Cleanup Effort Underway after Pipeline Break Spills Crude Oil into San Juan River

Sometime around the evening of February 28, a six-inch diameter transfer line northwest of Montezuma Creek began leaking crude oil and produced water into Bucket Wash. The wash, which is usually dry, was flowing with snowmelt, and oil traveled approximately three miles before spilling into the San Juan River.

Letter to the Editor: HB 288 Limits Local Control, Gives Handout to Gravel Pit Operators

Published: 3/3/19 HB 288, just passed in the Utah Senate and now before the House, would legalize gravel quarry operations to continue and to expand regardless of local government input. This type of overt big-government/big-industry partnership for corporate and legislator profit lays waste to our political agency at the local government level, and craters our … Continue reading Letter to the Editor: HB 288 Limits Local Control, Gives Handout to Gravel Pit Operators

Perspective | Preserving the ‘Native Home of Hope’: The future of water allocation

It is much easier to discuss how farmers should transition from flood irrigation to drip than it is to delve into centuries-deep systematic injustices. But I think in order to meaningfully address the future of water allocation, we have to go deeper than occasionally fallowing a wheat field.

Bluff Town Council Passes Six-Month Building Moratorium While Planning and Zoning Codes Are Written

No new commercial, industrial, or residential building permits will be issued in Bluff in the next six months. On Tuesday, the Bluff Town Council passed a full moratorium on building within city limits to give the council time to work with the recently formed Planning and Zoning Committee on the town’s zoning ordinances. Mayor Ann … Continue reading Bluff Town Council Passes Six-Month Building Moratorium While Planning and Zoning Codes Are Written

Groundbreaking Ceremonies Held for New Bluff Elementary School and New Gym in Montezuma Creek

By Zak Podmore Photos by Sarah Burak Construction of the long-anticipated, $10 million elementary school in Bluff is finally underway. On February 26, students, teachers, district staff, and community members gathered on a dirt lot just west of Cottonwood Wash to watch the official groundbreaking ceremony. Superintendent Ron Nielson spoke, along with district staff. Students … Continue reading Groundbreaking Ceremonies Held for New Bluff Elementary School and New Gym in Montezuma Creek

Bluff Beekeepers Calendar: February

The swarm can be the size of an orange up to size of a beach ball. It may contain 10,000-20,000 bees. It is usually attached to a bush or tree limb and will stay there up to two days while the scout bees search for a new home.

Notice: Request for Donations of Cash or Office Equipment

The Bluff Town Council needs help setting up an office. Of prime importance is: a desktop computer a printer/scanner two lateral file cabinets The approximate cost for these items is $2200. Also needed are a nice desk and some comfortable chairs. Cash donations are always welcome.

A Graveyard in Leeds, Utah (Poem)

A poem by Austin Holmes.

Historic Photo Retake: Valley of the San Juan, 1895

In a completely unplanned and odd astronomical coincidence, February 7, the date of Jay’s retake photo, is exactly the same number of days away from winter solstice as is November 4th, the date of the original photo. Therefore, the sun’s angle and the important shadows it casts are identical.

San Juan County Commissioner Bruce Adams Asks The Utah Legislature To Contribute $1.5 Million Toward The County’s Legal Expenses

In 2016 and 2017, the county’s general fund dropped from $9 million in reserves to $5 million, in large part due to legal bills. In 2018, the county involved itself in several more lawsuits that led to another $1 million in costs. And up to $3.2 million in outstanding legal fees from an ongoing voting rights case have yet to be assessed, which could bring the total to over $6 million.