Blanding

Kristian Olsen appointed top administrator at USU Blanding campus

Kristian J. Olsen has been named associate vice president by Utah State University (USU) to lead its Blanding campus. Olsen comes to Blanding from USU Eastern in Price, where he served as the director of students. “We’re thrilled to have Kristian transition to this leadership role in Blanding,”...

Fifth of July is a big hit

by Kara Laws Contributing writer More than 100 families participated in the inaugural Fifth of July: Fun in the Sun celebration in Blanding. This new event was added to the already exciting Fourth of July festivities this year and it exceeded all expectations. The Fifth of July: Fun in the Sun was...

Space for a lesson, a skill, and a magic

Many years ago, I was sitting under a juniper in Westwater, contemplating life with my eyes closed. Suddenly, they popped open on their own accord, and a fox, perhaps three feet away, was beelining toward me. It had gigantic ears, a black snout, and gray coloring with reddish hair on its ears,...

Combat veterans are 2019 Blanding Fourth of July parade grand marshals

No one understands what it means to be a combat veteran except another combat veteran. No one understands the bond that is formed among individuals who have risked their very lives to battle a common enemy together in trenches, in jungles, on the ocean, or in the air. On Thursday, Blanding will...

San Juan High School athlete recognized as a top tier baseball player

San Juan High School junior shortstop Davis Mendoza has been recognized by human performance company EXOS as one of the top tier baseball players in the west region of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana. Mendoza will be one of 50 athletes at the EXOS Select 50...

Blanding Council extends legal contract

The Blanding City Council quickly moved through business during their meeting on June 11. Council members discussed a legal services agreement with City Attorney Kendall Laws. Council members are concerned with the possibility of a conflict of interest to arise with Laws, who also serves as the San...

Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum to host lecture and book signing

The Edge of the Cedars State Park and Museum in Blanding will present a lecture and book signing with geologist and author Gene Stevenson on Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Stevenson’s book, “Canyon Country Explorations & River Lore: The Remarkable...

Hopefuls seek open spots on city councils

In Monticello, seven residents will seek the three open spots on the Monticello City Council. They include incumbent Nathan Chamberlain along with Ron Skinner, Mary Cokenour, Kim Henderson, Ammon Boswell, Scott Christensen, and Jonathon English. The two incumbents not seeking reelection are Blaine...

County Library summer program is a fun way to keep kids reading all year

It may not feel quite like summer yet, but as of this week the San Juan County Library summer program is in full swing. Library director Pat Smith said the kids really look forward to it every year, and it’s a great way to keep them reading while school is out. She said the fun activities and cool...

City council hopefuls must register by Friday

Candidates for local municipalities have until Friday to sign up for open spots on city councils. There are three open positions on the Monticello City Council and three open positions on the Blanding City Council. All positions are for four year positions. The municipal elections will be held in...