News

Schools address fee waivers, high cost of activities, building use

by Bill Boyle San Juan Record Editor The high cost for students to participate in school activities – and fee waivers for students from low income families – is the focus of a major initiative by the San Juan School District. The school board is moving closer to approving “spend plans” for all...

Two local residents return from China, being monitored for coronavirus

Two San Juan County residents are currently being “actively monitored” after returning from areas of China where the coronavirus is actively spreading. Officials state that the two local residents are not infected with the virus, but are being monitored due to their potential exposure to the virus...

Federal agencies sign decisions approving management plans for Bears Ears National Monument

On December 20, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service approved the Bears Ears National Monument plans. The newly approved plans for the Indian Creek and Shash Jáa units of the monument provide guidance for the future management of lands and resources that are important to residents...

$2 million project may bring water, power to Westwater area

The Utah State legislature is being asked to contribute to a development effort for the Westwater community west of Blanding. The project could total $2 million, with the legislature asked to contribute $500,000. The contribution will be added to similar $500,000 contributions from the Navajo...

Blanding Council addresses capital projects

The Blanding City Council discussed a number of issues at their January 28 meeting, including capital projects and economic development. Kara Laws, representing the Blanding Chapter of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce, asked the City Council to set aside some of the city’s capital projects funds to...

Spanish Valley zoning regulations repeal may appear on ballot

A petition to seek the repeal of new planning and zoning regulations in Spanish Valley has been filed with the San Juan County Clerk. More than 30 packets bearing the signatures of San Juan County voters were presented to Clerk John David Nielson on January 23. If Nielson can verify 1,168 of the...

Despite drop in unemployment rate, San Juan County still ranks fourth-highest in the state

The unemployment rate in San Juan County is estimated at 3.8 percent, according to data recently released by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). This is one of the lowest unemployment rates on record and compares to a 6.0 percent rate in October 2018. Despite the drop in unemployment,...

The Voices of Bears Ears videos win award

San Juan County is the focus of marketing efforts that recently won a prestigious award for the Utah Office of Tourism. The Voices of Bears Ears, a four-part video series, earned an Adrian Award for marketing excellence on January 21 from Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (...

Trio of Blanding men face attempted homicide charges

Three men from Blanding face a host of first-degree felony charges, including attempted criminal homicide, aggravated murder, after an alleged rampage on January 23 that left three victims in the hospital. The charges state that the alleged crimes are gang affiliated. Deon Tanner Rock, age 27;...

Strong citizen support of petition leads to tax reform law repeal

A statewide citizen-led petition drive, including a strong effort in San Juan County, has led to the repeal of a controversial tax reform law. After opponents of the law submitted petitions with an estimated 152,000 signatures, legislative leaders and Governor Gary Herbert announced on January 23...