Life in San Juan

Zions Bank hosts exhibit of Traveling Treasures

by Sally Jack Contributing writer Yes, it really is a small skunk in a jar, and it’s on display at Zions Bank Monticello as part of a traveling exhibit sponsored by Zions Bank Inc. and brought to you by the Natural History Museum of Utah. The Traveling Treasures Exhibit titled “Defense Experts”...

‘Color Our World’ Summer Reading Program and other activities set at county libraries

by Sally Jack Contributing writer The Summer Reading Program, ‘Color Our World’ is underway at libraries in the county. BINGO cards are available for Children, Teens & Tweens, and Adults. To participate, visit your local library and sign up to be a part of the program. Complete the activities...

Friday Night at the Fort

Friday Night at the Fort sponsored by Bluff Fort has been an entertainment staple in San Juan County for many years. Continually inviting the best musical and entertaining artists to perform, Bluff Fort has built an enviable reputation. The regular Friday Night at the Fort schedule for 2025 will...

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...