Weather is cold and the economy is slow, but news continues

DUST IN THE WIND

This issue of the San Juan Record is full of news. Economic times are rough in San Juan County and we feature several stories this week regarding the economy.  Topics include Energy Fuels (page A2), the Lisbon Valley gas plant (A3), the Lisbon Valley Copper Mine (A3), and Frontier Communications (A4).

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Spanish Valley continues to generate news.  Stories this week include a story about opposition in Moab to a new health care clinic in Spanish Valley (A4).

We are partnering with the Times Independent in Moab with our ongoing coverage of Spanish Valley and regional issues.  We appreciate the work of TI writer Carter Pape.

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We are delighted to welcome back Gary Torres as an occasional contributor to the San Juan Record. 

For many years, Gary was one of our most popular writers with his weekly My Cave, My View column.

OK Boomer is the title of Gary’s column in the January 22 San Juan Record.  You can read it online at  http://sjrnews.com/view/full_story/27694657/article-Ok-Boomer-?instance=...

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Descendants of early San Juan pioneer Jens Nielson (and there are tens of thousands of them!) are invited to visit the Historic Bluff Fort this year and sign a special register. Nielson was born 200 years ago, in 1820.  See the story on page A8.

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Several weeks ago, while traveling in Israel, members of our small group were struggling to climb a hill. 

I heard one group member, who is currently living in Ghana, tell his wife to “sticky-ta-toody,” referencing Nielson’s famous saying that inspired the early San Juan settlers.

I learned that the Nash family has visited Bluff Fort in the past and understand that the saying has become a family favorite when times get rough.

In fact, Marcus Nash, then serving as the Assistant Executive Director of the LDS Church History Department, dedicated the Bluff Coop Store when it was rebuilt several years ago.  The family has fond memories of San Juan County.

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I enjoyed a wonderful visit to Israel during the Christmas season, where I led a small group on an adventure in the Holy Land through our travel business, SJR Travel.

One of the group members is an outstanding photographer.  I have waited for several weeks to discuss the trip until I could get my hands on his incredible photographs. I am still waiting and realize that I need to move ahead.  I hope to provide photos in the future.

We explored the length and breadth of the Holy Land, including five nights in the Jerusalem area and three nights in the Galilee area. The Holy Land was full of visitors, with particularly large crowds in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.  

In addition to visiting the sites that are so fundamental to the development of Christianity on our trips, we also visit a number of off-the-beaten-path sites.  These stops add a new depth to the trip.

I am glad to say that we are adding several new stops to the itinerary for our June trip to the Holy Land.  I can’t wait to return.

This year, in addition to the spectacular 13-day trip to the Holy Land, we offer a six-day optional excursion to Italy, where we will visit Rome and Florence.

Please contact us if you are interested in getting more information or in joining us on a trip.  It is a life changing experience!

Download an itinerary at the San Juan Record website at sjrnews.com, email sjrtravel@frontier.com; send a letter to PO Box 879, Monticello, UT 84535; or call 435-587-2277.