The Wayne & Garfield County Insider

09/27/2025

Several hunting seasons are in full swing, and Utah’s general-season rifle deer hunt—arguably the state’s most popular hunt—starts Oct. 18. Utah Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are hard at work patrolling the state to protect wildlife and to make sure hunters are obeying the laws.

While wildlife violations can happen any time of the year, there is typically an uptick during the fall hunting seasons. There are currently around fifty natural resources officers patrolling all of Utah, and they can’t be everywhere.

“Hunters need to take responsibility for knowing the laws, having a current hunting or combination license, and also knowing what species and areas their permits allow them to hunt before they go out into the field,” DNR Lt. Casey Mickelsen said. “We are requesting the public’s help in gathering information about wildlife violations. Please keep your eyes and ears open and report suspicious wildlife activity to us. With the information you share, we can enforce wildlife laws, which help with wildlife conservation and maintaining healthy populations and also keep our recreating public safe.”

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SALT LAKE CITY - Several hunting seasons are in full swing, and Utah’s general-season rifle deer hunt—arguably the state’s most popular hunt—starts Oct. 18. Utah Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are hard at work patrolling the state to protect wildlife and to make sure h...

09/26/2025

On September 11th, a “Community Preparedness Fair” was held at the Triple C Arena.

The free event featured various booths and classes from organizations, including Be Ready Utah, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Zion’s Bank, the Red Cross, Garfield County Ambulance, the Panguitch Prevention Coalition, and BYU Ensign College.

Cameron Leach, one of the event’s organizers, would like to see these fairs continue on a yearly basis and plans to invite more presenters and more people to come join. “Not feeling prepared and having a plan in a worst case scenario can be troubling. The goal would be for community members to have confidence and assurance they feel prepared whether in big or small situations,” said Leach.

To read more, follow the link below to our website:

PANGUITCH - On September 11th, a “Community Preparedness Fair” was held at the Triple C Arena. The free event featured various booths and classes from organizations, including Be Ready Utah, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Zion’s Bank, the Red Cross, Garfield County Ambulance, the Pang...

09/25/2025

The September 25, 2025, issue of The Insider is now available online.

https://www.insiderutah.com/articles/september-25-2025/

09/25/2025

Volleyball player Ellie LeFevre was nominated by Coach Post as the Bryce Valley High School Athlete of the Week, and Jonathan Platt was nominated by Ms. Nicholson as the Bryce Valley High School Student of the Week.

https://www.insiderutah.com/category/schools/

09/24/2025

Due to increased moisture across eastern Utah, the statewide Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for state and private unincorporated lands was rescinded on September 16 at 12:01 a.m. However, western Utah will remain under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to recent critical fire weather and the lack of significant precipitation in those areas.

“Even though we’ve seen some improvement in fire danger across the state, conditions remain dry enough in these areas that a single spark could still start a wildfire,” said Jamie Barnes, Utah State Forester. “We appreciate the public’s continued vigilance in helping protect lives, property, and Utah’s natural resources.”

For more information, follow the link below to our website:

UTAH - Due to increased moisture across eastern Utah, the statewide Stage 1 Fire Restriction Order for state and private unincorporated lands was rescinded on September 16 at 12:01 a.m. However, western Utah will remain under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due to recent critical fire weather a...

09/24/2025

Commissioners approved a slate of new policies aimed at improving transparency, audit performance, and day-to-day operations at the September 15, 2025, Wayne County Commission meeting. A new Policy Steering Committee was also formed to help implement and monitor the new policies.

https://www.insiderutah.com/articles/wayne-county-commission-sept-15-2025/

Want to stay informed of local issues but aren't able to attend governmental meetings?

Visit the "Local Government" section on The Insider website to see the most recent town and county meeting notes.

https://www.insiderutah.com/category/local-government/

WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met on Monday, September 15, 2025. Commissioners approved a slate of new policies aimed at improving transparency, audit performance, and day-to-day operations. Wayne County Clerk Felicia Snow led the policy effort using templates from the State Auditor’s Of...

09/24/2025

On Sept. 13, over 80 people attended the dedication of Boulder resident and artist Scott Aho's “Hands on Rock” sculpture and the kickoff for the America250 Utah | Boulder “Give Boulder a Hand” year of service, sponsored by the Boulder Ward and Boulder Wellness Network.

Following Aho’s presentation, Chris Bigler, from the Boulder Ward, wrapped up the dedication with a stirring reference to the America 250 commemoration, as well as the “Give Boulder A Hand” kickoff.

"What better way to enrich our community than with service? As we celebrate this 250 year milestone, let us honor the courage of the founders by renewing their vision, by choosing unity over division, hope over fear, by choosing the common good over narrow interest. That's how we can keep the spirit of 1776 alive,” said Bigler.

To learn more about Scott Aho and his “Hands on Rock” sculpture and the “Give Boulder A Hand” kickoff, follow the link below to our website:

BOULDER - The heavy dump of rain and hail held off until moments after the speakers finished when Boulder resident and artist/photographer Scott Aho's “Hands on Rock” sculpture was dedicated on Sept. 13, along with a kickoff to a year of service—an initiative called "Give Boulder A Hand,” sp...

09/20/2025

Garfield County School District Superintendent John Dodds was presented the 2025 Superintendent of the Year award by the Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) at the Garfield School District Board meeting at the Garfield County Courthouse in Panguitch on August 21.

Dodds said he was humbled to be recognized with this award. “This work depends on teamwork and collaboration, and this award reflects the efforts of many caring people in our state and here in Garfield County who show up every day for students. It also points to the good things happening in our schools,” he said. “Teachers, staff, parents, board members, and students all play a part. I’m especially grateful for a district office team that makes it possible to be a part of this work, both locally and at the state level.”

To read more, follow the link below to our website:

PANGUITCH - John Dodds, superintendent of Garfield County School District, has been honored as Utah’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA). This prestigious recognition was announced during a Garfield School District board meeting on August 21. With...

09/19/2025

Rocco Perez, a senior on the Bryce Valley Mustangs baseball team, has earned recognition from Mr. Beesley for his outstanding performance this season as Bryce Valley High School’s Athlete of the Week, and Mylee Brinkerhoff is being recognized by Mr. Miller as the Bryce Valley High School Student of the Week.

https://www.insiderutah.com/category/schools/

09/19/2025

Until further notice, fuelwood permits at the Escalante Ranger District are unavailable for purchase.

Fuelwood permits can still be purchased at the Public Lands Visitor Center in St. George, Utah, the Cedar City Ranger District in Cedar City, Utah, and Red Canyon Visitor Center in Panguitch, Utah.

For more information, follow the link below to our website:

ESCALANTE RANGER DISTRICT - Until further notice, fuelwood permits at the Escalante Ranger District are unavailable for purchase. Fuelwood permits can still be purchased at the Public Lands Visitor Center in St. George, Utah, the Cedar City Ranger District in Cedar City, Utah, and Red Canyon Visitor...

09/19/2025

On Thursday, September 4th, Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) welcomed a special guest, Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson. Henderson—who has served alongside Utah Governor Spencer Cox since 2021 and is the state’s chief election officer and a longtime advocate for civic engagement and community service—visited as part of her initiative across Utah called Volunteer for Good.

Garfield County School District (GCSD) has been selected as one of five districts in Utah for this five-year pilot program, which aims to engage students in volunteer service throughout their communities and features an online platform that tracks students’ volunteer hours, which they can utilize when applying for college and/or entering the workforce.

“When students from GCSD complete our program, we want them to leave with a deeper understanding of how their actions positively impact both their community and themselves, making Utah a better place to live because they attended GCSD,” said Becky Dalton, Garfield County School District’s Mental Health Specialist.

To learn more about the Volunteer for Good program, follow the link below to our website:

BRYCE - On Thursday, September 4th, Bryce Valley High School (BVHS) welcomed a special guest, Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson. Henderson—who has served alongside Utah Governor Spencer Cox since 2021 and is the state’s chief election officer and a longtime advocate for civic engageme...

09/18/2025

Several roads and trails located within the Monroe Canyon Fire area of the Fishlake National Forest’s Richfield Ranger District have reopened to visitors.

While most of the area has reopened, the Monrovian Park Picnic Area and the nearby Second Lefthand Fork non-motorized trail have been identified to be at risk for potential post-fire flooding during events such as monsoons and spring snow melting. That area will remain closed until further notice.

The updated closure order for the Monroe Canyon Fire went into effect Monday, September 15 at 12:01 am.

For more, follow the link below to our website:

SEVIER / PIUTE COS. - Several roads and trails located within the Monroe Canyon Fire area of the Fishlake National Forest’s Richfield Ranger District have reopened to visitors. While most of the area has reopened, the Monrovian Park Picnic Area and the nearby Second Lefthand Fork non-motorized tra...