Life in San Juan

Don’t miss the new schedule of Friday Night at the Fort

By Sally Jack Contriburting Writer Friday Night at the Fort, hosted by the Bluff Fort, will begin the 2025 summer season on Friday, June 13. All entertainment begins at 7:00 PM at the Bluff Fort and generally lasts for one hour. Admission is free. Following each performance, guests are invited...

A group of riders in front of the old Bluff Co-Op building in the late 1890s. The building was destroyed during a failed robbery 100 years ago this summer. Courtesy photo

Fred Starr: San Juan County’s most infamous bank robber

Compiled by Grant P. Taylor, Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation board member and secretary Saturday, July 19, 2025, will mark the 100th anniversary of the most infamous criminal act that ever occurred in San Juan County. On the evening of Sunday, July 19, 1925, Fred Starr snuck into the San Juan Co-op...

Moccasin Run raises foster care awareness

by David Boyle News Director Residents of San Juan County gathered for the sixth annual Moccasin Run for foster care awareness on May 3. The event, held in White Mesa, was put on by Utah Foster Care, the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The annual event is aimed at...

Darth Vader commands the author and mother of five to join the Dark Side. Courtesy photo

Flowers, Mothers Day & the Dark Side

There’s nothing like Mother’s Day, with all of its flowers and sentiments, to bring out the dark side in mothers. It’s true. Even the best of moms have a dark side. And there’s nothing like Mother’s Day to bring it out: the goofs and mistakes, the mothering moments when she knows she wasn’t at...

The hardworking crew at Dirty Pop, on East Center in Blanding, are getting ready to markl their first full year in business. Courtesy photo

Dirty Pop to mark one year

by Kara Laws Contributing writer May 22 is a very exciting day for Dirty Pop, the custom drink shop in Blanding, as it marks the one year anniversary of their opening on Center Street. I sat down with the owners Karah Nay and Sarah Walker to learn how they are celebrating their big anniversary and...

Members of the Monticello High School women’s ensemble include (left to right): Marah Long, Alexis Bailey, Alli Young, Kyleigh Adair, Coral Delorenzis, Madison Adair, Josie Mack, Maron Freestone, and Dani Black. Ashley Adair photo

Top marks for Womens Ensemble

by Art Adair Contributing writer The Monticello High School Women’s Ensemble recently completed their performance season at the region solo and ensemble competition on March 26, where they received a 1 rating. That qualified them for the state tournament at Provo High School. Solo and Ensemble...

Archaeology Day is May 3 at Edge of Cedars

The Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum will host “Archeology Day and Art Market” on Saturday May 3, 2025. The event is a celebration of the rich archaeological heritage of southeast Utah and features demonstrations, hands-on activities, lectures, and guided tours of the ruins. There will be...

A nice furry friend like this one may help make you healthier, providing companionship, physical activity, anxiety management, and more. Courtesy photo

Furry friends can increase healthy trends

by Emma Parkhurst Utah State Extension Assistant Professor Whether you consider yourself a cat or a dog person, research shows caring for a pet can positively impact your physical and mental health. Pets provide a sense of companionship and are often considered valued members of the family....

Host of events will mark Easter season

Many events are scheduled for the Easter season in the Redrock country. Saint Joseph Catholic Church at 365 South Main in Monticello will hold Sunday Mass at noon on Easter Sunday. San Juan Community Church, at 200 South 217 East in Monticello, invites all to their Easter Revival beginning...

Watering hay along the San Juan River cooridor near Bluff. Courtesy photo

Water: the key to ranching, farming, and survival in San Juan

by Janet Wilcox Contributing writer In 1911, when William Morley and Anna Black moved to Blanding, there were only 25 families and the town was covered with pine trees and sagebrush. From any direction all you could see was the top of the Castle House built by Jens Nielson. He also owned the Co-op...