abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Paragonah, UT

Home Care Paragonah, UT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic United States Map Landmark gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Paragonah, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Paragonah, UT

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”

Jackie J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”

Rebecca E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”

Loretta
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”

Diamondzragrlzbf
×
TESTIMONIALS

“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”

lydia T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”

TheXploringKay O.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”

aaralyn G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”

Mckinlye G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”

Helen M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”

Aly T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”

Falelua A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”

Always B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

AsAn
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”

Audrey S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”

Jay R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”

Olivia S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need for my 94 year old mom and matches caregivers accordingly. Sometimes, the schedule changes and he works to fill the needs immediately and always with a great attitude! The caregivers are compassionate. Again, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

shell S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I came to them with some pretty difficult challenges that I was not sure we could work with but they were able to make it happen and truly did more than I thought was even possible. I highly recommend them.”

Mandy M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”

M S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Paragonah, UT?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Paragonah, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Paragonah, UT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Paragonah, UT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Paragonah, UT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Parowan Heritage Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Paragonah, UT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Villa Fine Food Mexican or visit Parowan Old Rock Church Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Paragonah, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Paragonah, UT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Paragonah, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Paragonah, UT

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your UT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Paragonah, UT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Paragonah, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Paragonah, UT

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Paragonah, UT

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Parowan Senior Citizen Center
  • Iron County Rehab & Nursing
Home Care Paragonah, UT

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Paragonah, UT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Paragonah, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Paragonah, UT

Latest News in Paragonah, UT

Illegal fish species found in 4 Utah reservoirs, wildlife biologists say

Share KSL.comSALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildlife officials are reminding people to not dump pet fish or any other fish that doesn’t belong in a specific body of water after they say they found species of fish consistent with illegal dumping at four reservoirs in the state earlier this year.State wildlife biologists discovered green sunfish in Yearns Reservoir in Sanpete County, largemouth bass in Newcastle Reservoir in Iron County, redside shiners in Paragonah Reservoir in Iron County, and smallmouth bass...

Share

KSL.com

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildlife officials are reminding people to not dump pet fish or any other fish that doesn’t belong in a specific body of water after they say they found species of fish consistent with illegal dumping at four reservoirs in the state earlier this year.

State wildlife biologists discovered green sunfish in Yearns Reservoir in Sanpete County, largemouth bass in Newcastle Reservoir in Iron County, redside shiners in Paragonah Reservoir in Iron County, and smallmouth bass in Settlement Canyon Reservoir in Tooele County during annual surveys conducted in the state, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said Wednesday.

Randy Oplinger, the division’s sportfish coordinator, explains that illegal fish introduction “seldom improve fisheries,” which is why illegal fish dumping can lead to a class A misdemeanor charge.

State wildlife officials say it’s not just dumping pet fish that’s illegal; it’s also illegal to move live fish from one body of water to another.

Illegal fish species may prey on or outcompete other fish species in a body of water, including sportfish, native fish or endangered fish species. They may also introduce disease into the water’s ecosystem and can negatively impact water quality, according to the division.

The division even has an educational program devoted to the matter.

“Illegal introductions typically ruin fisheries and threaten the species that live there,” Oplinger said in a statement.

Utah wildlife biologists have, in recent years, conducted several projects to clear out invasive species that were introduced in a body of water. Many of these involve rotenone treatments, which are used to kill all the fish in a lake, stream or reservoir before native or sportfish species are reintroduced.

This outcome tends to be “very expensive and takes a very long time,” Oplinger said, which is why he says the best way to avoid this is to not illegally dump fish.

Anglers who come across invasive fish species, see others illegally introduce a fish into a body of water, or see someone trying to relocate live fish are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-662-3337 or contacting their nearest Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office.

Share

KSL 5 TV Live

‘Let’s work to be builders,’ Gov. Cox encourages Parowan High School students

PAROWAN — Gov. Spencer J. Cox visited Parowan High School on Monday morning as part of his “Connecting Utah Tour” to visit at least one school in each of Utah’s counties this year.“Education is the key to successful futures,” Cox said to the 300-plus students gathered in the auditorium at the beginning of the school day.“I’m hoping you all have some plans post-graduation, to do something,” he added. “Not everyone needs a bachelor’s degree, althou...

PAROWAN — Gov. Spencer J. Cox visited Parowan High School on Monday morning as part of his “Connecting Utah Tour” to visit at least one school in each of Utah’s counties this year.

“Education is the key to successful futures,” Cox said to the 300-plus students gathered in the auditorium at the beginning of the school day.

“I’m hoping you all have some plans post-graduation, to do something,” he added. “Not everyone needs a bachelor’s degree, although a bachelor’s degree is awesome and will certainly help you. Everyone needs skills. And there are different ways to get those skills so that you can have a good job in the future.”

Cox also emphasized the importance of the teaching profession.

“You have great teachers here, and we need the next generation of great teachers,” he said, adding that the state has been making efforts to increase educators’ wages.

“When we passed over $750 million of new education funding this year, a significant portion of that will go directly to our teachers,” he said.

Cox also touched on the importance of water conservation.

“I’m less worried now (about water) than I was six months ago,” he said. “We’ve had record snowfall; in fact, we’re at about 300% of normal here in southwest Utah, which is awesome.

“I’m so excited about that. And I’m so grateful for the water that we have received. Now, instead of praying for snow, I pray that it melts slowly.”

After Cox’s initial 15-minute opening remarks, Parowan High student government leaders Tate McNeil, Daisy Dunlap, Jayden Griffiths, Chloe Townsend and Harrison Cheney joined the governor onstage for a question-and-answer session.

The students asked Cox how became interested in politics, what he likes about Parowan and other rural communities, how to close the gender wage gap and his ongoing efforts toward promoting kindness and civility.

“I’m here to assure you that the world will reward you for your kindness and your goodness,” Cox told the students. “I see it all the time. Yes, sometimes the bad guys finish first, right? But mostly, over time, the good guys … actually do better in this life.”

The governor also shared with the students four keys to happiness: faith, family, friendship and work.

Cox then asked the students a few questions of his own, the last of which was for them to use one word to describe the United States right now.

Dunlap, the fifth and final student to respond, said, “I don’t know if this is a word, but ‘un-united’?”

Cox then noted that the most common word that most Americans use to describe the country right now is “divided.”

“We almost got it,” he said. “‘Un-united’ was very close.”

Other answers commonly given by respondents include “disconnected,” “intolerant’ and “weak,” he added.

Additionally, Cox said that when people were asked to use a word to describe their feelings about the nation, “Frustrated was the most common, followed by disappointed, exhausted, disgusted and angry.”

But Cox then offered a few suggestions for possible solutions.

“I don’t want to end on a negative,” he said. “I want to end up positive because what Chloe mentioned is absolutely right. We’re not talking to each other anymore. In fact, we’re doing the exact opposite. We’re just screaming at each other, right? And social media has exacerbated that.”

Cox said that a large part of the problem is that in today’s social media culture, “the loudest, the craziest, the farthest left and the farthest right voices are getting the most attention, right?”

However, he noted, “It turns out that 80% of us actually kind of agree on most things, with a little bit of emphasis one way or another.”

Cox encouraged those in the audience to take time to listen, communicate and spend time with people with different points of view. Doing so, he said, helps people solve problems better by working together.

“Don’t listen to debate, listen to understand,” he said. “What happens when we do this, it’s really magical, we can actually find common ground.”

Cox also noted that approximately 90% of the 575 bills passed by the 2023 Utah Legislature were done so either unanimously or almost unanimously. But those generally don’t attract much attention, he said.

“All you hear about are the 10 (percent of the time) when they really disagree,” he said.

Cox then encouraged the students to resist the urge to tear other people down, especially online.

“I hope you’ll join me today in being better,” he said. “Join me in treating other people with respect, especially if they disagree with you. And going one step further, there’s power in proximity, getting close to someone who is different than us.”

“Let’s get off the social media, have face-to-face interaction, and work to be builders,” Cox said as he concluded his remarks.

Principal Bailey then showed a brief slide show that featured a selection of photos from Cox’s own high school days, which were taken from one of Bailey’s old yearbooks (both Bailey and Cox are graduates of North Sanpete High, with Bailey being two years younger than the governor).

Cox also congratulated the Parowan boys basketball and girls volleyball teams for their recent state championships and joined with the crowd as they loudly clapped and sang the school’s fight song.

In addition to the Parowan High School student body, the assembly was attended by Iron County School District officials, teachers and staff, civic and community leaders and local law enforcement officers. The respective student government officers from Cedar High and Canyon View High also attended, with the students going up onstage afterward to greet the governor and pose for group photos.

Cox said afterward that his favorite part of the tour is interacting with the students.

“That’s one of the reasons we do this,” he said. “It’s my favorite part of these tours, sitting on stage, asking them questions, them asking me questions, really listening. We’re taking notes and learning from them. And I’m hoping that doing more of this will help them feel more connected, and that they are being heard and that we really are listening.”

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

Parowan’s Dry Lakes Ranch represents Utah, places 3rd in national beef competition

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — A small family business from Southern Utah has ranked among the top beef producers in the nation during the recently held Best in the West Beef Competition.Reyes and Kacie Carballo run Dry Lakes Ranch, a farming and ranching operation dating back to the 1870s in Parowan. Together, they raise beef cattle and sell their beef in a brick-and-mortar shop on Parowan’s historic Main Street.The competition...

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — A small family business from Southern Utah has ranked among the top beef producers in the nation during the recently held Best in the West Beef Competition.

Reyes and Kacie Carballo run Dry Lakes Ranch, a farming and ranching operation dating back to the 1870s in Parowan. Together, they raise beef cattle and sell their beef in a brick-and-mortar shop on Parowan’s historic Main Street.

The competition brought together ranchers from major beef-producing states such as Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and more. Ranchers entered a selection of four cuts of beef, which were prepared by a professional chef in a double-blind taste test. The panel of celebrity judges scored the premium-quality beef on smell, texture and taste.

Kacie Carballo and her mother, Kay Benson, who run the meat shop together, carefully selected the cuts that would represent their operation best. They also let their youngest employee join in on the excitement; granddaughter Aria Carballo, who is just 8 years old, helped package and deliver the product to the competition in Riverton, Wyoming, visiting Yellowstone National Park on the way.

The beef cattle that are raised by the family in Iron County graze on native grasses, forbs and legumes in the mountain pastures below Brian Head, a local ski resort town. When the time comes, the beef cattle are finish-fed with a ration of nutrient-dense crops that were grown and harvested on their farm in Parowan.

Finishing cattle is one aspect that most cattle producers don’t conquer nearly as well as Reyes Carballo. It requires a keen sense of crop palatability and nutrient density, as well as the ability to interpret health and happiness in his cattle.

Their beef cattle are also dry-aged in a time-honored tradition.

“Properly dry-aged beef deepens the flavor of our product and tenderizes the beef in a way that mechanical or chemical tenderization can’t compete with,” said Kacie Carballo, owner and operator at the family’s meat shop. “Our beef has incredible flavor and hardly requires anything other than a dash of salt and pepper. Today’s consumer wants high-quality, clean and delicious food. They want an experience too, and we can offer all of that in one fell swoop.”

Dry Lakes Ranch Beef has also brought in products from other local farmers and ranchers and now offers pork, lamb, mutton, turkey and chicken to sell alongside their prize-winning beef.

Although they’re conveniently located, their customers aren’t limited to those in Southern Utah.

“We have customers coming from surrounding towns and cities on a daily basis, and regularly have customers coming from Salt Lake, Las Vegas and even California,” Benson said. “In fact, in the last two months, we’ve had our beef travel to New York City, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico.”

They must be doing something right – they were the sole representatives from the state of Utah and ranked behind first place in a narrow three-point margin.

Dry Lakes Ranch Beef is located at 73 N. Main St. in historic downtown Parowan. They’re open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week to haul cattle and fresh beef. They offer meat by the cut and by the pound, and also in bulk purchases if you prefer. Find them online or on social media @drylakesranchbeef.

• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •

Resources

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

‘It’s part of our history’: Volunteers install new fences, gateways and signs at Iron County fairgrounds

New signs were installed at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Parowan, Utah on Aug. 13, 2022. Reported by Jeff Richards.0 seconds of 45 secondsVolume 0%PAROWAN — New fences, gates and signs, all made out of iron and steel, have recently been installed at the Iron County fairgrounds, just in time for the annual county fair.Iron County Commissioner Marilyn Wood, who helped bolt the new signs into place on Saturday, said the project was nearly one year in the making.Wood said she had attended seve...

New signs were installed at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Parowan, Utah on Aug. 13, 2022. Reported by Jeff Richards.

0 seconds of 45 secondsVolume 0%

PAROWAN — New fences, gates and signs, all made out of iron and steel, have recently been installed at the Iron County fairgrounds, just in time for the annual county fair.

Iron County Commissioner Marilyn Wood, who helped bolt the new signs into place on Saturday, said the project was nearly one year in the making.

Wood said she had attended several Parowan City Council meetings last year as officials worked together on an agreement that would enable the county to ultimately take over ownership of the fairgrounds.

The signage and fencing plans for the entryways were among the various improvements that were discussed, Wood said, adding that the upgrades represented “what we envision the fairgrounds to be and the things that we’re planning on doing if the transfer goes through.”

Other improvements include new bleachers in the rodeo grandstands, along with additional space for concessions and vendors.

“When we took it over from Parowan, all of us commissioners felt like we really needed to fix it up and let Parowan know that we were serious about taking it over and making it better,” Wood said.

One important aspect of the sign project, Wood noted, is that it was accomplished at virtually no cost to the county or its taxpayers, as all of the materials, supplies and labor were donated by volunteers, herself and several members of her family included.

Saturday morning, Wood joined her husband Matt Wood in securing the large girders onto the chains using 1-inch bolts, while fellow Iron County Commissioner Paul Cozzens operated the lift below.

Two of the three signs that face 300 East on the fairground’s west entrances say “Iron County Fair,” but the northernmost one says “Old Paragoonah Road.”

Marilyn Wood noted that the driveway underneath the sign follows the path of the original road that linked Parowan and its neighboring town of Paragonah. The “Paragoonah” spelling on the sign is intentional, Wood said, noting that not only is that how the name of the town was originally spelled before one of the o’s was dropped, but also it also better reflects the correct pronunciation.

Wood said she is working on writing up a history of the old Paragoonah Road and the fairgrounds area, which will be placed on an informational marker near a pedestrian entrance on the west side.

The fourth and final marker to be installed Saturday was an “Iron County Fair” sign at the south entrance. For that last sign, Cozzens enlisted the help of his teenage daughter Brooklin, his adult son Brad and two of Brad’s young sons to go up with him on the lift and help attach the bolts.

“It’s part of our history,” Wood said. “These are going to be there for a long time.”

“That’s why Paul wanted to take his kids and grandkids up in that basket,” Wood said. “Every year when they come over to the fair, they’re going to say, ‘I went up there and put that sign up with my grandpa.’”

Altogether, a total of 742 volunteer man-hours were spent on the project, Wood said.

“We want to thank all the people who helped, because that was above and beyond,” she said. “A lot of those guys just put in a ton of work.”

After the basic idea for the entryway signs, gates and fences had been developed, Ron Larson drew up the design plans. Frank Nichols donated the vintage iron pipes, wheels and other metal pieces, with some of it coming from the old Iron Springs mine and the decades-old irrigation wheels coming from a parcel of farmland near Beryl.

Welding supplies were donated by DJB Gas Services and Matt’s Springs and Repair. John Vincent and Matt Wood did most of the cutting and welding work before the fencing sections were transported to Parowan, with Randy Wood doing most of the on-site welding to attach it all together.

BZI Steel donated the steel beams for the signs and also provided the plasma cutter that was used to cut out the letters. Luke Schmid of Cozzens Cabinets handled the computer work needed to send the designs to the cutter. The metal tabs to attach the signs to the chains were cut by Kearney Wood, who is also planning to help Tyson Nelson make gates for the south entrance.

Also helping out on the project were county public works director Bruce Anderson, in addition to Justin Goodwin and others from the county road department.

“We hope that these upgrades will help make our fairgrounds nice and welcoming to visitors,” Marilyn Wood added.

This year’s Iron County Fair, which has the theme of “Light up the Sky,” starts Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 5. But while the fair is traditionally staged over Labor Day weekend, there are several other related events taking place throughout August. Events that already have happened include the Miss Iron County Pageant on Aug. 6 and the mud run and mud bog events last Saturday. Upcoming events include an ATV excursion, mini car races and a demolition derby on Saturday, and a trail ride and country music concert on Aug. 27.

Sept. 2 will be the first of three nights that a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo will be staged, with a fireworks show capping off each evening. Folks can also enjoy carnival rides and viewing the many exhibits at the fairgrounds throughout Labor Day weekend.

The Iron County Fair will wrap up on Labor Day (Sept. 5) with a 5K walk and run starting at 8 a.m., with the races being followed by a festive parade up Parowan’s Main Street at 10 a.m. Those events will kick off a full day’s worth of activities. For a full schedule and other details, visit the fair’s page on Iron County’s website.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

How 10 Utah places got their bizarre names

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutesThis archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.This story is sponsored by Robert J. DeBry—more than 200 years of combined experience...

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

This story is sponsored by Robert J. DeBry—more than 200 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. *Robert DeBry is retired from the practice of law.

It's a land where Rykers, Anbres and Kaiges roam free and creative baby names could be considered a fine art. In fact, Utah's penchant for strange baby names has received national attention, but that shouldn't be surprising considering Utah's geographical naming conventions.

Utah is rife with creative names—from Piute Reservoir to shining Panguich. Here are a few of the weirdest-named places in the Beehive State.

Tooele

Too-whata? If you've never heard the name of this Utah town spoken aloud, chances are you'll mispronounce it from the get-go. But when first settled, Tooele was much more phonetically friendly. Originally named Tuilla — pronounced just like it sounds — the town marks one of the state's first settlements, tracing its roots to 1853.

Today, the city of 30,000 remains a colorful community, although the origins of its name remains disputed, according to Tooele City. The Tooele County website reports many believe the word stems from a Native American word, as the Goshutes Indian tribe once lived in the area. Whatever the case, the pronunciation of Tooele is a sure way to tell who is — and more surely, who isn't — from Utah.

Uniquely Utah activities for your post-COVID-19 bucket list

For those who are looking for some ideas to add to their post-coronavirus bucket list, here are a few uniquely Utah options to consider.

Bicknell

Changing the weird name of a town to another weird name seems to be one of Utah's favorite pastimes. Like Tooele, the south-central Utah town of Bicknell was once called something equally strange: Thurber. Thurber was originally named for the first person to build a house in the area, A.K. Thurber in 1879. In 1897 the town moved in search of better water and soil but kept its name until 1914, according to capitolreef.org.

That's when things got a little funny in Thurber. A wealthy gentleman, Thomas Bicknell, offered a library with 1,000 books to any town that would change its name to his — Bicknell. Thurber wasn't the only willing candidate. Grayson, Utah, also wanted the naming rights — or more likely, the library — and in the end, the two towns shared the library and Grayson took Mrs. Bicknell's maiden name, Blanding, while Thurber officially became Bicknell. Confused yet?

Mexican Hat

Not to be confused with sombrero, Mexican Hat is a small village in southeastern Utah near the Arizona border. The town's funny name has a less-funny (and less creative) story behind it — it's named for the rock formation nearby that looks much like south-of-the-border headgear.

The 60-foot, sombrero-shaped rock sits just northeast of the town and is a sure sign that rafting aficionados have reached their destination.

La Verkin

And yes, that's two words. La Verkin, a small town in Washington County, was home to nearly 4,000 in 2018 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But ask any of those residents the origin of their town's unique name and you might get nearly 4,000 different explanations. That's because La Verkin's naming story, like that of so many weird-named places in Utah, is largely unknown — and highly speculated.

According to the town's website, there are a few more popular theories. One is that La Verkin was derived (sort of) from a Spanish phrase meaning The Virgin. Others conclude the name is Native American for Beautiful Valley. And there's also evidence to suggest the town may have once been called Beaver Skin Creek, only to deteriorate over the years to LeaverSkin to Lavinskind and finally to La Verkin. Any other guesses?

Duchesne

Go ahead and call it "doo-chez-nee" if you want everyone to know you're not from Duchesne, which is actually pronounced "doo-shane." Of course, the northeastern Utah town has seen its share of name changes throughout the years (and it still settled on the difficult-to-pronounce Duchesne).

The town's naming history includes Dora, named for the daughter of an early settler. Later, the name was changed again to Theodore, after President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1910, the town settled on Duchesne, although many still called it Theodore. The name stuck in 1913 when Duchesne was officially incorporated.

Moab

The name likely makes you think of red rock and recreation, but the town's fame doesn't make its name any less unique. While the state's southern hub for all things outdoors might be quintessentially Utah, its name may be much more eastern —as in middle eastern.

According to a community website, the most accepted theory surrounding its name is biblical in nature. In the Bible, Moab is referenced as a dry and mountainous area near Jerusalem. Of course, Utah's early religious settlers would have known this reference and may have used the name Moab to contrast the dry, red-rocked landscape of Southern Utah from the rest of the Beehive State.

Paragonah

Originally known as Red Creek (which was arguably much easier to say and spell), this Iron County town became Paragoonah before finally and officially settling as Paragonah in the late 19th Century. If that's not confusing enough, the town was settled by residents of the nearby town of Parowan.

The name Paragonah is a Paiute Native American word, thought to mean red water, warm water or many waters — at any rate, it probably has something to do with water. Of course, that was also the case with Red Creek.

Kanab

The name Little Hollywood arguably has a more appealing ring to it than Kanab, but you can't fight history. The town, nicknamed Little Hollywood because of the number of movies filmed there was named Kanab, a Paiute word meaning "place of the willows."

According to the town's website, Kanab was settled in 1864 when Fort Kanab was built on the banks of Kanab Creek. Today, it's not just a popular filming locale, it's also a great spot to settle in when visiting Zion, Bryce or Grand Canyon National Parks.

Amalga

There's a little bit of sugar in Amalga, Utah — literally. In fact, the name of this small town, nestled just three miles west of Smithfield, comes from the sweet plant itself — sort of. The settlement was originally an agricultural community and home to the Amalgamated Sugar Company, for which the town was named, according to a University of Utah publication.

Unfortunately, a sugar beet blight ran the sugar operations in Amalga out of business, but the town – which now has a population of around 500 – continued the sweet life, complete with a central green space known as Sugar Park.

Eggnog

While some Utah town names are hard to pronounce and shrouded with mystery, the origins of others are painfully obvious. Such is the case with Eggnog, an unincorporated community in Garfield County. According to the highly limited information on the World Wide Web regarding this merry, yet mysterious little place, Eggnog was likely named for — wait for it — egg nog.

Utah may be famous for its oddly named geography, but unique names just add to the endless charm of the Beehive State. After all, no one wants to be ordinary — especially in Utah.

Celebrating Utah's uniqueness

Robert J. DeBry & Associates is dedicated to bettering the quality of life in Utah by providing education and services to the Utah community. If you've been injured in an accident and need legal assistance, please contact our office at 801-699-9999.

Brandview

Robert J. DeBry & Associates

More stories you may be interested in

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.