Life in San Juan

Shop at home: Get 67 percent of your spending back

You have heard it before; you will probably hear it again. Small, locally-owned businesses are the “lifeblood of America.” Here’s what you possibly didn’t know about how your spending directly impacts your tax rate, your quality of life, your kids’ education and their future. You already know that...

San Juan School District embraces heritage of all students in the district

The San Juan School District (SJSD) embraces the heritage of all students in the district. In November, SJSD schools share the culture and language of students of American Indian descent, which are Navajo, Ute, and other tribes represented in our schools. Some events and activities that have...

Mark your calender for “Messiah” December 15

San Juan County is extremely fortunate, given its rural population, to have a tradition of performing Handel’s “Messiah” every Christmas for over four decades. Past directors include Jonnie Bailey, Pete Henderson, Derryl Jack, Duane Lyman, and Wayne Erickson. Thanks to their selfless giving of...

Small Business Week in San Juan County

The San Juan Chamber of Commerce is expanding Small Business Saturday to an entire week of small businesses shopping throughout the week. Using #shopsanjuan, they encourage everyone to shop local and post pictures of anything they are buying in San Juan County, whether it’s a picture of their...

What’s the real impact of shopping locally?

“It’s the people who shop at home who really make a business.” That’s what Randy Butler, owner of Randy’s Auto, told me earlier this year in an interview – and it’s true. Locals who shop at home can make or break a business. Our little, local economy will thrive if we all shop at home a little...

Photo of the Week calendar is ready to keep or give as a gift

Featuring an incredible cover photo of Monument Valley by Alison Yamamato-Sparks, the 2020 San Juan Record Photo of the Week calendar is ready for the new year and the holiday season. The beautiful calendar features spectacular photos of San Juan County and includes all of the local events,...

“It’s a Wonderful Life” this week

The classic heartwarming story of George Bailey is brought to life this week as the Monticello High School drama department presents “It’s A Wonderful Life.” The two-act play will begin at 7:30 p.m. November 20-22 at the high school auditorium. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is based on the film by Frank...

Sacred places

It was early, pre-dawn as I trudged across what remained of the old alfalfa field toward the deer stand in the cottonwood tree along Spring Creek. The morning was frosty, caused by air currents rolling over and down the flanks of Blue Mountain to the west. The bitter draft kept finding its way...

Scouting values are worth living and sharing

“I was a boy once.” With those words, Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell launched the Boy Scout movement. That movement founded by Baden-Powell in the United Kingdom over 110 years ago soon worked its way to the United States where it has seen nearly 110 million American participants since – all...

Help document local veterans who paid the ultimate price

DUST IN THE WIND Veterans Day was marked with solemn services and remembrances throughout San Juan County. I love the trend over time of increased efforts to remember and thank veterans for their service. A number of groups and organizations in the area work hard to document and honor those who...