Education

Renowned educator to host evening event and visit Monticello Elementary School

by Sally Jack Staff writer Emotional intelligence, well-being, and building stronger connections in our families and community will be the topic of discussion at a community night hosted by Monticello Elementary School on Monday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hideout in Monticello. Guest speaker Marc...

USU Monument Valley dedicated

by David Boyle News Director Community members, educators, leaders and donors all gathered on April 22 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for the new Utah State University building in Monument Valley. The event celebrated the completion of the new educational 10,000 square foot...

School District addresses new and old schools

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board approved advertising for bids to purchase the old Blanding Elementary building, approved spend plans, and reviewed academic achievement data at their April 7 meeting. The approval to accept bids for the old building comes while the...

San Juan FFA members shine at Convention

Members of the San Juan FFA Chapter recently returned from the 98th annual Utah FFA State Convention, where they represented their school and community with distinction. The convention, which brings together thousands of students from across the state, serves as the culminating event for...

An aerial view of the Utah State University campus in Blanding. Courtesy photo

Utah State University Blanding Campus offers varied classes While Saving Local History

By Janet Wilcox Contibuting Writer Walter C. Lyman’s vision of Blanding becoming a lighthouse for education evolved and has proven true over the past 100 years. Today, satellite classes are taught in Blanding but are also broadcast to Monument Valley, Cortez and Monticello. There are 30 campuses...

Monticello High Drama wins state title

The Monticello high school theater team won the 2026 1A state drama competition on March 28. The Buckaroos won a host of awards to compile enough points to also walk away with the team championship at the state meet. Coach Paige Freestone recognized it was a long climb to the top of the mountain. “...

Two new construction projects approved by San Juan School Board

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board approved a $4.7 million contract with Tri-Hurst Construction for upgrades at Monticello High and Albert R Lyman (ARL) Middle schools at their March 10 meeting. The contract was awarded as the low bid and are mostly aimed at safety...

Academic All State 2026 Winter: Kooper Nielson Monticello Boys Basketball

Kooper Nielson Monticello boys basketball Head Coach Josh Keyes: “Kooper Nielson distinguished himself throughout his high school career at MHS as both a disciplined scholar and a determined athlete. Over four years of dedicated effort, Kooper developed into a formidable shut-down defender,...

Academic All State 2026 Winter: Makenna Peterson Monticello girls basketball

Makenna Peterson Monticello girls basketball Assistant Coach Brian Taylor: “Makenna Peterson proved this season that heart and determination can overcome any obstacle. When a broken collarbone threatened to sideline her early in the year, Makenna refused to let it slow her down. She showed up to...

Academic All State 2026 Winter: Marlee Mack Monticello Girls Basketball

Marlee Mack Monticello girls basketball Assistant Coach Brian Taylor: “Marlee Mack is the kind of player every coach loves to have. She is a fierce competitor with basketball IQ and natural talent. Marlee picked up plays quickly. She had a natural feel for spacing and could see the court, making...