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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

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Home Care In Virgin, UT

Home Care Virgin, 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 Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument 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 Virgin, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Virgin, UT

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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!”

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love always best care ❤️”

Breezy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”

Margot K.
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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.
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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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Love working for this company”

Christina P.
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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 Virgin, UT?

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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.

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

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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.

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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 Virgin, UT

Types of Elderly Care in Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin Town 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 Virgin, 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 Cactus Room or visit Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, 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 Virgin, UT

Benefits of Home Care in Virgin, 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.

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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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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:

  • Sterling Court - An Elegant Assisted Living Community in Southern Utah
  • Beehive Homes of St George - River Road / Little Valley
  • Beehive Homes of St George - Coral Canyon Bldg B
  • Ridgeview Gardens Assisted Living
  • Beehive Homes of Hurricane
  • Spring Gardens Senior Living St. George
Home Care Virgin, 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 Virgin, 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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Virgin, 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 Virgin, UT

Latest News in Virgin, UT

‘One in a million’ white bison born in Southern Utah

ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah welcomed a “one in a million” white bison calf to the Zion White Bison Resort and Zion Nature Park.The female calf was born on March 31 at 7 p.m. to the resort’s 5-year-old female bison, Marshmallow, and BraveHeart, a 4-year-old white bull.“A white bison is a rare animal that is revered and held sacred to Native American tribes,” McKell Davis, a spokeswoman for the resort, told St. George News. “If that happened, they had a ceremony; it was th...

ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah welcomed a “one in a million” white bison calf to the Zion White Bison Resort and Zion Nature Park.

The female calf was born on March 31 at 7 p.m. to the resort’s 5-year-old female bison, Marshmallow, and BraveHeart, a 4-year-old white bull.

“A white bison is a rare animal that is revered and held sacred to Native American tribes,” McKell Davis, a spokeswoman for the resort, told St. George News. “If that happened, they had a ceremony; it was this very special thing.”

Davis said her online research shows the birth of a white bison happens in only “one in a million” births. The name for the calf has yet to be chosen.

When the resort initially opened in September 2021, it was called Weeping Buffalo Resort and had brown bison. But after the owner brought in a white bison and heard from local Native Americans that the white bison was sacred, he decided to bring in Marshmallow, BraveHeart and the newborn calf’s grandmother Ghost, an 8-year-old white bison.

Davis said the resort is committed to preserving and protecting the sacred animals while offering guests an unforgettable experience.

A news release issued by the resort shared its excitement about the newborn:

“The resort is eager to share this remarkable addition with its guests and promote awareness about the importance of conservation and the cultural meaning of these amazing bison.”

Access to the bison is limited to guests, Davis said, and general public viewing of the new calf has yet to be available due to ongoing construction at the resort.

Davis said guests are encouraged to appreciate the spiritual and cultural significance of the white bison while learning about their role in Native American traditions.

Currently, the Zion White Bison Resort provides a sanctuary for three white bison and two brown bison. The bison calves will be rehomed to Native American tribes when it’s time to wean the calves from their mothers.

The resort is located 14 miles away from the timeless beauty of Zion National Park and features 36 glamping units on-site that include tipis, covered wagons and cliff dwellings. The tents have modern comforts such as TVs, hot tubs and climate control. That number could increase by fall, along with an additional 150 RV sites, Davis said. Davis said future plans include a restaurant or a convenience store and also a hotel for the property.

Photo Gallery

A rare white bison with its mother, Marshmallow, was born near Zion National Park at the Zion White Bison Resort, Virgin, Utah, unspecified date | Photo courtesy of Zion White Bison Resort, St. George News

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

UPDATED: Washington County residents warned to be prepared for the worst; city crews stand ready as rivers rage

Washington County residents warned to be prepared for the worst; city crews stand ready as rivers rage0 seconds of 2 minutes, 3 secondsVolume 0%SANTA CLARA — At the bridge on Old Dixie Highway 91 that crosses the Santa Clara River, what normally looks like a gentle stream was a fast-moving torrent around 11 a.m. Wednesday as gauges nearby and closer to the Gunlock Reservoir were passing flood stage.Update March 15, 7 p.m. New details on rising waters in Santa Clara, I-15 closed between St. G...

Washington County residents warned to be prepared for the worst; city crews stand ready as rivers rage

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SANTA CLARA — At the bridge on Old Dixie Highway 91 that crosses the Santa Clara River, what normally looks like a gentle stream was a fast-moving torrent around 11 a.m. Wednesday as gauges nearby and closer to the Gunlock Reservoir were passing flood stage.

Update March 15, 7 p.m. New details on rising waters in Santa Clara, I-15 closed between St. George and Las Vegas, video updated, additional photos added

But five miles downstream, the river, while not its usual trickle, still seemed to be gently moving.

“Where is it?” a worker with the city of Santa Clara could be heard saying on the Clary Bridge above the river with several other workers. About seven city vehicles in total from Santa Clara, Ivins and St. George and two excavators at the ready, the city’s mayor said, prepared to remove debris that might clog up the river..

As a U.S. Geographical Survey gauge near the Winsor Dam on the Santa Clara River rose six feet in three hours as the sun rose Wednesday morning, the combination of a steady rainfall on top of snowmelt has areas near rivers and streams throughout Southern Utah either experiencing active flooding or the treat of the same.

Flash flood warnings and watches from the National Weather Service are in effect through Thursday afternoon. Santa Clara and St. George officials have stationed crews on bridges and excavators along the Santa Clara River. In Bloomington, a trail near the Man O War Road Bridge above the Virgin River was closed as fast, choppy waters flowed below.

Streets above the washes have been flooding over since Tuesday night in Enterprise, which has been seeing several days of scattered drizzle, and county officials said other areas near state Route 18 are experiencing flooding, though they are mostly uninhabited.

Late in the afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a new flash flood warning for the Bloomington area, saying that by Thursday morning the Virgin River there is expected to crest at nearly 19 feet and flood waters will threaten homes in Bloomington Park. That would be the highest at the Man O War Bridge since the river crested at 17 feet in January 2008, but is still less than the 26-foot crest recorded in the January 2005 floods.

Further downstream the Virgin River past Arizona, by 6:30 p.m., flooding was complicating the commute between St. George and Las Vegas. Past Mesquite, Interstate 15 flooded, forcing its closure at Logandale/Overton exit in both directions.

Back up in Enterprise, officials reported the Lower Enterprise Reservoir had risen a foot in about in hour around 5 p.m. to 24 feet. That’s two feet below where the reservoir could spill over and threaten the town itself.

Local officials have been worried since January that a large snowpack combined with a steady rainfall could create conditions similar to the 2005 Santa Clara flood that swept away homes and caused more than $225 million in damage.

But by noon, even while the river was raging five miles away, city workers remained on standby next to calmer waters. And Jason Bradley, emergency operations manager for Washington County, told St. George News that wasn’t an accident.

“The water kind of just blows out into open areas so it doesn’t blow into Santa Clara like it used to,” Bradley said of efforts since 2005 to lessen the blow of flood waters coming down the Santa Clara River. “We’re hopeful with all the mitigation that’s gone on throughout the last few years, we will be able to make it through this.”

Santa Clara Mayor Rick Rosenberg, in his other job leading Rosenberg Associates, has been the project manager on many of the mitigation efforts. Even as his city workers saw the river as being corralled, Rosenberg said he still had concerns that the worst was still coming.

“The flood has not reached the city yet. Maybe in an hour or two, “ Rosenberg said around 11 a.m. “Current flows are manageable but now the reservoirs are full. We will have to monitor conditions throughout the runoff period.”

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, the water started rising and raging below the Clary Bridge. By 6 p.m., river water filled the entire ravine. A little downstream, Lava Flow Drive and its bridge were flooded over next to Sunbrook Golf Club in St. George.

That point was underscored at the Gunlock Reservoir, where Gunlock Falls saw torrents of choppy water, and officials were closing off some areas as needed because of debris coming off the spillway.

Far down the river at Mathis Park next to Dixie Drive, St. George workers and an excavator were also at the ready.

“We do have crews ready to remove debris if it impedes flow, in particular along the Santa Clara,” St. George spokesman David Cordero said.

For residents at risk, Cordero said free sandbags can be picked up at the Reuse Center at 575 E. Brigham Road near Desert Hills High School.

The same option is available for Santa Clara and Ivins residents at the Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Station, Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Chief Andrew Parker said.

For those who live near the rivers in Washington County, Bradley said the time is now to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

“If they believe they’re at risk, they need to take proactive steps,” Bradley said of local residents near rivers and streams. “Make sure to have a place to go if you have to and consider sandbags, especially if they’ve had problems in the past.”

On the Virgin River, the weather service said Wednesday morning that it was possible that the river in the Bloomington area may reach flood stage in the next 24 hours. “Trail closed” signs could be seen next to the Man O War Bridge.

As of 2 p.m., St. George closed the Middleton Wash Trail, the Halfway Wash Trail tunnel at Royal Oaks Park and the trail from Bloomington to Sun River.

The Virgin River could also be seen flowing rapidly next to Sullivan Soccer Park in Washington City.

Wet weather has been a constant theme further north in Enterprise the last few days.

Enterprise Fire Chief Brenden Moody said the bridges on Center Street and 100 South have flooded over. However, he adds, the rest of the city is handling the water well.

“Over the washes is where it’s flooding. The city streets are handling it quickly,” Moody said. “Weather has been a constant stream the last couple of days.”

Moody said Tuesday night, a vehicle tried to cross one of the flooding wash overpasses and was swept into the wash. He added both the passengers and the vehicle itself were removed safely.

The way the county’s emergency manager puts it, a brain drain might be the only reason to be around the local rivers, streams and washes – or the Gunlock Falls area.

“Hopefully people don’t do that. It’s just not smart,” Bradley said. “ You should stay away from spillways and trails near the rivers. Our rivers are close. Things change from moment to moment so let’s cross our fingers.”

This is a developing story.

St. George News reporters Layce Lundy and Vin Cappiello contributed to this story.

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

Heavy rains, melting snowpack leave rivers overflowing across Southern Utah

ST. GEORGE — The steady downpour of rain that blanketed Southern Utah well into Wednesday night caused flooding throughout the region and left two rivers swelling to the point of running over as water levels rose higher than they have in nearly two decades.The heavy rain also melted the snowpack, which makes up about 95% of the state’s water supply, according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources. The melting snow also sen...

ST. GEORGE — The steady downpour of rain that blanketed Southern Utah well into Wednesday night caused flooding throughout the region and left two rivers swelling to the point of running over as water levels rose higher than they have in nearly two decades.

The heavy rain also melted the snowpack, which makes up about 95% of the state’s water supply, according to the Utah Department of Natural Resources. The melting snow also sent water running downstream into the overflowing rivers that quickly reached critical levels.

The National Weather Service issued two flash flood warnings at 8 a.m. Thursday, saying conditions were expected to continue until 6 p.m. and also provided flood stage levels for the Santa Clara River at St. George and the Virgin River at Bloomington. The Santa Clara river rose to nearly 18 feet, the highest since 2005.

David Cordero, communications director for the City of St. George, said it will take some time to rebuild a few of the trails and some of the cart paths at Southgate Golf Club, including the “front 9” that is expected to remain closed for repairs until the middle of April. Sections of the multi-use trail may take a month or so to complete.

“I think we came through OK,” Cordero said. “We will have a better gauge on the timeline in the coming days and weeks,”

Virgin River

The upper Virgin River watershed encompasses nearly 1.4 million acres that stretch across Utah, and in Bloomington, the river rose to 17 feet and was moving at 10,800 cubic feet per second Thursday morning. The last time the river rose to that level was in 2008, when it rose to 17.8 feet.

The Virgin River is more than 590% above the seasonal averages, and according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s SnoFlo report, “Recent flow activity has caused river levels to skyrocket.” The spike in the need for flood removal services is expected to increase the likelihood of water damage to the surrounding area.

Runoff waters and flooding have created waterfalls in Gunlock State Park and caused road closures due to debris coming off the spillway. Those closures remained in effect Thursday.

Zion National Park

Visitor access has been impacted at Zion National Park, according to the park’s website, which states that the Narrows, as well as all routes that exit through it, are closed for the next 24 hours, or until the volume of water drops below 150 cubic feet per second.

Riverside Walk, a paved trail that starts at the Temple of Sinawava, is open.

The park advisory also states that travel has been reduced to a single lane both in and out of the park at the South Entrance to accommodate for the drainage improvement work being conducted under the roadway.

Additionally, rock falls have limited travel near the Mount Carmel Junction, which is blocked near the East Entrance, as well as to the south, near Springdale. Park officials also advise that a rockfall near Kolob Canyons Road has blocked off travel beyond the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, and once the debris has been cleared, the roads will reopen.

St. George News has assembled photos and video, including those submitted by the Southern Utah community, of the storm and its aftermath, which can be viewed in the video at the top of this report.

St. George News reporter Chris Reed contributed to this report.

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

Storm brings rain, flood watch to Southern Utah, Zion National Park

ST. GEORGE — Rain falling on deep primed snowpack in the headwaters of the Virgin River has resulted in a flood watch being issued by the National Weather Service for Washington, Iron and Kane counties.The alert, which includes Springdale, specifically covers “flows in the Subway, the Narrows and other drainages through Zion National Park that feed into the North and East Forks of the Virgin River.”Water levels “may increase quickly and reach critical levels within the park. Mainstem riv...

ST. GEORGE — Rain falling on deep primed snowpack in the headwaters of the Virgin River has resulted in a flood watch being issued by the National Weather Service for Washington, Iron and Kane counties.

The alert, which includes Springdale, specifically covers “flows in the Subway, the Narrows and other drainages through Zion National Park that feed into the North and East Forks of the Virgin River.”

Water levels “may increase quickly and reach critical levels within the park. Mainstem river flooding of the Virgin River is not expected,” the weather service said in a news release.

“The North Fork of the Virgin River is expected to rise above 3,000 cubic feet per second, while the East Fork of the Virgin River is expected to rise above 1,200 CFS, both of which are below mainstem river flood levels. However, flows of these levels will be dangerous to hikers and outdoor recreation within slot canyons and normally dry washes.”

The flood watch is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday afternoon.

The Utah Department of Transportation said on its website that the storm will bring “heavy precipitation to the state.” Brian Head is listed as one area that will be impacted by “road snow accumulations,” while Cedar City and the Iron County Interstate 15 corridor could see winds of 40-50 mph.

UDOT encourages drivers to exercise caution should they encounter excessive amounts of water or flooding on the roadway, adding:

“You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those with outdoor recreation plans in Zion National Park should be prepared to take action should flooding develop or plan to avoid flood-prone routes within the park.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Virgin River near Bloomington is flowing between 8 and 9 feet but is expected to rise as the storm develops.

Click the links to access on-site webcams at Zion Temples and the Zion National Park South Entrance.

A small town’s leaders violated state statute by giving themselves hefty pay increases

Official in the town near Zion National Park voted repeatedly to up their pay without properly codifying the increases. | Updated: 10:26 a.m.Virgin • Municipal officials in Virgin, a small town 15 miles west of Zion National Park, voted repeatedly to increase their pay between fiscal years 2018 and 2022 without holding a public hearing or codifying the increases by ordinance as required by state law.Mayoral pay went up from $400 to $1,000 a month, a 150% increase, over that period. Members of the Town Counc...

Official in the town near Zion National Park voted repeatedly to up their pay without properly codifying the increases.

| Updated: 10:26 a.m.

Virgin • Municipal officials in Virgin, a small town 15 miles west of Zion National Park, voted repeatedly to increase their pay between fiscal years 2018 and 2022 without holding a public hearing or codifying the increases by ordinance as required by state law.

Mayoral pay went up from $400 to $1,000 a month, a 150% increase, over that period. Members of the Town Council increased their monthly pay by 250%, from $100 to $350. They also more than tripled the Planning Commission chair’s pay from $85 to $325. Pay for others on the commission jumped from $65 to $255.

By Mayor Jean Krause’s reckoning, Virgin overpaid its elected and appointed officials by $78,240 during that four-year period. Krause, who became mayor last January, said the pay hikes happened during former Mayor Matt Spendlove’s watch and doesn’t know why town officials quit complying with the law.

“It’s up to the mayor and town council that’s in office to know how to do things right,” Krause said. “My educated guess is that the previous council thought they knew what they were doing.”

Spendlove did not return phone calls, but Councilman Gene Garate, who has been on the council for three years and voted to approve some of the increases, said there was nothing nefarious going on. He said the previous mayor and council thought they were complying with the law by putting the increases in the budget each year.

Garate said each time the budget came up for approval, the meeting was properly noticed and copies of the budget with the proposed pay hikes were available to the public and discussed openly. But the increases were never put in ordinance form.

“Ignorance and errors on our part did not mean malfeasance on the part of the individuals that screw[ed] up. We just didn’t know,” he said. “It’s real easy for people to jump in and say all this shady crap is going on in this town. And that’s not the case. We try to do the right thing but holy criminy, there’s so much to keep up with.”

State code requires the cities to provide notice at least seven days before a public hearing to increase salaries. If municipal officials decide to hike pay, the code requires them to enact that increase by ordinance. Virgin town officials did neither.

Councilman Paul Luwe, a former city attorney for Bozeman, Montana, discovered the problem after he took office in January and wondered why he was receiving $350 a month instead of the $100 listed in the municipal ordinance. He notified Krause that the ordinance needed to be amended to reflect town officials’ current salaries.

Luwe said the mayor agreed but asked him to hold off until after the budget for fiscal year 2023, which contained yet another proposed pay increase was approved, so the city would not be processing two amendments to the salary ordinance in a short time.

Krause said town officials intended to provide the public notice of the proposed pay hikes in July, but someone dropped the ball. Nonetheless, the salary increases went into effect in July, despite the lack of a public hearing.

Another public hearing set for August had to be continued to September, the mayor added, after another item on the agenda took up the whole meeting. On Sept. 28, the mayor and council members voted 4-1 to approve the ordinance to hike municipal pay and made the increases retroactive to July. Luwe voted against the increase.

The latest pay hikes for the fiscal year 2023 bumped up the mayor’s monthly pay from $1,000 to $1,200 and council members’ pay from $350 to $400. The planning commission chair’s pay increased from $325 to $400, and other commissioners’ salaries went from $255 to $300.

Ann Beshell, who has lived in Virgin for 20 years, said the lack of transparency is something many residents have come to expect from their elected representatives.

“I understand people need to get paid, she said. But they need to do everything according to the law. They can’t just say, ‘Let’s give ourselves a raise’ and not have to ask the townspeople about it.”

California transplant Tony Sweett, who has lived in Virgin since 2019, is more inclined to give Virgin leaders the benefit of the doubt. He said his interaction with council members Garate and Leroy Thompson has shown him they are upfront guys. “I have the utmost confidence in them,” he said.

Heath Snow, Virgin’s part-time city attorney, said he did not know until just recently about the illegal salary increases. Krause said it is unfair to pin the problem on Snow, who only weighs in on matters when asked by town leaders.

“He would never have been aware that the town had not done an ordinance for salary,” the mayor said. “[Part-time city attorneys] do not sit there with a microscope and watch every little thing the town does. That is not their job.”

At any rate, the mayor and council agree, the question remains what to do about it. Krause said a representative of the state Auditor’s Office, who contacted her after receiving a complaint about the salary irregularities, told her the council needs to decide to recoup the cost or enact an ordinance to forgive the overpayments.

Snow has advised town leaders the latter might be the better option. Luwe concurs, saying trying to force current and former city officials to repay the amount they were overpaid could cost the city more in legal expenses than the amount of money they could recover.

“You might have to proceed with a civil action to collect the money,” Luwe said. “You’re going to be suing many of your citizens. This is a small town, so suing citizens is going to have a detrimental effect on people serving [in municipal government] in the future.”

Garate doesn’t mince words about which of the two options he prefers.

“We’re a very small town; everybody knows everybody,” he said. " If you come in and start saying, ‘Well, we’re going to sue you to get the money — the $300 or $500 or whatever it was that the town paid you that wasn’t put into ordinance because we messed up.’ Holy criminy, it would rip our town apart.”

Krause and council members will meet Nov. 16 to consider their options. While the outcome of that meeting is not set in stone, the city is currently drafting a proposed ordinance that would essentially forgive the overpayments by approving the increases from fiscal years 2018 to 2022 and making that approval retroactive.

Correction, Nov. 10: This article was updated with the correct percentages of increases for the mayor and Town Council.

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