For the past two years, Gordon has been the driving force behind Recovery Day in Monticello, dedicating his time and heart to creating a celebration of healing, hope and second chances.
His commitment to individuals in recovery goes far beyond a single event – he works year-round to ensure that no one feels left out or left behind.

ATV’s will be all over San Juan County this weekend as the annual San Juan ATV Safari is back.
Rides throughout all of San Juan County will give visitors and locals alike an opportunity to enjoy great views in perfect weather.
The 23rd annual safari starts on Wednesday September 17 concluding on Saturday, September 20.

Car enthusiasts and reminiscing area residents will congregate in Monticello on the evening of Saturday, September 13 for an epic “Drag Main” Extravaganza!
Look for lights, treats and more at the new headquarters of Westcott Motors on South Main.
Cruise to the sounds of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s provided by Redrock 92! There may even be a request and dedication line.
The fun begins at dusk. Please drive responsibly!

by Kara Laws
Contributing writer
All business owners should be creating a business they can sell later. This is especially true in our small towns where we see too many Main Street businesses closing up shop.
One day you will want to retire. And you only have two options: 1) Close down and walk away with nothing or 2) sell your business to fund your retirement.

Dr. Kent Lyman, concert pianist and Blanding native, will be Kigalia Fine Arts’ first performer of the 2025-2026 season on Friday, September 19 at 6 pm at the San Juan High Auditorium in Blanding.  
Kent Lyman is a Steinway Artist, and was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.

Through the Silence: A pop-up augmented reality experience exploring the Aniknuche Incarceration of 1923 will bring local history and art to life in Blanding over Labor Day weekend, commemorating the Aniknuche Incarceration of 1923.
The exhibit will explore hidden layers of Ute (Nuuchu) local history and public art and will be a unique experience timed with the White Mesa A’nuche Bear Dance

by Richard Lynn Perkins and Beverly Gayle Perkins Shumway 
Richard Perkins has a rich San Juan County heritage. His parents, Hyrum Corry Perkins and Mary Kisten Adams were both born and raised in Bluff, Utah.

Utah State University Extension’s San Juan County 4-H program recently received a $8,996.16 donation from Clark’s Market, through the store’s Non-Profit Monday Program. The donation will directly support youth development programs in the county.
The opportunity came about when a San Juan County commissioner reached out to the 4-H office with news that Clark’s Market was seeking a new beneficiary for its upcoming fundraiser.

When the Deer Creek fire ignited in an inhabited area of Old La Sal on July 10, news spread quickly. By Saturday July 12, the fire had destroyed several homes, vacation cabins, camper trailers and other structures.
By the time it came under containment the fire had destroyed 17,742 acres of forests and rangelands, impacting not only residents, but ranchers and their livestock and countless wildlife.

by Kara Laws
Contributing writer
San Juan County is made up entirely of small towns facing the question, How do we preserve our small towns while our communities grow? The topic came up in the Blanding Meet the Candidates meeting last week, some candidates seemed unsure on how to balance growth and small town character.

by David Boyle
News Director
“Pioneering the Future” is the theme of the 2025 Monticello Pioneer Days celebration. The two-day celebration runs Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26.
The weekend features a community-wide celebration, along with a number of family and class reunions and other community events.

By Sally Jack
Contribting Writer
Four generations – all in one family – will serve as Grand Marshals in the 2025 Pioneer Day Parade on Saturday, July 26.

By Sally Jack
Contributing Writer
The second annual Free and Clean Recovery Day took place at Veterans Memorial Park in Monticello on Thursday July 10.
Recovery Day is a special time for individuals to celebrate their recovery from addiction. Family, friends, and allies of the recovery community gather at the park to support loved ones and to be a part of the day’s celebration.

Happy 90th birthday to James Carl Osborn.
Carl has met his goal which he set with his doctors to reach his 90th birthday.  He is now bargaining with them for an additional five years.
In 1958, Carl moved to Blanding to begin his teaching career at Blanding Elementary School.  
He told Gerry they would stay for two years and then move back to Cedar City.  

Steve and Maxine Deeter will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 15, 2025.
They were married in 1965 in Pomerene, AZ.
The union was solemnized in the Monticello LDS Temple in 2001.
They will celebrate the occasion with their family at their home in La Sal.