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Corner Post Media, P.O. Box 105, Escalante, UT 84726
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Issue #1656
insiderutah.com
Despite Recent Snow, Utah Will Need 'Consistent Snowstorms' to Make Up for Deficiency UTAH - Utah experienced a more active storm cycle near the end of February. While this is a welcome respite from the dry winter so far, the state would need the active pattern to persist through the beginning of April, when the state typically experiences peak snowpack, to achieve near-normal runoff in the spring. While this storm system brought much-needed snow, some areas, such as the Sevier River Basin, were in such a deficit that they remain at recordbreaking low levels of snow water equivalent. Even over an inch of water falling in the last week isn’t enough to bring the basin up to previous years. “We appreciate the Water Update Cont'd on B2
Wayne County Commission by Kathryn Chamberlain
Feb. 17, 2026
‘Every Stitch Tells a Story’
Garfield County celebrates ‘250 Years of Freedom’ with America 250 Quilt Contest, open to all county residents by Jaynie Connor Jaynie Connor
The submitted quilts for Garfield County's America 250 Quilt Contest have started to line the halls of the first floor of the historic courthouse in Panguitch. The theme of the contest is “250 Years of Freedom" in honor of the United States' 250th birthday.
GARFIELD CO. Garfield County has begun taking entries for their America 250 Quilt Contest, the theme of which is “250 Years of Freedom.”
Latest Avian Flu Outbreak Impacting Wild Birds Throughout Utah
Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Multiple waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza have affected Utah’s wild bird populations since the first case of the latest outbreak was confirmed in April 2022. Now, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has confirmed that the virus has again been detected in wild birds around the Great Salt Lake and in several other counties throughout Utah, in the latest uptick of the ongoing outbreak. SALT LAKE CITY Multiple waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza have affected Utah’s wild bird populations since the first case of the latest outbreak was confirmed in April 2022. Now, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has confirmed that the virus has again been detected in wild birds around
the Great Salt Lake and in several other counties throughout Utah, in the latest uptick of the ongoing outbreak. The current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been ongoing in the U.S. since 2022, but the disease typically Avian Flu Cont'd on B3
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST
The submitted quilts are on display and have started to line the halls of the first floor of the historic courthouse in Panguitch. The contest was the idea of
Garfield County America 250 Committee organizer, and avid quilter herself, Elaine Baldwin. The contest invites residents to participate in
a national moment with the “America 250” campaign and is open to any Garfield
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission met Feb.17 with a little extra gratitude in the air after fresh snow and moisture overnight. They got right to work, approving the Feb. 2nd minutes before moving into a full agenda. First up, the commission approved a zone change from Residential/ Ag to Resort Recreation and a conditional use permit for a new project proposed by Blake Patrick on a parcel near Hanksville currently owned by Kelly Taylor and leased to Patrick and his partner. The approved first phase includes five rental cabins, an aquaponic greenhouse, and e-bike rentals. Patrick told commissioners the group has worked through the key
Quilt Contest
Wayne Commission
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Zion N.P. Visit Capitol Reef N.P. During Winter Announces to Enjoy More Quiet and Solitude '26 Angels Landing Seasonal Lottery Dates
ZION N.P. - Zion National Park has announced the lottery dates for the 2026 Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program. The spring seasonal lottery is set to open Feb. 13, 2026. Visitors can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov. Hikers visiting in the spring, summer, fall and winter can also apply for permits the day before hiking. Under this system, hikers may apply for a permit starting at 12:01 a.m. through 3 p.m. Mountain Time the day before their intended hike. For example, a visitor who wishes Angels Landing Cont'd on B3
NPS | B. Hedges
Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive with a dusting of snow, Nov. 2023. CAPITOL REEF N.P. Winter brings a quieter hum to Capitol Reef, making this time of year ideal for exploring the scenic drive, backcountry trails and wildlife without the busyness of the peak season. As the weather
changes so does the visitation to the park. During the winter season, solitude throughout the park allows for pristine hiking conditions when the sun is out during peak hours. Winter creates a less busy environment to
hike popular trails such as Hickman Bridge, or loop along the Waterpocket Fold and see very little traffic. This is the type of solitude Winter at CRNP Cont'd on B4
UPCOMING EVENTS... Daylight Saving Time Starts
March 8
St. Patrick's Day
March 17
FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. FEB. 26 - WED. MAR. 4
Partly cloudy and warmer this week, with highs in the high 50s and low 60s; lows in the 20s and 30s. Winds from 10 - 12 mph. Little to no chance of precip. **Weather is subject to Change
Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. —E.B. White
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