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NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID LAS VEGAS, NEVADA PERMIT No. 3587
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Loa • Fremont • Lyman • Bicknell • Teasdale • Torrey • Grover • Fruita • Caineville • Hanksville Panguitch • Panguitch Lake • Hatch • Antimony • Bryce • Tropic • Henrieville • Cannonville • Escalante • Boulder
Corner Post Media, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands to Unveil High-Risk WUI Map Layer UTAH - The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands unveiled the state’s new High-Risk Wildland Urban Interface map, a key component of House Bill 48 that was passed by the state legislature during the 2025 legislative session. The map is available as a layer on the Utah Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal at wildfirerisk.utah. gov. Homeowners can access the map by using the Utah Wildfire Risk Tool. After logging in, the map will display the structure exposure score and the high-risk WUI layer. The different layers can be toggled on and off by accessing map themes at the top of the page. The High-Risk WUI layer identifies areas where wildfire risk and structural development overlap, helping commuWildfire Risk Tool Cont'd on B3
Central Utah Veterans Invited to Join New Fly Fishing Program, Project Healing Waters
Garfield County Commission by Peg Smith
Dec. 15, 2025
by Amiee Maxwell
being. Utah already has an established chapter of the program along the Wasatch
GARFIELD CO. During the December 15 Garfield County Commission meeting, the Commissioners recognized employees Kelly Hailstone (15 years), Cameron Leach (five years), and Braydon Talbot (five years) for their longevity of service. In addition, Commissioner David Tebbs recognized Rick Bybee for his 43 years as an EMT. Commissioner Tebbs attended a large gathering of Department of Interior, national park superintendents, PLPCO (Public Lands Policy and Coordinating Office), and state office of tourism officials. Among items discussed, Tebbs reported on the following: • The state wants to sign an MOU with DOI creating a simplified system for keeping the parks operational during govern-
Project Healing Waters
Garfield Commission
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Courtesy Richard Davidson
Project Healing Waters participants and volunteers at the Regional 2 Fly event on the Yakima River in Ellensburg, Washington, in September 2024. The group is made up of veterans from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. A new chapter of Project Healing Waters is preparing to launch in Central Utah, offering veterans a chance to heal, connect with others, and build community through fly fishing. The program is a partnership between Utah State University Extension and the national nonprofit. SOUTH CENTRAL UTAH - A new chapter of Project Healing Waters is preparing to launch in Central Utah, offering veterans a chance to heal, connect
Want to Gather Shed Antlers from Jan. 1 Through May 31? Take the Free, Mandatory 2026 Ethics Course
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Collecting shed antlers from many big game species, including deer, elk and moose, is a popular pastime in Utah. But before you head outdoors to collect shed antlers during the next few months, you must complete the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Antler Gathering Ethics course, which is required when shed hunting between Jan. 1 and May 31 in Utah. UTAH - Collecting shed antlers from many big game species, including deer, elk and moose, is a popular pastime in Utah. But before you head outdoors to collect shed antlers during the next few
Issue #1647
insiderutah.com
months, you must complete the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Antler Gathering Ethics course, which is required when shed hunting between Jan. Shed Hunting Cont'd on A5
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST
with others, and build community through fly fishing. The program is a partnership between Utah State University Extension and the national nonprofit.
Project Healing Waters is a nationwide nonprofit program founded in 2005 that uses fly fishing to support veterans’ physical, mental, and emotional well-
BLM Seeks Initial Input for June '26 Sale of Oil & Gas Leases in Utah
Page, Ariz. Citizens File Referendum to Veto City Council’s Decision to Sell 500 Acres for Data Center Development
SALT LAKE CITY The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day public scoping period on Dec. 15, 2025, to receive public input on 39 oil and gas parcels totaling 54,114 acres that may be included in a June 2026 lease sale in Utah. The comment period ends Jan. 15, 2026. Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to Oil and Gas Leases Cont'd on B3
by Beth Henshaw | Corner Post
Beth Henshaw
Navajo teen Teyana Begay (far right) organized a protest in downtown Page, which took place on Nov. 1, opposing the sale of 500 acres of recreational land to Huntley LLC for a $10 billion data center project. PAGE, ARIZ. - One month after Page, Arizona’s City Council voted 5-2 to approve the sale of 500 acres of recreational land to Huntley LLC for a $10 billion data center project,
Page residents filed a referendum to veto the council’s vote. Opponents cite a myriad of irreversible environmental impacts including air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution,
water usage, waste, and degradation of open space currently used for recreation. Data Center Cont'd on A6
UPCOMING EVENTS... Christmas Day
December 25
New Years 2026
December 31
FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. DEC. 25 - WED. DEC. 31
Showers on Christmas Day and Friday, with partly cloudy skies the rest of the week. Highs in the 40s; lows in the teens and 20s. Chance of precip 35-45% **Weather is subject to Change
Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour —John Boswell
INSIDER CONTENT DEADLINE ALL content for THE WAYNE & GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER MUST BE submitted by FRIDAY AT NOON to be included in the following Thursday edition of the paper.