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
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 Panguitch Fort and Panguitch Quilt Walk Markers 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 Panguitch, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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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“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I”
“Love working for this company”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“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!!”
“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 ????”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“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.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 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!”
“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!”
“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”
“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!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Love working for this company”
“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!!????”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Panguitch City Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Backroads Bistro or visit Daughters of Utah Pioneers - No 166 - Panguitch Stake Tabernacle, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Panguitch, 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.
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:
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 Panguitch, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Panguitch, 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.
From the peaks of the Wasatch range in Cache Valley to the red rocks in St. George, Utah offers amazing places to explore, particularly when it comes to small towns. You will find beautiful places scattered throughout the state — from mountain towns to deserts and cities. No matter where you roam, you will find someplace full of charm that will delight you in every way. But, none are as charming as the small town of Panguitch.Panguitch is the ideal weekend escape in Utah because it has it all – gorgeous views, recreational...
From the peaks of the Wasatch range in Cache Valley to the red rocks in St. George, Utah offers amazing places to explore, particularly when it comes to small towns. You will find beautiful places scattered throughout the state — from mountain towns to deserts and cities. No matter where you roam, you will find someplace full of charm that will delight you in every way. But, none are as charming as the small town of Panguitch.
Panguitch is the ideal weekend escape in Utah because it has it all – gorgeous views, recreational activities, lots of history, excellent food, and beautiful places to stay. With so much to offer, there’s no doubt that it is the best small town in Utah for a getaway.
From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.
To discover even more about Panguitch, Utah in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Estimated read time: 2-3 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.PANGUITCH — Following the recent opening of the Vernal Innovation Hub in Uintah County, Garfield County is getting ready to open its own space for remote work, creativity and connection.The Panguitch Innovation Hub will cel...
Estimated read time: 2-3 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.
PANGUITCH — Following the recent opening of the Vernal Innovation Hub in Uintah County, Garfield County is getting ready to open its own space for remote work, creativity and connection.
The Panguitch Innovation Hub will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Monday, March 29. Callie Ward, a Utah State University Extension professor who's launching the hub with her USU co-worker and Panguitch City Councilman Mike Sarles, told KSL.com the project is nearly two years in the making.
"We actually received the funding in September of 2019," Ward said, referring to a grant from the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The space chosen — inside the Panguitch city hall and library — was being used for storage at the time, she said. "There was a lot of random stuff. One of the rooms held all the newspapers from the past, probably, hundred years."
They got started on clearing the space, but were interrupted twice by the coronavirus pandemic — once during the initial stay-at-home recommendations, then later again when cases surged in the fall. Finally, though, the team was able to spend time on the project this spring and is prepared to open.
Ward said the hub will include large-format printers, copiers, laser engraving equipment, a 3D printer, a podcasting setup, photography and video equipment, and more. The location will even have a commercial "innovation kitchen" for those interested in becoming food entrepreneurs, she said, baking or cooking their products on-site.
"Individuals can lease the (kitchen) on an hourly or daily basis," Ward said, "and do temporary storage of their food product."
Those interested in using the other co-working space can rent dedicated or shared desks for the day or on a longer-term basis, Ward added.
"What we're hoping for is to get more of the permanent remote workers," she said, "but we also want to have this facility be accessible to tourists that are coming through. If they're on vacation and need 20 minutes to run some copies or check their email, they can do that, or they can purchase a day pass."
We want to promote opportunities for remote workers. People would love to live in rural Utah and reap the benefits of rural communities, these beautiful places, without sacrificing job opportunities.
Ultimately, Ward said the hub's goal is to attract and retain talent in Garfield County and allow its online workers to stay local. "We just jumped on the opportunity to provide a facility and infrastructure for our community, and give a spot for people who want to be remote workers or entrepreneurs. ... We want to promote opportunities for remote workers. People would love to live in rural Utah and reap the benefits of rural communities, these beautiful places, without sacrificing job opportunities."
And after the Panguitch hub is off the ground, Ward said her team will begin work on another hub in Escalante she hopes to have open by the end of the year.
The Panguitch Innovation Hub is located at 25 S. 200 East. Its ribbon cutting and open house will be Monday at 2 p.m., and those interested can RSVP at 435-676-1113.
CEDAR CITY — The Panguitch High School Bobcats won their fourth consecutive state wrestling championship on Saturday in Richfield.Competing at the 1A state tournament at the Sevier Valley Center, the Bobcats saw six wrestlers make it to their finals, with five of them winning their respective brackets.Panguitch head coach Colin Marshall told Cedar City News that his wrestlers bounced back from a tough day on Friday to finish strong on Saturday.“On Friday, we lost some tough battles in the sem...
CEDAR CITY — The Panguitch High School Bobcats won their fourth consecutive state wrestling championship on Saturday in Richfield.
Competing at the 1A state tournament at the Sevier Valley Center, the Bobcats saw six wrestlers make it to their finals, with five of them winning their respective brackets.
Panguitch head coach Colin Marshall told Cedar City News that his wrestlers bounced back from a tough day on Friday to finish strong on Saturday.
“On Friday, we lost some tough battles in the semifinals and the team was a little deflated,” Marshall said. “We met together as a team and tried to refocus for a tough day on Saturday.
“The boys came out firing,” Marshall added. “That momentum took us into the finals with a lot of energy. We won some tough battles to put a solid group in the placement rounds for third and fourth.”
Panguitch ended up with 215 total team points, while second-place Altamont had 163 and third-place Milford finished with 162.
Leading the way for Panguitch were the following wrestlers who all won their respective brackets: junior Tanner Marshall at 106 pounds, sophomore Shad Partridge at 126 pounds, sophomore Braxton Atkin at 132 pounds, senior Cael Houston at 165 pounds and senior Cole Harland at 285 pounds.
“Tanner Marshall at 106 came up with a big win against a solid opponent from Milford,” Marshall said, referring to his nephew’s second-round pin of Boston Thompson.
“He was followed by Shad Partridge at 126, who has been fighting an injury since divisionals and has had limited time in the wrestling room due to the injury,” coach Marshall added. “Shad showed his mental toughness by fighting through the pain of an injury and pulling off a win.”
In the very next match at 132 pounds, Panguitch sophomore Braxton Atkin went up against Milford senior Hagen Mayer, one of the state’s top-ranked wrestlers.
“This match was a battle that Braxton ultimately won with a third-round pin,” Marshall said.
Panguitch’s next individual champion was senior Cael Houston at 165 pounds. His finals match was a repeat of last year’s state finals against senior Monty Morrison of Piute.
“These two wrestlers have faced each other multiple times over the years and it is always a battle,” Marshall said. “Cael was able to come up with a win in overtime and earned a well-deserved outstanding wrestler award.”
Panguitch later capped off the night with a win in the 285-pound heavyweight bracket, with senior Cole Harland defeating Jordan Johnson of Rich in an 8-3 decision.
Also for Panguitch, junior Theron Evans finished second in the 175-pound bracket, losing a tough finals match to Altamont’s Bryant Mullins.
Others placing at state for the Bobcats were Max Albrecht (third place at 106 pounds), Tavin Leibbrandt (fourth place at 113), Randy Marshall (third place at 120), Owen Crofts (fourth place at 126), Bryson Henrie (third place at 132), Cameron Atkin (fourth place at 138), Ronan Mooney (fourth place at 144), Jacob Marshall (third place at 150), Koda Bridges (third place at 190) and Gage Julander (fourth place at 215).
“The boys came together as a team and it made all the difference on Saturday,” coach Marshall said. “I am so proud of these great young men. This is our fourth state championship in a row and these boys have shown grit and toughness to help this team win each championship.”
Marshall also thanked the Panguitch parents and fans for their support.
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I recently returned from a long road trip to The Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah, including Bryce Canyon, and I made it a point to ride my mountain bike in every single destination.See Also: The Mighty 5: Mountain Biking near Utah’s National ParksAfter some serious research, ...
I recently returned from a long road trip to The Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah, including Bryce Canyon, and I made it a point to ride my mountain bike in every single destination.
See Also: The Mighty 5: Mountain Biking near Utah’s National Parks
After some serious research, Thunder Mountain seemed like the only legitimate mountain bike trail close to Bryce Canyon, so I set out to explore it on my own, hoping that the internet reviews were accurate. There are no bike shops anywhere near Hatch or Panguitch, where Thunder Mountain is located, so riders are really forced to rely on reviews like this one for the scoop.
Thunder Mountain is located in Red Canyon, about 10 miles west of Bryce Canyon on Hwy 12. Probably the most important thing you need to know before embarking on this trail is that it is best ridden from east to west. You could ride it as an out-and-back, but the western end of Thunder Mountain would be a brutally-steep climb. Therefore, I think it is either best done as a shuttle, or by making a loop using the SR-12 bike path that parallels Hwy 12.
In the interest of time (and impending foul weather), I elected to shuttle it. You can start at the Coyote Hollow Trailhead just off of Hwy 12, or drive about two miles up Coyote Hollow Road (a dirt road) to where the trail actually starts, aptly-named “Thunder Mountain Trailhead.”
The trailhead is located at 8,077 feet, and the trail begins with a gentle climb on red dirt sounded by pines and desert flora. A front was moving in on me quickly, so I made haste and didn’t stop for a lot of photos.
The first 4.2 miles of this trail are relatively smooth and flowy, with some fairly fast downhills on buff terrain, followed by some gradual climbs that take about 10 minutes or less. There are two notable steep climbing sections, both short, but steep enough that many riders may need to get off and walk due to the grade. The first is about 2.6 miles in, with a grade ranging from 18-24%. It’s a doozy, but it’s doable if you torque up and pedal. The second comes at about 3.6 miles in, consists of about a mile of climbing, and also has a section that is 24%. After that, though, it’s almost all downhill… so hang in there.
There is a point where the scenery changes dramatically: you’ll emerge from the forest, and the landscape will start to feel more open as you approach a ridgeline. When you see the first two, very large, orange hoodoos, you can rest assured that the downhill fun is about to begin. As you hit the pinnacle of the ridgeline at about mile 4.2 (8,270ft), breathtaking views of a multi-colored desert canyon are short-lived before the trail turns decidedly down. In fact, aside from two very short climbs at mile 5.0 and mile 5.7, it is almost all downhill, with grades often -14% to -18%… and that is steep, my friends!
I went into this ride thinking that Thunder Mountain was a buff trail with a few steep sections but assuming, based on reviews, that it was squarely an intermediate belt of singletrack. For the most part that is true, and I think any confident intermediate rider would have no problem with most of this trail, but there are a few sections that will give any non-seasoned rider pause.
Between mile 5 and 6.6, for example there are some tight, rocky switchbacks that are honestly pretty hard to make. They are easily-ridable for the experienced, and certainly walkable, but not exactly “intermediate” in my opinion. They were a blast for anyone that likes ripping down steep, gnarly, twisty trails–so I would do them a hundred times over. The only bummer is that the scenery is gorgeous here, and you hardly get to look at it because the trail demands 100% of your attention.
After this section, there is a very photogenic area of large hoodoos and deep orange and red-colored rocks. The trail follows a narrow, picturesque ridge that reminded me a lot of Zippity Doo Dah in Fruita (if that trail could be transplanted on Mars), before dropping another short series of tight, fast switchbacks into a creek bed. Despite being on the very edge of a system of wet snow and sleet at the end of winter, the trail was tacky-dry and the creek bed had no running water. The trail continues on the other side of the creek and is easily visible as you pedal up a short climb to an intersection. Keep right here, and you will climb another 2-3 minutes before topping another small hill under tree cover.
Your final effort will be duly-rewarded at the top of that little climb with a screaming-fast, mostly-straight, downhill section littered with little kickers. My max speed was 28mph on this section, and had I known the trail, I could have and would have opened it up quite a bit more. Still, braaap! What a ride!
This downhill took several minutes and was the perfect way to end this ride, as it spits you out in a parking lot on Hwy 12, about 1/2 mile west of the Red Canyon Visitor Center, where they have water and restrooms. This is a great place for a shuttle pickup or, if you are looping it, catching the Red Canyon Bike Path eastbound back to Coyote Hollow.
Thunder Mountain is a hidden gem in the heart of Utah. You may never have opportunity to access it unless you plan a trip to Bryce or just happen to be passing through, but it is well worth the ride if you can make it happen!
PANGUITCH — A 68-year-old great-grandmother has been arrested on federal charges alleging that she sold methamphetamine out of her home in Panguitch.Roxanna Abner-Simkins was arrested at her residence on Dec. 28, according to a news release issued Tuesday by Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.More than one pound of methamphetamine, along with “a substantial amount” of cocaine and heroin and weapons were recovered from the home, the statement added.The investigation and arrest were c...
PANGUITCH — A 68-year-old great-grandmother has been arrested on federal charges alleging that she sold methamphetamine out of her home in Panguitch.
Roxanna Abner-Simkins was arrested at her residence on Dec. 28, according to a news release issued Tuesday by Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.
More than one pound of methamphetamine, along with “a substantial amount” of cocaine and heroin and weapons were recovered from the home, the statement added.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by officers from the Iron Garfield Beaver Counties Narcotics Task Force, along with Garfield County Sheriff’s deputies and one member of the Piute County Sheriff’s Office.
A 3-year-old child, who authorities identified as the great-grandchild of Abner-Simkins, was taken into protective custody by the state Division of Child and Family Services.
“A hair follicle test was done on the child and showed positive for opioids and methamphetamines,” the statement said.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in federal court Jan. 8 in support of the arrest, officers had used an undercover informant to make multiple controlled purchases at Abner-Simkins’ home between September and December 2020. A warrant was obtained on Dec. 27 and executed the following day, the affidavit said.
During the search of Abner-Simkins’ residence, officers reportedly found multiple individual bags containing a crystalline substance consistent with methamphetamine totaling approximately 1.16 pounds (526 grams). A small sample from one of the bags tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, according to the statement.
Two handguns and a large amount of cash were also found inside the home, according to the affidavit.
Court documents show a motion was filed Wednesday to dismiss the various state charges against Abner-Simkins, now that federal charges have been filed.
Abner-Simkins is in custody at Iron County Jail in Cedar City under a federal hold as of Wednesday.
Two other adults who were inside the residence were also arrested during the raid, according to the statement issued by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Rhonda Abner, 40, and Andrew Lynn Sawyer, 29, each face misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, court records show.
This report is based on information provided by law enforcement and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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