Life in San Juan

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....

Patriotic quilt by Grayson Country Quilters. Courtesy photo

Quilt Show is July 4

Grayson Country Quilters has been dedicated to maintaining the art of quilting and serving the community for over 30 years. Each July 4th, they sponsor a quilt show with free admission. This year, the Quilt Show will be held July 4th following the parade until 4 pm at Blanding Elementary School...

Summer food program with Utah Food Bank

With the start of the summer the Utah Food Bank has launched its annual Summer Food Service Program. The vital initiative is designed to fill the nutritional gap for children who typically rely on school-provided meals., During a recent interview on the Red Rock Morning Show, Whitnie Shumway,...