Blanding

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...

Julie and Calvin Black of Blanding. Calvin was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year by the Blanding City Council. They will be the grand marshals of the annual Independence Day Parade on July 4. Courtesy photo

Calvin Black is Blanding City 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Blanding City proudly announces Calvin Black as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year award. The honor recognizes Calvin’s unwavering dedication and service to his community. In every community, there are individuals whose selfless actions and dedication quietly weave the fabric...

Blanding annexes land sees new construction

by David Boyle News Director Blanding City Council members approved a 10-acre annexation, discussed the triangle intersection and received word on two new businesses in the city at their latest meeting. The council approved an annexation of 10 acres owned by Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) into...

Little Miss Blanding 2024

Chezney Ivins (left) was named Little Miss Blanding after a pageant on June 29. She is joined by (left to right) 1st Attendant Emri Black, 2nd Attendant Danika Ben, and 3rd Attendant Harper Lacy. Nine local girls competed in the second annual competition. Ivins replaces the 2023 Little Miss...

Soldiers carry the colors during the Blanding Fourth of July celebration in 2022. Ted Palmer photo

Independence Day celebrations in Blanding

Blanding plans a wide variety of their annual Independence Day activities, covering more than a week of celebrations, fun, and more “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to another” wrote...

Blanding City hears UNHS annex request

by David Boyle News Director Blanding city council members adopted an updated fee schedule, held a hearing for annexation of a UNHS property and once again discussed a splash pad at their June 11 meeting. Members of the Blanding City Council held a public hearing for a request from Utah Navajo...