Life in San Juan

Grand Marshal Jay Whitney ‘Buddy’ Redd. Courtesey photo

Grand Marshal Jay Whitney Redd has both Roots and Boots

by Sally Jack Contributing Writer When it comes to ‘American Boots and Monticello Roots,’ Jay Whitney Redd, Grand Marshal of this year’s Pioneer Day Parade, has got both. Jay Whitney comes from resilient pioneer stock, with San Juan County roots that reach back to his grandparents, Lemuel Hardison...

San Juan Class of '76 celebrates 50 years

The San Juan High School Bicentennial Class of 1976 celebrated their 50th reunion on Friday, July 3. Many thank yous to everyone who made the event possible and to everyone who attended and made it special! Members of the Class of 1976 include: (top row, left to right) Lonnie McCulloch, Londa (...

Members of the Witapunnuche Ute tribe in a historic photo. Courtesy photo

Posey’s story still of interest

By Janet Wilcox Contributing writer Multiple people have written about the White Mesa Ute Posey. Stan Bronson’s song about him is possibly the most memorable. It begins: “Out on Navajo Mountain lived a rebel Paiute chief. Old Chee Poot’s squaw gave him two sons. He called one of them Sowagerie...

Community-wide potlucks July 5

It’s a birthday party and everyone is invited! Be a part of the fun as friends and neighbors in cities, towns, villages, and neighborhoods all across America celebrate her birthday and rejoice in 250 years of freedom at “America’s Potluck” on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The Monticello Potluck starts at 1...

Blessings of Philadelphia Freedom

Dust in the Wind Editor Bill Boyle What a great blessing to live in this wonderful place at this wonderful time! In coming days, we get to celebrate an event that impacts us every day: the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We look back in time with the certainty of knowing what happened...

Wash Your Troubles Away is the title of the annual Independence Day Melodrama that will be presented in Blanding beginning July 1 and running through July 6. Members of the cast include: (back row, l to r) Alicia Bayles, Adam Black, Mason Lyman, Linda Smith. Front: Lynette Adams, Julie Parsons, Debbie Christiansen. Evelia Knight photo

Wash Your Troubles Away melodrama features original cast members

The beloved 4th of July melodrama tradition continues this year with, Wash Your Troubles Away. This year’s production takes us back fourty-three years by featuring two original melodrama cast members and creators of the tradition itself: Lynette Adams and Debbie Christiansen. The duo have written,...

One Nation, Many Dreams: A Unique American Recipe

by Sally Jack Perhaps you have heard an old story told by author Marcia Brown in a book called Stone Soup about three soldiers who were trudging through a strange country on their way home from war. They were tired and hungry. As they neared a village they became hopeful that they could find...

San Juan County Landfill employee Kurt Lowe was the overall operator champion at a recent statewide competition, winning two of the four events. Courtesy photo.

Trash Talk: Local operators finish top in the state

by Jed Tate San Juan County Landfill Manager Two employees of the San Juan County Landfill earned top honors at a recent competition, including grand champion Kurt Lowe. On June 17, the State of Utah Beehive Chapter of Solid Waste Association of North America held a competition for landfill...

Beautiful flaws

by Brooklyn Pincock Youth Winner, Blanding’s 250 Celebration essay contest Living in San Juan County, it’s hard to forget about America’s natural beauty. From the tranquil mountains to the sun-soaked arches, there are constant reminders. But with the competition of over 60 national parks across...

Steve Lovell at a Navajo hogan. Courtesy photo

Scouts and Scouting in the early days

by Janet Wilcox There are few activities in San Juan County that have positively impacted the lives of so many youth in San Juan County as the Boy Scouts of America. The Utah National Boy Scout Council shows the first charter in San Juan County was under the name of Phil Hurst and was dated 1916....