National Guard to deploy

A platoon from the Army National Guard armory in Blanding will begin a year-long deployment to the Middle East in July.
The combat engineer platoon, part of the 118th Engineer Sapper Company based in Salt Lake City, will eventually be deployed in Afghanistan to complete a route-clearance mission.
Approximately 40 local residents will be involved in the mission, according to National Guard officials.
The platoon completed a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a benefit family dance during the Independence Day celebrations in Blanding over the Fourth of July weekend. The dance will be held at the armory in Blanding.