Blanding

Fall Festival this weekend in Blanding

by Bill Boyle San Juan Record Editor The annual Fall Festival will be held in Blanding on Saturday, September 14, marking the unofficial start of the Fall season. “The Fall Festival is a great opportunity to get people out and enjoy the season,” said Blanding Mayor Logan Monson. “This has been a...

Blanding increases water and sewer rates

by David Boyle News Director Members of the Blanding City Council approved an increase for water and sewer rates, tabled an increase for out of town power and natural gas rates, and made a plan to fund activities at the senior center at the latest meeting. The Blanding City Council approved an...

Jess Grover with three of his children on horseback. Courtesy photo

Grover cattle, crops, and education build San Juan County traditions

by Janet Wilcox Contributing writer Jess Morris Grover was a well-rounded educator who learned about animals and work from his father and taught those same principles to his family. They in turn continue to teach those same principles to their children. Before becoming an Ag teacher at San Juan...

Blanding talks food truck park, EV police fleet

by David Boyle News Director The Blanding City Council approved an annexation declaration, and spoke about a veterans memorial, an electric vehicle fleet, and a food truck park at their latest meeting. Members of the Blanding City Council approved an Annexation declaration of restrictive condition...

Chief Manuelito Scholarships for five local graduates

by David Boyle News Director Five San Juan County graduates were named recipients of the Chief Manuelito Scholarship in 2024. Synessa Atcitty, Anthony C. Done, and Shaylin A. Nez all recent graduates of San Juan High School will be attending the University of Utah. Tatum D. Begay, also a graduate...

After extensive remodeling, the Blanding Motel became the Stone Lizard Lodge, continuing more than seven decades of lodging to visitors to Blanding from near and far. Courtesy photo

The Stone Lizard Flourishes with Simpson TLC

by Janet Wilcox The Craig and Kathy Simpson family bought the Blanding Motel from Gary and Sharon Guymon in September 2011 and embarked on a journey of creativity, problem solving and success. Their son Adam designed a metal Stone Lizard which became the motel’s namesake. He also made signs and...

Blanding City makes headway on splash pad, utility rates, airport lease and annexation

by David Boyle News Director Members of the Blanding City Council continued conversations around a possible splash pad, discussed utility rates and approved another annexation at the latest meeting. Members of the Blanding City Council made headway on discussions regarding a splash pad in the city...

Before it was the Stone Lizard Lodge it was the Blanding Motel. Courtesy photo

Blanding Motel & Stone Lizard Lodge site turns 70 this year

Part I, The Blickenstaff Years Gene and Francell Blickenstaff made a significant impact on Blanding for dozens of years. They were the first to build a motel in town which consisted of seven cabins. Gene had just returned home from serving in the Army in Europe during World War II. He bought...

Another annexation in Blanding, deep well work and 4th of July recap

by David Boyle News Director Members of the Blanding City Council moved forward on the deep well project, added another anexation into the city and reviewed Independence Day celebration activities at their latest meeting. Members of the Blanding City Council approved a resolution accepting a bid...

Officials meet at the ribbon cutting of a new hogan at the Canyonlands Youth Center in Blanding. More and more public facilities in San Juan County feature traditional hogans. Courtesy photo

Traditional hogan blessing and open house at facility in Blanding

A newly constructed hogan was dedicated to healing, nuturing, and protection at the Canyonlands Youth Center in Blanding. The dedication and an open house took place at the facility on July 10. Changes to Utah law enabled the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) to extend their...