Blanding

Nature releases built-up energy in epic storm

On June 6, 2020, Ted, Oggie, and I headed for Bullfrog, hoping to find a hiking place south of the predicted rainstorm, but rain and hail started peppering down when we turned onto Highway 95 and grew heavier as we traveled west. A white-out of ice hit us after we drove through the Comb Ridge cut...

Blanding Council discusses July 4, substandard sewers, airport FBO

At the June 9 Blanding City Council meeting, the Council discussed the events being planned by private residents for Independence Day Celebration. An events policy was approved for the city years ago and serves as a guideline for what groups can do. Many of the policies work within the guidelines...

Strong performances for local high school golfers in Utah PGA tournament

Monticello High School junior Olivia Chamberlain picked up a 2A second-place finish in a high school individual player state championship held by the Utah Section PGA Thursday, June 4 at Rose Park Golf Course in Salt Lake City. Chamberlain shot a 94 on the day and will be a two-time All-state...

Contemplating an enormous shift in consciousness – death and rebirth

When we were kids, my older brother, Tom, and I snagged snakes out of water meter holes in Hutchinson, KS where we lived. We mostly let them go, but on one of our adventures, unbeknownst to our mother, we planned to take home two for pets. Tom lifted the cover, and we dropped onto our bellies to...

Blanding City Council cancels Fourth of July events

After a lengthy discussion and input from legal counsel and health officials, the Blanding City Council voted 3-2 to cancel the 2020 Independence Day events sponsored by the city. Councilmembers Logan Monson and Cheryl Bowers voted against the measure. Much discussion centered around the...

Listening for echoes of history at Blue Notch

Last Saturday, Ted, Oggie, and I drove to Blue Notch, the clay saddle between two massive red rock formations north of the Happy Jack mine in Red Canyon, hoping to photograph desert wildflowers. The prince’s plumes bloomed along with a few fishhook cacti, primroses, and, surprisingly, tamarisk,...

Traditional Memorial Day Sunrise Service at Blanding Cemetery is presented via video

Graduation for Class of 2020 to take place virtually this week

In one of the most unexpected conclusions to a school year ever, area students are set to receive diplomas this week from the five San Juan School District high schools. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in at-home education during the entire fourth quarter of the school year. While the hundreds...

Blanding City Council discusses challenge of holding popular summer activities and events

The possibility of holding popular summer activities dominated the May 12 meeting of the Blanding City Council, including opening the pool, running baseball and softball seasons, and holding events for the Independence Day holiday. Safely opening the pool is a chief concern. When the meeting was...

Know your Candidates

San Juan County Commission, District 1 Cheryl Bowers Bruce Adams San Juan County Recorder Cindi Holyoak David Carpenter San Juan County Assessor Logan Boyd Rick Meyer Republican candidates for Utah Governor Spencer Cox Greg Hughes Jon Huntsman, Jr. Thomas Wright Candidates for Utah Attorney...