Ignacio High School (IHS) woodshop teacher, Molly Turner receives a donation from Atmos Energy Corporation on behalf of a multi-year project proposed by Doug Hill on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in front of the Ignacio High School. Hill, a friend of Southern Ute tribal elder and artist Russell Box Sr., collaborated with Turner and the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum (SUCCM) to create benches for Box in 2024, which are now seen within the SUCCM Welcome Gallery. Hill has revived the project for another set of benches to be placed outside within the SUCCM grounds with the financial support of Atmos Energy. The project is slated for completion in spring 2027.

Atmos Energy presented a ceremonial check to the Ignacio High School woodshop class to support their work in designing and constructing benches in honor of Southern Ute tribal elder and artist, Russell Box Sr., on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in front of the Ignacio High School.