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POSTAL CUSTOMER
The
NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID LAS VEGAS, NEVADA PERMIT No. 3587
Insider
Serving Wayne & Garfield Counties, Utah
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, March 26, 2026
Bryce Canyon N.P. Sees Nearly 2M Visits in '25 with Enhanced Visitor Counting Procedures BRYCE - On March 17, Bryce Canyon National Park announced it welcomed 1,967,367 recreation visits in 2025, reflecting the implementation of a more precise and refined visitor counting method that will significantly enhance future planning and park management. Despite a fortythree-day partial government shutdown—the longest ever—the National Park Service worked to keep parks open and accessible whenever possible so visitors could continue to experience the nation’s natural and historic treasures. In 2024, Bryce Canyon reviewed its visitor use counting procedures
North Creek Escalante Begins a New Chapter at Slot Canyons Inn by Kathryn Chamberlain
City’s restaurant scene. Starr worked in management, including at Mazza on 9th and 9th, and has North Creek Escalante
Wayne Commission
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Kathryn Chamberlain
Tammy Barton Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
How to Avoid Conflicts with Rattlesnakes in Utah This Spring and Summer
by Jaynie Connor
Courtesy Jonie Barton
Tammy Barton, former director of the Garfield County Ambulance Service, was recently honored with the Kevin Barlow Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rural EMS Directors Association of Utah Conference (REMSDAU) held March 17 in Price. GARFIELD CO. Tammy Barton, former director of the Garfield County Ambulance Service, was recently honored with the Kevin Barlow Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rural EMS Directors Association of
by Kathryn Chamberlain
WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Commission moved through a full agenda during its March 16th meeting. One of the biggest actions was approval of Resolution 25-02, imposing a 0.30% local option sales and use tax to fund public safety. The tax amounts to about 30 cents on every $100 purchase. Commissioners said the added revenue is important as federal funding tied to Secure Rural Schools remains uncertain, and noted that sales tax helps capture revenue from visitors, as well as residents. The commission also approved a letter of support for Torrey City’s splash pad grant application after being assured it would not affect Wayne County’s own request. Commissioners
Just a few miles west of Escalante at Slot Canyons Inn sits the North Creek Escalante restaurant, which has recently reopened under new management—Samantha Starr and chef Brendan Kawakami (above), who bring years of experience from Salt Lake City. and chef Brendan Kawakami, who bring years of experience from Salt Lake City. From the start, Starr said they want the space to feel casual and welcoming. “We want it to be a
Bryce
Wayne County Commission Mar. 16, 2026
ESCALANTE - Just a few miles west of Escalante at Slot Canyons Inn sits the North Creek Escalante restaurant, which has recently reopened under new management—Samantha Starr
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Issue #1660
insiderutah.com
Utah Conference (REMSDAU) held March 17 in Price. Barton retired in December 2024 after a thirtytwo-year career serving Tammy Barton Cont'd on A3
REGIONAL WEATHER FORECAST
SALT LAKE CITY With warmer weather on the near horizon, rattlesnakes will begin emerging from their winter dens, and you may encounter one while hiking or spending time outdoors. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and aware while recreating outside this spring and summer. Rattlesnakes in Utah Native snakes are an important part of Utah’s ecosystem. There are five rattlesnake species in Utah, and the most common is the Great Basin rattlesnake, which is a subspecies of the Western rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes help Rattlesnakes Cont'd on B2
place where people can come sit on the patio, take in the view, and have a drink with charcuterie or a small plate,” said Starr. Starr and Kawakami both come out of Salt Lake
Gifford House at Capitol Reef National Park Opens for the 2026 Season on Pi Day by Amiee Maxwell
Amiee Maxwell
The Gifford House at Capitol Reef National Park opened for the season on Pi Day, March 14, 2026. Staff made 72 dozen pies for the occasion, selling them for $3.14 each. CAPITOL REEF N.P. The Gifford House at Capitol Reef National Park opened for the season on Pi Day, March 14, 2026,
as it does each year, with a line stretching all the way to the Scenic Drive. Staff made 72 dozen pies for the occasion,
selling them for $3.14 each. The final tally for pies sold in 2025 was 81,221.
UPCOMING EVENTS... Panguitch Quilt Walk Registration Opens
April 1
Easter 2026
April 5
FOR SOME BUT NOT ALL REGIONS REPRESENTED IN OUR NEWSPAPER COVERAGE AREA
THURS. MAR. 26 - WED. APR. 1
Temperatures decrease this week, with highs from the high 50s to the low 70s; lows in the high 20s and 30s. Showers possible starting Sunday and into next week. **Weather is subject to Change
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. —Henry David Thoreau
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.