Life in San Juan

Puncturevine, known locally as goatheads, can be a scourge to local lawns and landscapes.

Control Goatheads (Puncturevine) tips

by Masters Gardeners of Shasta County Q: Puncturevine has shown up in my yard this past year and I would like to know the best way to eliminate it. A: Puncturevine is often spread by people as they pick up the spiked seeds on the sole of their shoes and then leave the “gift” of a seed in our...

Three local residents were honored by the Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, including UNHS official Otis Oldman (right). Courtesy photos

Local emergency responders honored

Several local residents were honored recently when the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a leadership summit with the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Otis Oldman, from Utah Navajo Health System, presented information about using Google Plus codes to help find residences and...

Local residents playing the role of tourists in the spectacular bewatuty of San Juan County. Aside from visitation, what other business opportunities are available for local residents? Photo courtesy Kara Laws

At what point is enough enough with tourism?

by Kara Laws Contributing Writer Tourism has been touted as a pinnacle pillar of economic growth for several centuries. From the re-design of Paris in the 1700s to the explosion of Moab today, cities are built with tourism in mind. Throughout the centuries, tourism has been pushed as an easy answer...

Betty Dalton's 90th Birthday Party

Join in celebrating a remarkable milestone as Betty Dalton turns 90! Betty Dalton, a cherished lifelong resident of Moab, will celebrate her 90th birthday on June 28. Born in 1935 in the coal mining town of Sego, UT, Betty is the beloved daughter of Carl and Lily Coccio and the youngest of three...

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...