The Southern Ute Drum rolled out our all-weather newspaper distribution racks last year. Enabling the bi-weekly newspaper to be located outside of businesses for the first time, phasing out the metal stands — which had become dated.

Circulation of The Southern Ute Drum has increased significantly, due in a large part to the improved locations. While tribal offices, subscriptions and local schools receive the lion’s share of printed papers, copies are also made available throughout the community. In the past two years, our combined distribution numbers have increased from an estimated 1,800 to 2,900, with fewer returns.

Outreach has increased in the neighboring communities of Bayfield and Durango, in an effort to better serve the membership and broaden the newspaper’s readership. Newsstands are now located outside of the U.S. Post Offices in Ignacio, Bayfield and Durango; both entrances at Farmer’s Fresh in Ignacio, as well as inside of the Sky Ute Casino Resort. The Casino continues to provide newspapers in their rooms for guests.

Fort Lewis College now has the newspaper available in the Student Union and the Center of Southwest Studies, arrangements are being made to set up distribution at the La Plata County Airport, and the Durango Public Library in the coming weeks.

The newsstands also benefit from better branding in their new locations. The word FREE encourages readers to pick up a copy. Home delivery is available by subscription, $29 per year, $49 for two years. Southern Ute tribal members are eligible for subscriptions, free of charge.