Life in San Juan

“1776” is topic of community book group on February 17

By Sally Jack Contributing Writer The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the founding of the United States of America. As a kickoff to the yearlong 2026 Celebration, Monticello’s America 250 Committee encourages all teens and adults in San...

Judge Lyon Hazleton has retired after serving the past 32 years as San Juan County Justice Court Judge. Courtesy photo

Judge Lyon Hazleton retires after 32 years

by Sally Jack Contributing Writer The Honorable Lyon Hazleton recently retired from the Bench after serving for over 32 years as San Juan County Justice Court Judge and 25 years in the Monticello City Justice Court. Judge Hazleton began working for the County in 1989 as a diesel mechanic. He was...

San Juan Hospital New Years Baby 2026

Coast John Imlay is the 2026 New Years Baby at San Juan Hospital in Monticello. Imlay, the son of Preston and Savana Imlay, made his appearance on January 10 at 1:28 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kelly Jeppesen. He weighs in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and is just under 20 inches. Coast is the first...

Blue Mountain Hospital New Year Baby 2026

Kayvian Billie is the New Year Baby for 2026 at Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding. The son of Cheyenne and Bryton Billy, little Kayvian made his arrival on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9:11 p.m. He weighs in at 8 pounds, seven ounces and is 20.5 inches long. As the New Year Baby for 22026, Kayvian...

Photo from the 2025 ballon festival. Allison Yamamoto-Sparks photo

27th Annual Bluff International Balloon Festival takes to the skies this weekend

The winter desert landscape in Bluff is ready to see over 20 balloons soar overhead this weekend as part of the 27th annual Bluff International Balloon Festival. The annual balloon festival is organized by the Business Owners of Bluff and occurs each January during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day...

Blanding receives Governors Award for the Arts in 1992. Left to right: Debbie Christiansen, Janet Wilcox, Utah Governor Norm Bangerter, Burtch Beal, Lou Mueller, Mayor Jim Shumay. Courtesy photo

Kigalia Fine Arts has served for decades

by Janet Wilcox Though one of the most isolated communities in Utah, for decades Blanding has promoted and supported education, music, preservation of history and excellence in the arts. In order to do this, significant efforts and sacrifice of time and talents were required. Fortunately, Blanding...

Kiglia Fine Arts introduces upcoming comedy, other events

After the Christmas let-down and the winter doldrums, it’s time to laugh. After all laughter can increase our endorphins and keep us feeling happier. Kigalia Fine Arts will sponsor James Junes, Navajo comedian, and motivational speaker. James Junes is a Dine/Navajo and part Hopi from Hoteville, AZ...

Retirement for UDOT employees who combined for over 90 years of work

Gary Black, Cletis Hatch, and Todd Randall were honored upon their retirement from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) at a luncheon held on December 17 at the Monticello UDOT Shed. Collectively, they dedicated decades of service to UDOT, with Cletis Hatch serving 34 years, Gary Black...

Members of the Keith and Deann Ivins family on the range. Courtesy photo

Ivins Cattle Ranch: Survival and success

by Janet Wilcox Contributing writer Livestock and ranching have been central to survival in San Juan County since long before 1880, when pioneers arrived through the Hole in the Rock. Keith and Deann Ivins descend from early pioneers in both Nevada and San Juan County. Deann’s ancestors include...

Local resident Mark Colgan, center, after a recent competition. Courtesy photo

Local earns national karate honors

Mark E. Colgan, Sensei, a resident of Monticello has come out of retirement and is making a run for the National Point Championship on the United States Karate Alliance (USKA) national circuit, earning top honors at multiple tournaments across the United States this year. Competing in traditional...