Fundamental Needs, a Cortez-based non-profit, began by helping out on the Navajo Reservation during the pandemic. Ultimately, the founder’s discovered water was one of the most desired resources on the reservation. It developed a program that installs water systems for individual dwellings that don't have access to clean water. In 2023, the non-profit will continue its expansion into the Farmington and Shiprock areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
San Juan County Fire and Rescue issued a burn restriction June 28th as fire conditions ripened - make sure you’re aware of what all is included under the restrictions and be informed about what that might mean moving forward. The Farmington Growers Market is the recipient of a $12,000 grand from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to aid in the construction of a pavilion for the market, and enjoy the warm summer evenings with piano music at Aztec Museum and Pioneer Night, courtesy of the Painted Pianos and Friends. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
The Grand Canyon Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau, initiated the Pinyon Jay project to involve volunteers in wildlife conservation. Pinyon Jays have a symbiotic relationship with pinyon trees, making them a key marker in forest preservation for the pinyon and juniper forests dotting the Colorado Plateau. The project aims to gather data and protect the ecosystem while engaging amateur birders and outdoor enthusiasts, making the project accessible to everyone. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery
It’s been 47 years since the San Juan County Sheriff’s Posse held a rodeo round-up at its principal ground in Farmington. The day included ten bull teams competing with 20 bull riders, a women’s bull riding competition, and a mutton busting event that includes young kids riding a sheep like a little bull. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ace Hardware in Farmington
Several sites in San Juan County are participating in the Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals to individuals under the age of 18. With the Fourth of July approaching, the county encourages the safe celebration of fireworks at McGee Park, emphasizing the importance of following fire safety guidelines. Elder Grown's Summer Camp at Tico Time, a one-night music festival, on July 8th, features live music and showcasing talents from various artists and music styles. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Pop’s Truck & RV Center
A month after the deadly spree shooting in Farmington, Denny’s, partnered with the San Juan Medical Foundation to fund families impacted by the tragedy. One hundred percent of sales rung up from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on June 14th was donated to the Farmington Strong Fund. Denny’s customers enjoyed a hardy meal while knowing that their entire purchase would contribute to the community affected by May’s tragedy. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Boons Family Thai BBQ
Childhaven, Inc. and First Tee - Four Corners were announced as two of 44 nonprofit organizations who are recipients of grants from the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Resources Foundation. 5-Mile Bridge closed due to safety concerns - and you are invited to a public meeting to discuss possible options to maintain the route, and come enjoy all the cheesiness at the Mac and Cheese Fest this Saturday at Berg Park. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits
The New Mexico Office of the Natural Resources Trustee has announced the 10 projects that will be funded with the $12 million settlement from the Gold King Mine spill. These projects aim to address economic loss and the impact on outdoor recreation caused by the spill. Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity Restore is celebrating its 9-year anniversary with a parking lot sale, offering discounts and a festive atmosphere on June 24th, and public meetings are being held to discuss the feasibility of bringing a freight rail service to the Four Corners region, inviting feedback on potential route alignments. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Traeger’s Bar
Nearly five hundred dogs strutted their stuff at the Durango Kennel Club’s Show at McGee Park in Farmington. Dozens of breeds and their handles traveled from across the country to compete in the four-day event. Categories included conformation shows, obedience trials, and rally trials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Ace Hardware in Farmington
The Durango Airtanker base houses firefighting and support crews that serve as a shared national resource when wildfire breaks out. Firefighting efforts generally require collaborating with multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management along with state, city, and county offices. This season provided the opportunity for the base to host its first “fly-in” since the pandemic. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino
High school students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply for paid internships this summer with San Juan County. First Tee Four Corners is running its usual summer programs in June and July, and has started a Veteran’s League this year. San Juan Regional Medical Center invites you to comment on this year’s Health Needs Assessment Survey, and come “Jolt” your summer at the “Jolt Jamboree”, complete with Zook the T-Rex. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and SunRay Park and Casino
Farmington Electric Utility System was one of a 109 in the nation to receive the Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association this year. It signifies that a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry-best practices. The award, which lasts for 3 years, recognizes public efficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, workforce development, system improvement, and safety. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Northern Edge Casino
A bill aiming to protect 76 miles of the Dolores River appears poised for passage. The measure was reintroduced this spring by Senator Michael Bennet after it ran out of time in the 2022 session. The legislation has bi-partisan support, including an identical companion bill in the House introduced by Representative Lauren Boebert. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room
Farmington is a stop along one of the branches of this year’s Texas 4000 Rockies Route, where riders will share their stories and talk about the importance of funding cancer treatment and research. The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit returns this fall, and make sure to get your tickets for the Four Corners Musical Theatre Company’s production of Spamalot this June. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ
The Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum is an iconic, state-of-the-art museum that gives voice to the Southern Ute tribe, preserving their story so that future generations will know what it meant to be Ute, and educating visitors about their vibrant culture. It’s presented through photographic curtains, audio/visual presentations, and life-sized replicas, including an awesome buffalo-hide teepee. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates
This year’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was full of high spirits and sportsmanship. Racers shared their experience pedaling over Molas Pass, hard fought victories, and wipe-outs. Ian Burnett shared his inside knowledge as a former racer and current Race Director and applauded this year’s contestants. By Zach Marqua. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Sky Ute Casino
Rio del Sol Kiwanis Club partnered with Farmington Civic Center to produce a pseudo debate between long-time pals and rivals, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The performance seems to prove that at one time political rivals were civil to each other—even while in disagreement. Called “We Disagreed as Rational Friends,” the comedic production was presented as a less-scripted, more-improvised game-show format, including a “Benjamin Franklin Lightning Round.” The Kiwanis Club fundraiser supports their numerous children’s programs such as Clothes for Kids, Shoes for Kids, Coats for Kids–plus an African Library project. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Sunray Park & Casino
In order to keep up with the current rate of snowmelt from the mountains, the Bureau of Reclamation has moved up the annual release of water from Navajo Lake to proactively prevent water overflow. The City of Farmington encourages you to take the Outdoor Pledge as we head into a summer of recreation fun, and, speaking of fun, come and join Desert River Guides and Three Rivers Brewery to celebrate the release of Desert River Lager. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and Traegers Bar
Locally owned Bayfield Gardens is the preeminent place to buy the ginormous hanging baskets you see gracing finer establishments along Main Street in Durango, Farmington and as far away as Santa Fe. But there’s a catch: you must reserve the flower baskets one year in advance. For walk-ins, there’s still plenty to choose from: first-rate veggies, annuals, and perennials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
The Local NEWS Network stands in solidarity with the community of the City of Farmington and the families of those impacted as a result of the shooting on May 15th. Desert View Family Counseling, Totah Behavioral Health and Farmington Community Health have offered their services if you or someone you know are in need of help. Desert View Family Counseling: 505-326-7878 (Press Option 1) Totah Behavioral Health: 505-564-4804 Farmington Community Health: 505-326-4796 Highway 173 will finally see some much-needed repair work thanks to an $8 million fund by the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The Grand Canyon Trust is offering 18 fully-funded spots on the second annual Grand Canyon Regional Intertribal Intergeneration Stewardship Expedition for native youths from the associated tribes of the Grand Canyon, and the City of Aztec invites you to come kick off the summer with a block party. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
Advocates for victims of child abuse gathered at Orchard Park in Downtown Farmington, to bring light to the magnitude of child abuse in San Juan County. The “Save Jane” event, hosted by Childhaven, gives a voice to the thousand or so abused children who come forward yearly. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Pop’s Truck & RV Center
The Colorado Grain Chain is awarding four grants statewide to brewers or distillers who craft a beverage using exclusively Colorado grown grain. One grant will be awarded to businesses in each of Colorado’s major watersheds. The non-profit hopes the microgrant improves awareness for Colorado’s grain community. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
Three students from local schools are headed to represent Farmington and Aztec as part of the National Civics Bee competition. San Juan Regional Medical Center welcomes its new CEO and president, and two local elementary schools have received $50,000 grants to help plan community school concepts. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Boons Family Thai BBQ
The Strater Hotel has recognized the Blue Moon Ramblers for working as the hotel's Sunday house band for over thirty years. Room 223 is now dedicated to the band. The suite includes a plaque on the door with the band's name, and portraits of the band and its founding members inside the room. The Blue Moon Ramblers are the first musical act to join more than 40 individuals or entities who have rooms dedicated at the Strater. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department
Durango’s Shimmy Mob belly dance troupe is ready to showcase its new choreography for National Belly Dance Day. On Saturday May 13th, the group will dance at multiple stops in downtown Durango. The team's mission is to raise awareness and money for Alternative Horizons, a local non-profit that provides resources for domestic violence victims. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ
At the first vintage jewelry trunk show hosted by J.A. Jewelers in Farmington, a gemologist explained what terms like vintage, retro, and antique mean in the world of fine jewelry. The collection included items from the Victorian era to modern vintage pieces from the 1980s and ‘90s. Prices ranged from a couple hundred dollars to $30,000. If you missed this event, don’t worry! It will return next year as an annual staple of J.A. Jewelers’ events. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino
RiverFest, organized by the RiverReach Foundation returns for its 35th year - complete with wiener dog races, rafting, and live music and events. Rafting should be excellent this year, with the higher-than-average snowpack, but runoff concerns mean some low-lying areas of Farmington should be prepared. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and SunRay Park and Casino
SunRay Park & Casino has unveiled its 24th annual racing season with a national assembly of young, majestic horses. Ten races are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until May 21st. SunRay Park also offers year-round simulcast horse racing, and over modern 400 slots. Margaritas and Tex-Mex are popular, as are the large-hearted staff. By Donna K. Hewett.
The Aztec Boys and Girls Club is hosting a spring craft fair on April 29th featuring local artists and craftsmen. San Juan College has received a $1.1 million federal appropriation secured by U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez for the construction of a new student health facility, and access to McPhee Reservoir in Southwest Colorado is increasing as summer approaches. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
Wolves, in their haunting beauty and untamed wildness, are both a source of adoration and fear among people. At WolfWood Refuge, Paula Woerner and her team of volunteers provide experiences and opportunities for people to get up close with the animals that call the sanctuary home - ranging from full wolves and coyotes to animals that had to be surrendered due to inhumane conditions. One such educational event takes place annually at Purgatory Mountain Resort. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings
April is National Pickleball Month. Inexpensive, easy to play, and incredibly addictive, it’s the fastest growing sport in Farmington--with plenty of outside and inside courts available. Pickleball is sure-fire local fun for everyone—no matter age or gender. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and Distil Beer Wine Spirits
An employee thank-you turned event, the second annual Pagosa Triathlon organized by Pagosa Adventure advertised hot-air balloon rides, spring skiing competitions, and a rafting event. And then Mother Nature arrived, and the weekend event became a case study in changing plans. Although snowy fields and windy weather thwarted a few of the events, the triathlon teams still managed to find some fun, sun, and clear blue skies. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
Staffers at the Durango-based Adaptive Sports Association are reflecting on a memorable winter as the organization readies for its summer season. The association, which provides outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, hosted about 600 lessons this winter, as it trends back to pre-pandemic demand. Upcoming summer programming includes river trips, cycling tours, camping trips and more. The Adaptive Sports Association also offers programming that caters to disabled military veterans such as Team River Runner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware
Author Mark Stevens makes his first foray into the world of baseball with his latest release: The Fireballer. The Fireballer is a novel about Frank Ryder, a tortured hero who grapples with talent, change and loneliness. Ultimately Ryder must come to terms with his circumstances to find peace off the diamond. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Big O Tires
Leadership San Juan has opened applications for this year’s class. The City of Farmington is asking for community input for the Animas District and Healthcare Hub, asking residents to fill out a short survey to assess priorities for development. And just this month, San Juan County has launched a new program called Septic Safe San Juan County to better educate the county about the dangers of unsecured septic tank lids. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and SunRay Park and Casino
A Farmington musical theatre director has been asked to submit his Celebrate Sondheim Revue for a chance at touring nationally. Randy West, director of Four Corners Musical Theatre Company, produced a two-hour Sondheim extravaganza, with eight professional singers and a nine-piece orchestra. Presented as a workshop at the Farmington Civic Center, the final production will be recorded in the next few weeks and submitted to a Florida-based agency that books national tours. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
Gardening in Southwest Colorado takes more patience and preparation than in many other warmer and wetter states. The area is susceptible to unpredictable frosts, drought, smoke, and a shorter growing window, yet it is still possible to have a highly productive garden. Mountain Roots Food Project has a spring gardening guide to help better understand the challenges and planning needed to succeed in our gardens this summer. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
During inclement weather, Strike Zone in Farmington is a godsend for baseball and softball players looking for a practice and training facility. It houses seven roomy batting cages and a large turf area for pitching practice. Helmets, balls, bats, and one-hour lessons are offered six days a week to perfect that home run swing. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Pop’s Truck & RV Center
A draft plan for the disbursement of funds from the Gold King Mine settlement is expected to be released March 31st. San Juan Regional Medical Center announced the acquisition of a new piece of technology to assist in the operating room, and 100% San Juan County invites you to attend the upcoming summit event. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits
The 2021 infrastructure bill earmarked more money for broadband internet access than ever before. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is one beneficiary, getting nearly $44 million to connect nearly 1,800 Native American households to high speed internet. Funds will be deployed locally to help close the digital divide faced by Tribal communities. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and Big O Tires
Prepare for the summer farmers market season with a vendors training hosted by the Northwest New Mexico Growers Market. The city of Aztec received a $39,999 grant to develop a plan for public space and trails in and around the city, and Lake Nighthorse will open for the summer season on March 31st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will visit Durango for the first time Saturday, April 1. Two screenings will be hosted by the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are available online through Five Rivers Trout Unlimited or in-person at Duranglers for $20. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Pops Truck & RV Center and The Payroll Department
When Robert Holmes noticed a need for sober housing in La Plata County, Colorado, and San Juan County, New Mexico, he decided to do something about it, founding a nonprofit organization called Pura Vida for Good. Holmes, who is the owner of the river resort Tico Time on the Colorado/New Mexico border, plans to turn the resort festivals into benefits to fund the construction of and upkeep of sober housing and recovery homes in the two counties. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
Volunteers from Turquoise Paw Rescue in Shiprock travel the expanse of the Navajo Nation to trap loose dogs and shelter them until they’re released to shelters across the country. Volunteers for Turquoise Paw Rescue normally travel hundreds of miles with traps, blankets, and “smelly foods,” to save mostly female “rez dogs” and their plentiful offspring. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and Northern Edge Casino
The annual spring hazardous waste collection event for San Juan County is scheduled for March 25th. San Juan College has been selected as one of ten community colleges across the nation to be a part of a cohort designed to reduce barriers to higher education for minority and low-income college students and come find a job at San Juan Regional Medical Center’s regional career fair. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Ace Hardware of Farmington
The Lor Foundation is awarding rural farmers and ranchers in Colorado and New Mexico grants to implement innovative water solutions. LOR believes those closest to a problem—Western farmers and ranchers in this case—have the best solutions. Through the Field Work initiative, farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming are eligible for up to $10,000 to implement innovative water projects. The goal is to find the best solutions for using water to grow food in the West. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto
Ballantine Events is hosting the annual Farmington Regional Career Fair, bring your resume and business dress to impress. Aztec Museum announced special spring break hours from March 14-25, and the February storms have helped push Farmington and San Juan County out of severe drought designations according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and Pop's Truck & RV Center
Hail to the chief! San Juan County Fire & Rescue named Dave Vega as its new Fire Chief. The Pagosa Springs native beat out five other candidates in a nationwide search to fill the job. The former deputy chief will face lots of challenges, including rebuilding volunteer ranks. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and SunRay Park and Casino
Calling themselves Team Guardian, three men from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge to fund their non-profit organization, called Guardian Initiatives, dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental health for first responders in the Four Corners. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Ace Hardware in Farmington
Delbert Anderson, Navajo trumpeter and front man for the jazz ensemble D’DAT, was just awarded a $10,000 thousand-dollar grant from Cultural Capital to mentor a local tour for The Third Hour, a band made up of eight Farmington High School, he fellowship was presented by the First People’s Fund, a national organization that supports indigenous arts. It marks Anderson’s ninth endowment in a single year. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Traegers Bar
