NEPHI, Utah — It’s easy to find traditions in Utah’s rural towns.

The towns with a single main street in places like Mona, Hinckley, Fayette, or Joseph, where everyone waves as you drive by.

This year, though, something happened in those rural central Utah communities that no one in the region has ever seen before.

Out of 49 municipalities across six rural counties, 26 (maybe even 27 when all the votes are tallied) will have brand-new mayors after this past Election Day.

For small towns with limited staff, it’s a milestone that brings excitement, but also a big challenge.

Nephi Mayor Justin Seely understands that about as well as anyone.

Seely, who was re-elected this year, still remembers what it felt like to take on the responsibilities of mayor after his first Election Day.

“You

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