Wednesday, November 20, 2024
System Operate Position Job Opening for Bear Lake Special Service District
Bear Lake Special Service District
147 W Logan Road
Garden City, UT 84028
JOB OPENING
SYSTEM OPERATOR POSITION
The Bear Lake Special Service District, which provides sewer service on the west side and south shore of Bear Lake, has an opening for a System Operator position available immediately. Persons interested in applying may submit a resume and/or application. Requests are to be sent to Bear Lake Special Service District at bearlakessd@gmail.com or PO Box 220, Garden City, UT 84028.
Pay scale: Starting wage is $20-$25 per hour depending on experience
DUTIES AND ELIGIBILITY
- Valid Driver’s License
- Willing to work anytime during the week and/or weekends as needed
- Able to lift 80 pounds
- Experience operating heavy equipment is desirable
- Some knowledge of electrical is advantageous
- Willing to work with wastewater and work on all aspects of the sewer system
Benefits include retirement, insurance stipend, holiday and sick pay.
Interested applicants may contact the Bear Lake Special Service District at 435-946-3201 or at 147 W Logan Road, Garden City Utah 84028. You may also email a resume to bearlakessd@gmail.com or mail it to P.O. Box 220 Garden City, UT 84028.
Office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 -5:00.
Job posting is open November 25, 2024 until the position is filled.
Chasing Bonneville whitefish
A guide to late fall and winter fishing at Bear Lake
Emily Wright
Bear Lake fisheries biologist
Bear Lake, a vast expanse of aqua-blue water, spans over 100 square miles across the Utah-Idaho border and is often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies." During the summer, it's alive with boaters, swimmers and tourists, many on their way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
But if you're a fishing enthusiast, you know that summer isn't actually the best time to cast a line here. When the heat's up, fish dive deep to stay cool, making them nearly unreachable without specialized gear.
Come late November, though, the Bonneville whitefish come into play. Known for their hard fight and tasty white flesh, they offer a remarkable winter angling experience that's worth the cold. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this exciting season at Bear Lake.
Bear Lake's four endemic fish species: a unique opportunity for anglers
Bear Lake is home to four fish species found nowhere else in the world: Bonneville whitefish, Bear Lake whitefish, Bonneville cisco and Bear Lake sculpin. ("Endemic" means a species that's native to a specific geographic area and is not found anywhere else worldwide.) All four are crucial to the lake's ecosystem and its appeal to serious anglers.
Bonneville whitefish (Prosopium spilonotus), illustration by Joe Tomelleri
Unlike popular cutthroat and lake trout — which require specific equipment and a boat to target fish for the majority of the year at Bear Lake — Bonneville whitefish become accessible to everyone during the colder months when they move to rocky shorelines to spawn.
Timing the Bonneville whitefish spawn
The Bonneville whitefish's annual spawn starts around Thanksgiving and lasts until mid-December, and draws them from their usual deep-water hangouts to rocky areas along the shore. This shift provides the best time of year to catch Bonneville whitefish, whether you're on shore or in a boat. Despite water temperatures that can dip to near freezing, the action stays hot, especially for anglers looking to land a hard-fighting fish.
Before you go
- See the Utah Fishing Guidebook (guía en español, Guía de pesca de Utah) for the state's fishing rules and regulations
- Buy a fishing license (ages 12 and older)
- Find places to fish near you or check the latest Bear Lake fishing forecast
Techniques and tips for catching Bonneville whitefish
There are several effective methods for catching Bonneville whitefish, and you can be successful from shore, on a boat or through the ice. Here's what you need to get started:
- Fishing from shore: Chest waders or hip boots are highly recommended. Wading out a few feet can give you an edge in casting farther and getting your hook closer to where whitefish are concentrated near rocky shorelines.
- Fishing from a boat: Anchor in shallow water (8-15 feet deep) near rocks. Vertical jigging beneath the boat or short casting along the bottom are both effective techniques. You should feel occasional rock snags, which means you're in the right spot. Tip: Boaters should avoid using their trolling motor "spot lock" to anchor in shallow water — the motor activity tends to push fish away.
- Spinning tackle: Opt for a medium or light rod with 4-6 pound test monofilament or a small-diameter superline like Spiderwire or Nanofil, paired with a 4-foot fluorocarbon leader. These lines improve sensitivity, helping you feel even the lightest taps.
- Recommended lures: Try small (1/16-1/8 ounce) marabou jigs, twister tails, spoons, spinners or ice flies. For an extra edge, you can tip the lure with a tiny piece of nightcrawler or mealworm, but often whitefish will strike out of aggression during spawning rather than out of hunger.
- Fly fishing: A sinking line paired with large flies (like woolly buggers in bright colors) can bring excellent results. Bonneville whitefish fight hard, so be ready for a memorable experience.
- Ice fishing: When Bear Lake freezes over (which happens about 67% of the time), great fishing continues through the ice. Bonneville whitefish can be targeted after the Bonneville cisco's spawning season ends in late January. During this time, whitefish begin feeding on cisco eggs, and you can find them in deeper water (15-30 feet) near weed beds or rock piles. Using the same lures and rods from fall fishing will work for ice fishing, but adjust your depth to target whitefish feeding over the lake's natural rock formations. Be prepared and use caution when ice fishing: ice safety tips.
- Bundle up! With water temperatures around 40 degrees or even lower, dressing for the cold is essential for an enjoyable experience.
Top spots to catch Bonneville whitefish at Bear Lake
If you're ready to hit the shore, check out these popular whitefish locations at Bear Lake:
- Utah State Park Marina in Garden City
- 1st and 2nd points along the east shore
- Cisco Beach on the lake's eastern side
Great spots for ice fishing:
- Rock piles north of the Bear Lake State Park Marina were built by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to create easy-access fishing spots and spawning grounds.
- The Ideal Beach area often attracts a crowd of ice anglers, creating a lively atmosphere on weekends.
Whether you're fishing near or through the ice, keep in mind that ice may not have even thickness or safe access for ice fishing or over-ice travel. Anglers should use extreme caution and be aware of best practices for ice safety.
Bonneville whitefish records and the potential for a big catch
Bear Lake has been producing large Bonneville whitefish over recent years, and state records could fall yet again this season. In August 2024, our sampling nets captured a whitefish that was half an inch longer than Utah's current catch and keep state record. With the right conditions, you could be the next record holder. Here's a quick look at recent records:
2018 catch and keep record holder Nathan VanderLinden
Photo courtesy Nathan VanderLinden
Catch and keep Bonneville whitefish records (weight-based)
- 1982: Deon Sparks (4 pounds, 4 ounces; 21 inches)
- 2013: Eric Cockayne (4 pounds, 8 ounces; 20 ¾ inches)
- 2018 (current record): Nathan VanderLinden (4 pounds, 8.96 ounces; 21 ⅞ inches)
Catch and release Bonneville whitefish records (length-based)
- 1999: Jeanne Pettengill (18 inches)
- 2008: Eldon Robinson (20 inches)
- 2009 (current record): Scott Tolentino (23 ¼ inches)
If you're aiming for a record, make sure to follow Utah's guidelines, which you can find here. Remember, your fish must be photographed next to a measuring device (such as a ruler or tape measure) in order to submit a valid application.
Bonneville whitefish: surprisingly delicious
Some anglers overlook Bonneville whitefish, but don't turn your nose up until you've tasted it! The flesh is firm and white, perfect for grilling, baking, smoking or frying. Unlike mountain whitefish, which have strong intermuscular bones, Bonneville whitefish are easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a winter meal. Even their eggs make an easy and delicious DIY caviar.
Plan your winter fishing adventure at Bear Lake
With a generous daily limit of 10 Bonneville whitefish and no size restrictions, Bear Lake is an unbeatable spot for winter fishing. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your luck for the first time, bundle up, bring your gear and get ready for some of the best winter fishing around. The Bonneville whitefish is a true native of Utah's waters, and you'll find they're as rewarding to catch as they are to eat.
Learn more
- Ice fishing: Moving beyond the basics
- WILD podcast: Episode 10, Blue Ribbon fisheries
- Fish Utah: find places to fish near you
- Check the latest Bear Lake fishing forecast
History of Our Area - Why is it Called Pickleville? (formerly known as Hodgesville)
In 1892 Nathaniel Morris Hodges purchased land which extended from the Hansen property on the north of the community to the hills on the south and the lake on the east, including what is now Ideal Beach. This included all the farm land as well as the lake shore which was used for pasture.
The water supply was insufficient for irrigation, so in 1902 Mr. Hodges formed the Hodges irrigation Company and began the project of enlarging and extending the canal to supply water for the increased acreage. The work was done with teams and scrapers, shovels, picks and axes.
The Hodges Ranch by 1910 was beginning to be divided into smaller sections, and the saw mill burned down. By the time Nathaniel Hodges died the remainder of the estate was sold to various parties and more homes were built for new families.
In 1937 the community succeeded in incorporating and availed themselves of the opportunity of installing a culinary water system with the aid of the government funds through the Public Works Administration. It required much work and unrelenting effort on the part of the citizens who made many trips to Salt Lake City before getting this project approved.
Water rights were obtained to what is known as the William Payne Spring in the canyon above the town. A right-of-way was procured and town bonded to raise money to buy materials for the project. Again a great deal of time was spent in selling bonds and project was begun.
The system was surveyed and engineered by Robert G. Harding and the labor of digging trenches, laying pipe, building the cistern, etc., was paid for by the government through the WPA.
To get the project approved, and meet all the government requirements necessary for their support, it was necessary to go through a lot of "red tape". The town didn't have enough population to meet the requirements for a project of this type and there were several other things that made it look like the government would not give their approval or support.
When things were looking the darkest, one of the officials, Mr. Pickle, who was over the promotion of the project, said if they would name the town after him he would see that the project got the approval of the government. This they did, the project was approved, and hence the name of "Pickleville".
From the book "Rich Memories' published in 1962
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
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RICH COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2024-2025 CALENDAR
Wednesday Nov 27 minimum day
Thurs-Fri Nov 28-29 Thanksgiving
Friday Dec 20 School will be held (minimum day)
Mon -Mon Dec 23 - Jan 1 Christmas Break
Thursday Jan 2 Back to School
Friday Jan 3 School will be held
Monday Jan 20 Martin Luther King Day - No School
Tues, Wed Jan Parent Teacher Conference*
Monday Feb 17 President’s Day – No School
Wed, Thurs Feb 26-27 No School
Friday March 7 School will be held
Tues, Wed April Parent Teacher Conference*
Friday May 23 Last Day of School (min) Graduation
Parent Teacher Conference* dates subject to change
School will be held on Friday, Jan. 3 & March 7
Minimum school day will be held on Friday, Dec. 20 & May 23
Laketown Town Council Time Change
Notice Date & Time: 12/4/24 3:00 PM -11/25/24 5:00 PM
Description/Agenda:
Public Notice Laketown Town Council Time Change The Laketown City Council will begin its scheduled meeting on December 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM on this day
Garden City Planning Commission
Notice Date & Time: 12/4/24 5:00 PM
Description/Agenda:
The Garden City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the Garden City Lakeview Building located at 69 N. Paradise Parkway, Building C.
AGENDA
1. Roll Call
2. Discussion to rezone parcel #41-17-25-0001 from a C1 Zone to a C3 Zone. Applicant is proposing to build two 8-plex apartment buildings. Scott Livingston
3. Discussion for an Amended Subdivision/Lot Split for parcel #41-17-25-0001 to split into two lots, each being .47 acres. Teri Eynon, Norm Mecham
4. Discussion of ordinance:
#24-29 - An Ordinance Updating the Building Permit Ordinance
5. Adjournment
The public is invited to attend the meeting, listen by phone, or give written comment. The conference phone number is #1-866-347-5097.
There is a 2-minute limit on those commenting during the meeting.
Notice of Special Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this public hearing should notify the Garden City Office at (435) 946-2901, 69 N. Paradise Parkway, Garden City, Utah, on Monday through Friday, at least 3 working days prior to the public hearing. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Notice of Electronic or telephone participation: Contact the Garden City Office 1 business day prior to the scheduled meeting for electronic participation information, 435-946-2901.
Other information:
Location:
69 N Paradise Parkway, Garden City, 84028
Contact information:
Sharlene Millard , townofgardencity@gmail.com, 4359462901
Garden City Updated Town Council Meeting 11-21-24
Documents Updated
- agenda TC 11.2024.pdf - 11/8/24 1:21 PM
- November TC Handouts.pdf - 11/8/24 1:22 PM
- Shundaha PID.pdf - 11/8/24 1:22 PM
- October TC Minutes - DRAFT.pdf - 11/8/24 1:28 PM
- 9-20-2024 GARDEN SB 174 COMPLIANCE ORD (1).docx - 11/8/24 1:29 PM
- Ordinance #24-28.pdf - 11/12/24 5:02 PM
- agenda TC 11.2024amended.pdf - 11/12/24 5:03 PM
- agenda TC 11.2024amended.2.pdf - 11/13/24 8:35 AM
- Passed Ordinances 24-24, 24-25, and 24-28.pdf - 11/25/24 1:23 PM
Town Council
Amended Town Council Meeting
Notice Date & Time: 11/21/24 5:00 PM
Description/Agenda:
1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes a. October 10th, 2024, minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting and minutes of the October 10th, 2024 Public Hearing. 3. Public Comments - 2 minutes limit 4. Foothill Estates Subdivision Discussion a. Citizens wish to discuss options for road improvements with the Council. 5. Business License Discussion/Approval a. BLMH Bear Lake Clinic, 288 S Paradise Parkway. Arel Hunt. b. First Light Builders, 142 N Bear Lake Blvd. James Arthur 6. Vacation of Plat Discussion/Approval a. Requests approval to vacate Conestoga Phase 3 Plat. Located at 467 North Paradise Parkway. Seth Porter 7. Subdivision Discussion/Approval a. Requests approval of final plats for Crystal View Estates Phase 1 and 2. Lance Anderson 8. Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. a. Receive public input on Ordinance #24-28, An Ordinance Updating the Water Service Ordinance. b. Receive public input on creating a Shundahai Public Infrastructure District 9. PID Discussion/Approval a. Shundahai Public Infrastructure District requests approval of Letter of Intent and Petition to Create the Genlock Public Infrastructure District Nos. 1-2 in Garden City, UT 10. Ordinance Discussion/Approval a. Ordinance #24-22, Subdivision Regulations Updated, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDEN CITY, UTAH, REPEALING AND RE-ENACTING TITLE 11E ENTITLE 'SUBDIVISION' TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW; SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. b. Ordinance #24-24, An Ordinance Updating Short-term Rental Definitions c. Ordinance #24-25, An Ordinance Updating Parking Space Size d. Ordinance #24-28, An Ordinance Updating the Water Service Ordinance. 11. Short-term Rental Discussion/Approval a. Hans Peterson, 600 W 165 N b. Mary Wagner, 2176 S Bear Lake Blvd, Unit #185/186. Ideal Beach c. Karen Crane, 2176 S Bear Lake Blvd, Unit # 141. Ideal Beach d. Myl Kendall, 2176 S Bear Lake Blvd, Unit #338 & 340. Ideal Beach e. Carol Bitner, 2176 S Bear Lake Blvd, Unit # 306-310. Ideal Beach f. Geoff Daus, 130 W Seasons Lane #5 g. Parry, 609 S Amber Lane. Bear Lake Cozy Cabins h. Casa Feli 2 Ventures, LLC, 260 W Seasons Lane. Bear Lake Escapes i. Marty Stevens, 609 S Stump Hollow Rd j. Garrett Hendrickson, 577 Richland Ave k. Tanner Charles, 357 W Posie 12. Miscellaneous Discussion/Approvals a. Harborview Townhomes. Council Member Argyle 13. Council Member Reports 14. Payment Vouchers 15. Adjournment
Garden City Updated Documents Town Council Public Hearing
Documents Updated
- October PH.doc - 10/3/24 11:48 AM
- 20241003120805522.pdf - 10/3/24 11:49 AM
- Minutes of October 2024 Public hearing.pdf - 11/25/24 1:26 PM
Town Council
Public Hearing
Notice Date & Time: 10/10/24 6:00 PM
Description/Agenda:
This Public Hearing is being held to receive public comment and discuss with the Garden City residents regarding the following: 1. Roll Call 2. Ordinance 24-24, An Ordinance Updating Short-term Rental Definitions 3. Ordinance 24-26, An Ordinance Updating the Fire Hydrant Type 4. Ordinance 24-27, An Ordinance Updating the Requirements for Short-term Rental Applications. 5. Adjournment
Garden City Documents updated for October Town Council
Documents Updated
- agenda TC 10.2024.docx - 10/4/24 10:22 AM
- October2024 packet.pdf - 10/4/24 10:22 AM
- Minutes of October 2024 Town Council.pdf - 11/25/24 1:27 PM
Town Council
Town Council Meeting
Notice Date & Time: 10/10/24 5:00 PM
Description/Agenda:
1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes a. September 12th, 2024, minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting 3. CAPSA: Domestic Violence Awareness Month a. Maddie Soto 4. Quarterly Reports: a. Visitors Bureau - Tami Leonhardt b. Public Works - Riley Argyle c. Building Department - Dan Kurek d. Chamber of Commerce - Mark Smoot 5. Public Comments - 2 minutes limit 6. Business License Discussion/Approval a. Requests approval of name change from Sturdy Structures to Livingston Homes. Scott Livingston. 7. Amended Subdivision/Lot Line Adjustment Discussion/Approval a. Bridgerland Village Plat A, lots 100 and 101. Tamara Ostmark/Jason Eccher 8. Subdivision Discussion/Approval a. Requests approval of Final Plat for Phase 1 of Osprey Heights. Previously approved but would like to reduce the number of lots to 29. Teri Eynon and Norm Mecham 9. Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. a. Ordinance #24-24, An Ordinance Updating Short-term Rental Definitions b. Ordinance #24-26, An Ordinance Updating the Fire Hydrant Type c. Ordinance #24-27, An Ordinance Updating Requirements for Short-term Rental Applications 10. Ordinance Discussion/Approval a. Ordinance #24-23, An Ordinance Updating the Building Permit Ordinance b. Ordinance #24-24, An Ordinance Updating Short-term Rental Definitions c. Ordinance #24-25, An Ordinance Updating Parking Space Size d. Ordinance #24-26, An Ordinance Updating the Fire Hydrant Type e. Ordinance #24-27, An Ordinance Updating Requirements for Short-term Rental Applications 11. Short-term Rental Discussion/Approval a. Mary Glauser, Waterdance L-47 b. Josh Meidel, 65 W 150 S c. Frank & Sylvia Jesson, 720 Lochwood. Matt Goodell d. Eli Hopkins, 129 N 100 W e. Andrew Pace, 35 E Spinnaker Point #1 f. Brock Royall, 334 N 130 W g. Lucas Buckland, 1019 Snow Meadows Dr h. S & H, Jackson Sagers, 562 N Richland Valley Street i. Brian Duncan, 545 N Blue Lake St. j. Rance Burker, 530 Richland Valley Street k. Kandice Jeppson, 549 Richland Valley Street l. Garrett Hendrickson, 577 Richland Valley Street m. Dylan Tribett, 565 Blue Lake Street 12. Miscellaneous Discussion/Approvals 13. Council Member Reports 14. Payment Vouchers 15. Adjournment
Monday, November 18, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Cisco's Sonar by Bryce Nielsen
Car Bodies in the Lake
When I first came to Bear Lake as a fisheries biologist in 1974, I heard about the car bodies in Bear Lake. A few years later I acquired an X15 chart recorder sonar which showed the lake bottom and decided to go out and try to find them. I knew they were off USU fish lab in Garden City so that's where I started to look. They were placed in 1965, but the biologists were mistaken about the food habits of the fish in the lake. The cars would have been good habitat for bass and bluegill but not trout. Bonneville Cisco feed primarily on zooplankton and the rest of the fish either eat eggs or other fish. During the summer they supplement their feed with terrestrial insects found on the surface of the water and invertebrates on the bottom.
As I was searching for the cars, I found what appeared to be another structure on the bottom off Sweetwater Resort. I later determined that it was rocks that had eroded off Gus Rich Point for thousands of years. They had been encrusted over the eons with calcium carbonate and were called stromatolites. They look a lot like brain coral and they are an excellent spawning substrate. I called the area the Rockpile.
Since there are no rocks on the bottom of Bear Lake, this discovery was extremely important. Studies have shown that it is an important spawning area for cisco, whitefish, and sculpin. During the winter, large numbers of fish congregate to spawn, eat eggs or prey on other fish. This has resulted in the area being one of the most popular spots to fish on Bear Lake. As far as the cars were concerned, they have probably all eroded to nothing by now due to the erosive nature of Bear Lake’s water. At least they led me to the Rockpile which has provided countless hours of fishing and harvest for anglers on Bear Lake.
New Health Facility in Garden City
Here’s what Arel Hunt the BL Memorial Hospital CEO told us last night about the new medical facility they have built in town. The Ribbon Cutting Open House for the Bear Lake Clinic will be December 4th at 2:00 PM.
There will be a clinic, Urgent Care and Pharmacy that will be open M-F during the slow seasons and 6 days during the summer. He is trying to get it staffed and currently there will be 3-5 physicians taking turns.
Their main practice will vary from OBGYN, family practice, orthopedic, physical therapy, and be able to provide normal care along with vaccinations, and most blood tests. He hopes to get a dermatologist on the staff as well.
Kristen Buys was hired to be in charge of the Urgent Care facility that includes X-ray capability and open right now for walk-ins while the bugs are being worked out.
They will be accepting all the current medical insurance companies but if someone wants more detailed information they can call Kim Hulme the Medicare educator for the hospital at 208-847-0949.
Randall Knight
Bear Lake Printing is now UPS access point
UPS is in Garden City for your convenience!
Bear Lake Printing, Shipping and More Store (an Authorized UPS location) is in Garden city at 201 North Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City. It is on the back side of the building, off the parking lot for easy access. (Behind House of Pop) 801-360-2730.
They can ship packages or ship returns with a LABEL. If you only have a QR code, they will help you print a label to use. Yes, that includes Amazon returns!
They are also the Access Point for UPS, so any packages that the UPS drivers are not able to deliver to your home will be dropped at Bear Lake Printing.
They offer Gift Wrapping services, as well as create, make and print your own wrapping paper! A full range printing services are available from copies, brochures, programs, to calendars, games, books, large posters, vinyl banners and more. They also have party supplies, wrapping paper, shipping supplies, and more in the store.
They would be glad to help you. It is quick, easy and convenient for residents of the Bear Lake area.
History of Our Area - Mail
Until 1881 the inhabitants were compelled to go to Fish Haven, Idaho, a distance of seven miles, for their mail. The first post office was opened in 1881 in the home of Charles Longhurst. It was located on a side street about two blocks north of the meeting house.
In 1887 Harriet B. Cook Teeples was appointed Post Mistress, keeping it for ten years; then George E. Pope was appointed a Post Master and had it until 19065, at which time Harriet Teeples was again appointed and served until 1924, making a total of twenty-eight years. Others who had the Post Office are N. John Hodges, Ernest Woffinden,, Maurine Cook Jensen and Lavina Pope. After the death of Lavine Pope, her daughter Mae Pope Hodges, served for several months until Paul A. Spence was appointed.
The mail was carried by horse teams through the valley. They usually changed teams at Garden City. When the weather was bad, sometimes it took two days to get to Randolph and back. Many times in the winter when the drifts were many and deep the mail had to be carried by horse back.
From the book "Rich Memories' published in 1962
Rich School District
2024 Rich High School Football Team 1A
Back to back Champions
The Utah High School football record book now has the first repeat champions in 1A-8 man football the Rich High Rebels who dominated the Monticello Buckaroos 50-14 on Saturday. Three years ago, the Rebels accepted an invitation to participate in the Wyoming football league with Cokeville, Kemmerer, Pinedale, Lyman, Mountain View, Lovell and Hot Springs County in Thermopolis. Later in the summer the Utah High School Athletic association created an 8-man league and Rich accepted the invitation. Coaches then began to try and learn the challenges of playing both 11 man and 8 man football in the same season. Coach Tyson Larsen on many occasions has shared the fact that it is a bigger change than many fans may think. In the first season playing 8-man football the Rebels lost to Monticello in the Semi-final match-up 21-20 in a snow storm in Cedar City. A year later (2023) Rich and Monticello matched up in the Championship game with Rich winning 35-20. Now a year later, another snowy and cold morning Rich and Monticello met up with an early 10:00 a.m. start.
A huge “Rebel Yell” to the coaching staff: Tyson Larsen, Lex Cornia, Cooper Cornia, Jordan Parry and Dave Holmes who had the team polished and prepared. Everything that could go well for the Rebels seemed to unfold and everything that could go wrong for Monticello seemed to happen. On Rich’s first possession it only took 3 plays for Carter Hoffman to run 59 yards for the first score. Drake Weston took Monticello’s punt after the defense stopped Monticello deep in their own territory right at the 50 yard line to the end zone. The score was Rich 14-0 less than four minutes into the game. As snowflakes started to come down Ryker Hoffman intercepted a pass on the Rebel 33 yard line and took it to the 33 yard line of the Buckaroos. Rich converted on 4th and 4 yards to go from the 14 yard line when Hudson Parry broke several tackles and went down the sideline to the end zone. Rich forced a fumble on Monticello’s next possession which was recovered by Easton Eborn on the Monticello 25 yard line. Rich was unable to capitalize on the turnover but forced Monticello to punt setting up the Rebels on the Buckaroo’s 46 yard line. Two plays later Hudson Parry took the pitch from Carter Hoffman and used his speed down the sideline untouched by the defense to run the score to 26-0 with 2 minutes left in the 1st quarter. Monticello turned the ball over on downs before the teams traded punts. As the sun started to shine Rich took over on the Buckaroo’s 46 yard line. It took a six play drive capped by an eight yard pass from Carter Hoffman to Ryker Hoffman to push the score to 33-0. Ryker Hoffman recorded his second interception of the day and returned it to the Buckaroo’s 24 yard line. A rare event for Rich High Football as Dylan Fonnesbeck successfully kicked a 34 yard field goal to make the score 36-0 half way through the 2nd quarter. Rich’s defense handed the offense a short field starting on the Buckaroo 40 yard line. A 24 yard run followed by a 16 yard run both by Drake Weston put the Rebels in the end zone for the 6th touchdown of the first half and a 43-0 lead. Monticello came into the game averaging 39 points a game so you knew they would find the end zone eventually. It took an 80 yard drive against the Rebel JV defense for Monticello to put 6 on the scoreboard before halftime.
The high school football rule book requires a running clock if a team is up by 35 or more points in the second half of the game. So, the second half went quickly. Hudson Parry added an 81 yard touchdown run and Monticello completed a 50 yard touchdown pass to create the final score of 50-14. Another “Rebel Yell” to the coaches who made sure the younger players also experienced the memory of playing in a championship game.
It isn’t uncommon for a team to score 40 or 50 points in 8-man football. However, I will give the strength of this year’s Rebel team to their defense. They held their opponents to an average of 8.9 points per game. If you include the 11-man games the result is 12.8.
There are several other 1A schools that have indicated that they will play 8-man football next year so there will be new competition as the Rebels seek to repeat as champions. For now, they will enjoy a very successful year and the satisfaction of ‘mission accomplished.’ Go Rebels! by Rob Leifson
Deseret Sports Editor:
“Our line had an amazing game. They blocked, they did everything, they were catching passes. They were opening massive holes for all of us and I really think that helped our game and led us to a championship,” said Parry.
In the second quarter, Hoffman tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ryker Hoffman with Weston adding a TD run of his own to push the lead to 43-0.
Monticello finally got on the board on its 10th drive of the half as Rogers caught a three-yard TD pass from Jackson Keyes with 11 seconds left in the half.
Rich outgained Monticello 242 to 112 yards in the first half in addition to forcing three Monticello turnovers.
Both teams tacked on one more score in the second half, with Parry ripping off an 81-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter for the 50-6 lead.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thurs. Nov. 21 Rich Middle School Girls BB with Star Valley
Sat. Nov. 23 Rich Middle School Boys Wrestling
Rich Middle School Girls BB @ Lyman & Mt. View
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