News

San Juan Record adapts to changes, expands to meet reader needs

The San Juan Record is in the process of developing a “2020 Vision” as the information industry continues to grow and transform. This vision will result in a few changes in coming weeks. “Our readership has never been larger,” said San Juan Record Publisher Bill Boyle. “The challenge is making...

Judge rejects SUWA motion in public lands case

With a scathing rebuke, a federal judge rejected a motion by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) to become a full-party participant in a landmark public lands case. Judge Clark Waddoups ruled on September 5 that SUWA could participate in a massive case regarding RS-2477 road rights-of-way...

Blanding City Council calls for county civility

The Blanding City Council called for civility and cooperation among San Juan County residents in an August 27 meeting. The council discussed a letter and press release condemning the comments former San Juan County Commissioner Mark Maryboy made in a Mexican Water town hall meeting held August 22...

Fugitives are still at large after overpowering guards

San Juan County was apparently the setting in the past week when two prisoners escaped from custody while being transported from Henrietta, NY to Tucson, AZ. The two overpowered a two-person transport team on August 26, soon after leaving from the San Juan County jail in Monticello. Initial...

Commission opposes oil, gas lease sale

The San Juan County Commission voted to oppose an upcoming oil and gas lease sale on land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management near Hovenweep National Monument. The vote came at the September 3 Commission meeting. The resolution calls on the BLM to “defer the sale to prevent the degradation...

Separate town hall meetings address simmering controversies in San Juan

Tension continues to rise over the political situation in San Juan County, and it spilled over at two town hall meetings in the past week. Separate and independent town hall meetings were held in Monticello and Mexican Water. Both meetings had a similar agenda: a discussion of issues of local...

San Juan County hires new administrator

Mack McDonald has been hired as the new San Juan County Administrator. The hiring was approved at the August 20 meeting of the San Juan County Commission. Commission Chair Kenneth Maryboy announced that the county went through an extensive recruitment and evaluation process. “We are excited to...

Special election will ask SJC governance question

A special election in November will ask voters in San Juan County if a committee should be formed to consider a change in county government. The election is scheduled after five county residents successfully submitted a petition. County Clerk John David Nielson said that the group submitted several...

Blanding Council talks rate changes, impact fees

The Blanding City Council focused on changes to water and sewer impact fees and the electric rate in their meeting on August 13. The council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed changes to the water and sewer impact fee ordinance and the current...

The Monticello City Council approved designs for new signs that will be built at all three entrances to the city. The signs were designed by Impact Signs of Salt Lake City. rtesy photo

Monticello City Council considers new hire and economic development

The Monticello City Council discussed a need to hire a new recreation director at length during their meeting August 13 at the Hideout Community Center. Jeremy Avondet, who the city hired two years ago, is resigning from the position on September 13. Much of the conversation centered on simply...