And a look back at 2021
by Dixie Brunner
January
Out with the old...
- 2021 heralded more than a new year to Kanab, it brought in new owners of the Southern Utah News!
After 28 years of serving the southern Utah/northern Arizona area, Dennis and Dixie Brunner are handing over the reins to the very competent Neal and Megan Brown of Kanab.
“We wish the Brown family the very best in their new chapter and know that the paper will be in excellent hands,” said the Brunners.
- Governor Spencer Cox was sworn in as Utah’s 18th Governor and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson as the ninth Lt. Governor of Utah in an open-air ceremony at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts.
- President Trump supporters gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol to protest the decision by Congress affirming Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election.
On January 6, 2021, Congress began the electoral process to count votes that would later certify Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America.
The counting was halted as journalists on the ground reported that the U.S. Capitol building was in lockdown as a result of protestors breaching Capitol security. Members of Senate and House were forced to evacuate or shelter in place, wearing protective hoods in the case of tear gas being released, as criminals ransacked offices and destroyed capitol property.
Senators returned to the session at 8 p.m. that evening to resume the electoral vote count and thus confirmed Joe Biden as the next President of the United States.
- Permits to the “Wave” expanded to 64/day.
The Bureau of Land Management announced it has approved a proposal to expand visitor access to the world famous geologic feature known as the “Wave”, located in the Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness on the Arizona Strip. Under the new decision, the number of hiking permits issued for the “Wave” will increase from 20, to 64 people and or 16 groups per day.
- Kane County Hospital’s first baby in 2021 is Bryson Benson. He weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21.2 inches at birth. Proud parents are Shaynelle John and Kaden Benson.
- “Unity is the path forward,” headlined the January 26, 2021 edition of the SUN.
- Joe Biden was sworn in as the President of the United States.
Our Nation’s Capitol dawned bright and chilly with a brisk wind on the morning of January 20, 2021, as the presidential inauguration commenced. The inauguration day of our new president proved to be a day of historical firsts.
Taking her place in history, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States, followed by the swearing in of Joe Biden as the 46th President, the oldest president in our nation’s history to take office at the age of 78.
- A look at the proposed “destination” golf course.
The Kane County Water Conservancy District is seeking $200,000 a year for 30 years from Kane County Transient Room Tax (TRT) funds to help cover the yearly interest payments for a six million dollar loan they expect to receive from the Permanent Community Impact Fund Board.
February
- Locals assist in police chase through Kanab.
Ana Mirian Najarro was booked into the Kane County Jail after leading authorities on a high speed chase with a child in her car through Kanab and Fredonia.
- Zion National Park receives $33 million federal transit grant for electric shuttle buses. The new fleet will include 26 battery-electric buses and 27 charging stations to replace the current propane powered transit fleet.
- Kanab High School Larriettes place second at State Drill Team competition.
- Kane County Water Conservancy District hires consultant for financial analysis of Jackson Flat Golf Course. Golf Course Architect David McLay Kidd presented an updated design for the Jackson Flat Golf Course to the Kane County Water Conservancy District.
- Kane County School District receives $360,000 from SITLA. According to District Superintendent Ben Dalton, it will be distributed by student population as follows; Big Water School $18,777; Kanab High School $87,719; Kanab Middle School $43,719; Kanab Elementary School $128,355; Lake Powell School $4,204; Valley High School $39,235; Valley Elementary School $38,675.
March
- After knocking off the #1 ranked Layton Christian team in the semi-finals, the Kanab Lady Cowboys played for the 2A state basketball title, but fell just short, losing to North Summit.
Kane County ends their mask mandate; state says the rule remains in place. The Kane County
- Commission officially lifted the mask mandate for Kane County on March 18.
- Groundbreaking for new Kanab Elementary School. On March 22, a groundbreaking ceremony was held. We appreciate the Kane County School Board for their vision and foresight in making this project possible.