformative campus at homelesscampus.utah.gov.

—Utah Office of Homeless Services

ploring ways to make the business sustainable. They realized they needed to get creative to save the theater.

One idea they had was to transform the secondfloor screening room into a movie-themed overnight stay, complete with a private theater setup and its own entrance. The upstairs has been underused for years and could help offset the theater’s deficit.

“This isn’t about making money,” said Cutis Allred, “it’s about serving the community.” According to his calculations, with a fully operable nightly rental, they could potentially break even for the year. “And if we can make zero, we'll be doing really good,” he said.

finalize new film contracts and make plans for the switchover to a discount theater. After that, they will close for a week or two to clean carpets, update signage, and overhaul the lobby, followed by a grand re-opening celebration on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

“It’s going to be a big party,” said Curtis Allred. The event will feature games, prizes, and half-off movie tickets.

rently, the theater is closed on Sundays and Mondays. They are already brainstorming Halloween movie ideas and holiday picks for a special 12 Days of Christmas Movies event.

“Our focus is to bring the community back to the theater by offering it to them at a price point they can afford and showing movies they want to see,” said Curtis.

Initially unsure if they could take on the financial risk, the Allreds spent weeks reviewing the theater’s finances and ex-

The Allred brothers' vision for the theater goes beyond the screen. During their first tour of the theater, they were surprised to find a fully functional stage behind the downstairs movie screen. The unexpected find set off a flood of ideas. From hosting live music to stand-up comedy, cowboy poetry nights to school plays, The Historic Bicknell Theater has the potential to become more than a place to catch a classic film.

They’re also toying with the idea of “Tuesday Night Live”, a weekly showcase of local talent, and possibly expanding on festival offerings like BIFF (Bicknell International Film Festival) several times a year.

The brothers plan to remain open for the first few weeks of September under the theater’s current operating plan while they

Hands on the Rock:

One thing is clear, the Allred brothers want the community to have a voice in the theater’s future. They plan to put a suggestion box in the lobby and are encouraging locals to submit event ideas, film suggestions, and any other thoughts you may have for the place. Curtis Allred, along with his wife, Tristan, own and operate Dark Sky Coffee in Torrey, and he encourages locals to stop by and discuss the theater’s future with him.

Anthony Allred likens their journey to a river trip. “We’ve been in the river for a while,” he said, “Right now we are coming to the rapids. We have no idea how difficult they’re going to be, and we don’t have a choice; we’re going through them.”

As they face the uncharted waters ahead, they are inviting the community to grab a paddle and join them. With their vision and the community’s support, they hope to make The Historic Bicknell Theatre into a thriving gathering place for everyone.

You won’t believe this, but it took me right around 250 hours to do the carving on this stone. —Scott Aho, Boulder resident and artist/sculptor time spent.

Hands on the Rock

Cont'd from A1

ing to be the centerpiece of Boulder’s kickoff event commemorating America250 Utah | Boulder Town, the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Boulder’s kickoff event is featuring the unveiling of Aho’s sculpture, as well as the inauguration of “Give Boulder A Hand,” a year-long commitment to ongoing volunteerism sponsored by Boulder Wellness Network (BWN) and the Boulder LDS Ward. “Give Boulder A Hand” actually only formalizes what Boulder residents tend to do all the time anyway, which is lending a hand to neighbors in need or participating in community-wide projects and activities. There are infinite ways in which Boulder residents already provide service to their community. These acts of service include preparing and delivering meals, cutting firewood for others, volunteering as EMTs and fire fighters, serving on official town committees, picking up trash and pulling weeds in their neighborhoods, cleaning up the Boulder "freebox," and reading to a homebound elder. The BWN/LDS Ward wants to capture and record these activities by encouraging residents to commit to volunteer service between September 11, 2025, through September 11, 2026, and to periodically record their activity and

The sponsors haggled for a while over the time commitment being asked. Should it be 250 minutes per week? Maybe 250 hours per month? Per year? In the end, it was decided to simply ask people to fill out a card when they stop by one of the businesses hosting a “Give Boulder A Hand” collection box. On the card, they jot down what they did and how long they spent, anonymously or not. The sponsors will gather the cards and chart the time and activities as the year progresses. If people are diligent about taking credit for their time, Boulder will likely end up with a surprising number of volunteer hours and an amazing array of activities.

In addition to the general call for volunteering is a more specific request in which some Boulderites may wish to participate, which is that they can sign up on call lists for emergen-

cy or long-term assistance.

The Relief Society of the Boulder Ward has historically maintained their own phone trees to help cover this need. “Give Boulder A Hand” expands the potential availability of such aid.

The sponsors agree that getting Boulderites to perform volunteer service is not the challenge; getting them to acknowledge the time they spend and the scope of all they do will be harder for people. And speaking of volunteering, the focus of Sept. 13 will still be on Aho’s unveiling of his gift to the town and to future Boulderites for decades to come. His more than 250 hours of donated work should be the first card in the box.

The “Boulder: Hands on the Rock” dedication will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Boulder Town Community Center. Ice cream will be served.

Amiee Maxwell

Bicknell

Heritage Starfest: Join us for the Heritage Starfest, an exciting event where we come together to celebrate the beauty of our night skies. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the wonder of a star-filled sky, free from the glow of city lights. Let’s embrace this special opportunity to connect with the stars and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

—Mickey Wright, Torrey Town Mayor

tember 16, with an astronomy program at 7:30 p.m. at the Fruita Campground amphitheater. Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m., the Gifford House lawn will be the site of a constellation tour.

Two events will take place at the Fruita Campground amphitheater on Thursday, September 18: a talk about bats from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and an evening program that focuses on nocturnal animals beginning at 7:30 p.m. A second talk about nocturnal animals will take place in the Fruita Campground amphitheater on Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.

A special series of events will take place on Friday, September 19, beginning with solar telescope and astronomy activities at 3:00 p.m. at the CRNP Visitor Center. At 5:00 p.m., Samantha Creech, who moved to Utah in 2020 for a summer internship as a dark sky ranger at Bryce Canyon National Park and then began her PhD at the University of Utah, will present “Volcanoes of the Solar System.”

After a dinner break, activities will move back to the Fruita Campground amphitheater, where at 7:30 p.m., Emily Lehnardt will discuss “Astronomy for All.” Lehnardt is a NASA Solar Systems Ambassador and serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for Clark Planetarium. She is also the former director of the Utah Women Astronomical Society, which focuses on STEM and astronomy outreach. Lehnardt is currently finishing her PhD at Utah State University and loves sharing her passion for space exploration with others. In her presentation, she will explain that the cosmos is wide open and that it needs all kinds of curious minds to explore it. Creativity, questions, and determination are more than enough.

Following Lehnardt’s presentation, Dr. David Koerner will perform classical compositions chosen to enhance the stargazing experience and will give brief remarks about select visible stars and the Milky Way. If you have a red light, you will want to bring it to this event, as white lights are not permitted in the viewing area.

Koerner is Emeritus Associate Professor in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. He has conducted studies of planet-forming disks at Owens Valley Radio Observatory, at the Very Large Array, and with the Palomar, Keck, and Hubble telescopes. He is also an accomplished pianist/composer who performed night-themed musical compositions at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and at Grand Canyon National Park as Astronomer-inResidence for the Fall of 2024.

The evening will conclude with a telescope program, beginning at about 9:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the Fruita Camp-

ground amphitheater. Park rangers, volunteers, and guest amateur astronomers will bring the Milky Way and other celestial wonders to your eye using various telescopes.

On Saturday, September 20, activities will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Robber’s Roost, 200 West and Main Street in Torrey, where Marci Milligan, Entrada board president, will welcome everyone to this full afternoon and evening of presentations and star viewing and monitoring. Gary Pankow, Entrada and Torrey Dark Skies board member, will discuss “Dark Sky Data and Trends.” Following Pankow, Joe Jensen, Utah Valley University astronomy professor, and Jason Wheeler, Assist Community Design Center executive director, will present “Capitol Reef Field Station and Entrada Observatory Plans.”

From 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., a student and a professor in the Dark Sky Studies program at the University of Utah will discuss their involvement in the dark skies of Wayne County. Jenna Smolka, University of Utah Dark Sky Studies Program Summer Intern at Entrada Institute and CRNP, will describe the project she has developed as a dark-sky intern: “Community Educational Blog Spots.” Professor Kate Magargal will then talk about the work she has done guiding students to engage with dark-sky issues in and around Torrey since 2021 and report some results.

The mayor of Torrey, Mickey Wright, will focus his remarks on the Torrey Dark Skies “Solar System Trail.” His talk with be followed at 3:30 p.m. by the presentation of Night Sky Stewardship Awards. The first award will be given to Torrey Town for demonstrating stewardship and promoting ecotourism through educational projects like the newly funded astronomical trail system. The second set of awards will go to the Salt Lake Astronomical Society in honor of its night-sky stewardship and its focus on education in Wayne County and the surrounding area. Posthumous awards honor Nate Goodman and Dave Bernson for their long-standing dedication to public education and service to Capitol Reef country. This Night Sky Stewardship Award also honors the many astronomical society members who have followed in their footsteps.

Following a dinner break, there will be a presentation at Robber’s Roost beginning at 7:00 p.m., before the evening concludes at the Torrey Town Park.

The keynote speaker is Jason Trump, education program supervisor at the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City. Jason Trump began college as an astronomy major, participating in research on variable stars and exoplanets. However, while managing the campus planetarium’s outreach program, he discovered his enormous passion for education. At the Clark Planetarium, he oversees a statewide astronomy-education program that includes field trips, teacher development, in-school outreach, and

summer camps that collectively serve over 100,000 Utah students each year.

Jason Trump’s talk is entitled, “To the Edge of Infinity: Our Solar System Through the Eyes of Spacecraft.” For thousands of years, the planets have ignited human curiosity, shining as patient wanderers in the nighttime sky. Early observers saw their steady dance among the stars, crafting stories and meaning from their silent journeys. Later, telescopes brought these distant worlds into focus, offering glimpses of mysterious landscapes beyond Earth. Now, with the help of spacecraft, humanity has crossed the void to reach the unreachable. With breathtaking images and data gathered by these tireless explorers, we are only beginning to unveil the deeper stories of our planetary neighborhood. Join Jason Trump on a journey billions of miles from home, told through the eyes of the spacecraft that dared to go where no one had gone before.

The evening will conclude back at the Torrey Town Park with a star party from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. CRNP staff, volunteers, guest amateur astronomers, and community partners will have many different telescopes available to view the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. To participate in night sky monitoring, you will want to join the group under the solar panels in the park at 9:30 p.m.

Torrey Mayor Mickey Wright says, “Join us for the Heritage Starfest, an exciting event where we come together to celebrate the beauty of our night skies. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the wonder of a star-filled sky, free from the glow of city lights. Let’s embrace this special opportunity to connect with the stars and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

To attend either the afternoon activities or the evening presentation on Saturday, visit www.entradainstitute.org/eventscalendar/. The evening presentation on Saturday will also be livestreamed, and you do not need to register for the livestream.

On September 25-27, beginning at 7:00 p.m., CRNP is hosting three free Beginner Astrophotography Workshops with nationally known astrophotographer Don Riddle. Each of the three nights is a stand-alone workshop on how to successfully take photos of the Milky Way. The workshops begin at 7:00 p.m., allowing time to get familiar with your camera settings while there is still sunlight. The evenings finish around 11 p.m. Locations and maps are provided upon registration. An optional drop-in session will be held the morning following each workshop to learn how to edit your photos. Lists of required and recommended equipment and details about registering for the workshops can be found at https://www. nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/ heritage-starfest.htm. Each workshop is limited to fifteen participants. Riddle says, “Astrophotography can reveal the celestial wonders of the Milky Way.” —Entrada Institute

INVITATION TO BID

WAYNE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Wayne School District is accepting bids for Coal Delivery to the school district buildings in Loa and Bicknell. The Bid will be for Coal & Freight from the Sufco or Skyline Mines, as requested by the school district. Coal should be 1¼ inch oiled stoker coal – no fine coal, and should not be loaded out of a stockpile

Sealed Bids should be submitted to the District Office at PO Box 127, 79 N 100 W, Bicknell, Utah 84715. Please indicate on the outside of the envelope what you are bidding on. Also include inside the envelope your name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids must be received by September 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM, and will be opened at the District Office at that time; anyone is welcome to be present.

Escalation of prices, if any, will be negotiated between the Wayne Board of Education and the successful bidder, upon mutual agreement during the school year. Bidder must furnish proof of their price escalation.

Wayne School District is an equal opportunity employer and provider, and reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 11 & 18, 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 Oct. 8, 2025 either electronically using the Division`s on-line Protest of Application form, by hand delivery to a Division office, or by mail at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. Please visit waterrights.utah.gov or call (801)538-7240 for additional information.

GARFIELD COUNTY CHANGE APPLICATION(S)

97-2534 (a53543): Gregar H. Lind propose(s) using 0.75 ac-ft. from groundwater (2 mi East of Boulder, UT) for DOMESTIC; IRRIGATION.

Teresa Wilhelmsen, P.E.

State Engineer Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 11 & 18, 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, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BICKNELL TOWN

The Bicknell Town Council will conduct a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on September 25, 2025, at the Bicknell Town Hall, 64 W. 100 N. Bicknell, UT 84715. The hearing is to provide the public with an opportunity to review and give feedback on the Extended Stay Ordinance.

The public is invited to provide comments, which are generally limited to three minutes per individual.

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 11 & 18, 2025

Heritage Starfest Cont'd from A1

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WAYNE COUNTY

The Wayne County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at the Wayne County Courthouse 18 S. Main, Loa, Commission Chambers, to discuss a proposed increase in landfill fees for residential garbage cans. The public is invited to attend and provide comments. Written comments may also be submitted prior to the hearing by contacting the Clerk/Auditors Office at 4358361301 or info@wayne.utah.gov.

Date of Notice: Posted to website on 9/5/2025 & newspaper on September 10, 17 & 24, 2025.

By Order of: Board of Commissioners

Felicia Snow Wayne County Clerk-Auditor

Published in The Wayne and Garfield County Insider on SEPTEMBER 11, 18 & 25, 2025

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HELP WANTED

Senior Nutrition Meal Delivery Driver

Job Title: Senior Nutrition Meal Delivery Driver

Position: Aging and Volunteer Services

Summary of Responsibilities/ Duties: Check home delivery list to get meal count for that day, do pre-trip for truck every day, including antifreeze levels, load meals into the delivery truck, deliver lunches as quickly as possible to maintain safe food temperatures, document last meal temperature on temp log, document mileage and meal count after each meal delivery run, clean and disinfect heated truck compartments when needed, attend required trainings and staff meetings, coordinate time off with supervisor in timely manner, assist in finding a sub, if one can’t be found request for day off may not be granted, be friendly and respectful of participants, co-workers, and supervisor, adhere to Six County policies and procedures, other duties as assigned and reports directly to the Senior Nutrition Site Manager.

Hours/days of work: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday approximately 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Minimum qualifications: Completion of high school and a good driving record. Submit application and resume to the Clerk of Wayne County (Felicia Snow). (435) 836-1300 18 South Main Street Loa, UT 84747 Wayne County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full-Time Building and Grounds Maintenance

Garfield County is seeking a reliable Building and Grounds Maintenance worker. Duties include, but are not limited to: repairs, landscaping, snow removal, and upkeep of county facilities. Must have a valid driver's license and basic maintenance skills.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Clerk’s Office 55 South Main, Panguitch or online at garfield.utah.gov and will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025

Competitive pay and full benefits. Apply at the Garfield County Clerk's Office, 55 South Main, Panguitch, or online at www.garfield.utah.gov. Garfield County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Garfield County is an equal opportunity employer.

FOR RENT

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We are looking for friendly, hardworking professionals who enjoy the hospitality industry and interaction with guests.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Front Desk Agents

Laundry Services

Housekeepers

Maintenance

Bellmen

Positions to start April 1st through October 31st

At Capitol Reef Resort we promote from within. Please stop by in person to complete an application. We are located at 2600 E SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3761

Position Announcements

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Garfield County School District is hiring for the following positions. For the application process and description of each, please see the district website www.garfk12.org

• Para-Professionals at Escalante Elementary

• Substitute/Activity Bus Drivers

• Para-Professionals/Aides at Bryce Valley, Panguitch Schools

• Substitutes for Teachers, Custodians, and Food Service Workers

SALARY: Please see 2025-2026 Garfield County School Districts Classified, District Office, and Certified Salary Schedules on the district website.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be fingerprinted and satisfactorily pass an employment background check.

Garfield County School District is an equal opportunity employer. Garfield County School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications.

SENIOR CENTER MENUS

Bryce Valley Senior Lunches

at the BRYCE VALLEY Senior Center

TUES Sept. 16th Fried Chicken, Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Salad Bar/Mandarin Oranges, No Bake Cookie

WED Sept. 17th Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Vegetable Medley, Salad Bar/Pears, Cherry White Cake

THURS Sept. 18th Sloppy Joes/Bun, Country Potatoes, Corn/ Salad Bar, Fruit Cocktail, Banana Cream Pie

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

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

Escalante Senior Citizens Menu

Tues.

Sept. 16th Tuna Casserole w/Veggies, Salad Bar, JellO Fruit Salad, 1-2-3 Dessert

Wed. Sept. 17th Chicken Alfredo, California Blend, Garlic Bread/Salad Bar, Pears, No Bake Cookies

Thurs. Sept. 18th Ham, Stuffed Potato, Salad Bar/Peas & Carrots, Peaches, Raisin Cream Pie

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

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.

ISO

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

SERVICES

When in Need, There are Resources in Wayne & Garfield Cos.

For Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, and Sexual Assault

Canyon Creek Services Emergency Safehouse 435-865-7443 Mobile Team 435-233-5732

New Horizons Crisis Center

145 East 100 North, Richfield Office Hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Shelter is open 24 hrs, 7 days a week Phone Number 435-896-9294

Counseling Services

Central Utah Counseling Richfield Office

255 S Main Street, Richfield Office Hours 435-896-8236

24 Hour Emergency Service 877-469-2822

Southwest Behavioral Health Center

601 E Center Street, Panguitch 435-676-8176

24 Hour Emergency Service 800-574-6763

Wayne Community Health Center

128 South 300 West Bicknell, 84715 435-425-3744

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988

Wayne Community Health Center

Part-Time Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental

Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant.

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?

• Escalante Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team. Why choose Escalante Dental

• Competitive benefits package tailored to your working hours

• An inclusive and supportive work environment

• Opportunity for professional growth and development

Position Overview:

As a Dental Assistant at Escalante Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner

• Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures

• Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems

• Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments

• Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field. If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus:

• Dental assisting experience

• Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry

• Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays

• X-ray Certification

• CPR Certification

How to Apply:

We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. 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!

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.

Wayne Community Health Center

Part-Time Dental Assistant at Bicknell Dental

Join our team as a motivated Dental Assistant.

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual seeking a rewarding career in the dental Field?

• Bicknell Dental is currently seeking a Part-Time Dental Assistant to join our dynamic team. Why choose Bicknell 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 Bicknell Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our dental practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Interacting with patients in a friendly and compassionate manner

• Proficiently taking X-rays and supporting chair-side procedures

• Managing scheduling, charting, and documenting dental visits using computer systems

• Ensuring thorough sterilization of dental instruments

• Setting up and maintaining a clean and organized operatory and office space

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

We value experience, but are also excited to provide training to individuals new to the field.

If you have any of the following qualifications, it’s a plus:

• Dental assisting experience

• Exposure to Pediatric, Endodontic, Oral Surgery, and General Dentistry

• Familiarity with computer charting and Digital X-rays

• X-ray Certification

• CPR Certification How to Apply:

We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of your level of experience. 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 Bicknell Dental.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our patients. Apply today! The Wayne Community Health Centers are committed to providing high quality health services to our communities’ residents and visitors. Its purpose is to provide quality health services to all people including those facing financial, geographic and/or cultural barriers to healthcare.

Wayne Community Health Center

Patient Relations - PRN - Bicknell, Utah

Job Title: Patient Relations - PRN Location: Wayne Community Health Center - Bicknell, Utah

Position Type: PRN About Us

Wayne Community Health Center is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We are looking for a reliable and friendly Patient Relations team member to support our front office operations on a PRN (as needed) basis.

Position Summary

The Patient Relations Front Desk (PRN) is the first point of contact for patients and visitors. This role is responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, and providing excellent customer service to ensure a positive patient experience. Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors in a professional and welcoming manner

• Answer and direct incoming phone calls

• Schedule, confirm, and update patient appointments

• Verify and update patient information and insurance details

• Collect co-pays and balances as needed

• Provide accurate information and assist patients with questions or concerns

• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment

• Basic computer skills

• Flexible availability to cover shifts as needed Interested candidates may apply by submitting a resume to aellett@ waynechc.org.

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.