20 years ago: People from across the country gathered in Colorado Springs on January 13, 2000 to help the Native American Sports Council honor Jim Thorpe. Among the celebrants (left to right) were Southern Ute Tribal Councilman Byron Red Sr., Billy Mills (10K Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Councilman Dewitte Baker, and Ross Anderson (Professional Speed Skier). This photo first appeared in the Feb. 11, 2000, edition of The Southern Ute Drum.

10 years ago: Libby Riddles autographs shirts for a few lucky Ignacio Intermediate students during a Feb. 4, 2010 presentation. Riddles was the 1985 Iditarod Champion and the first woman to take first place in the 1,150-mile race. This photo first appeared in the Feb. 12, 2010, edition of The Southern Ute Drum.

30 years ago: Nathan Winder Jr., Southern Ute Planner and Glen Walker, Town Manager hold a check for $8,800 which they received from U.S. West and Colorado Initiatives for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Town of Ignacio streetscape program and for the ongoing beautification efforts. This photo first appeared in the Feb. 16, 1990, edition of The Southern Ute Drum.

40 years ago: Southern Ute Tribal officials take a tour of the completed project at Sky Ute Downs. Racing was to begin at the Downs the following summer, pending a Tribal Council decision as to what the Downs will host. This photo first appeared in the Feb. 15, 1980, edition of The Southern Ute Drum.