The summer’s monsoon season has helped the San Juan Watershed recover some of the losses over the last few years of drought, but is it enough as the summer comes to an end, or will the same worries over the Colorado River Basin continue to permeate the area? And the One Book, One Community Committee has announced Send a Runner: A Navajo Honors the Long Walk as the book for the 2022-2023 year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Pop's Truck & RV Center
Fifteen lucky visitors recently toured what’s mostly unexcavated at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Aztec Ruins East normally is off limits because of its fragile archaeological resources. The great kiva is 16 feet high, and has nearly 300 rooms. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Three Rivers Brewing
The fun has only just begun with the return of hot-air balloons to the Four Corners with the Four Corners Balloon Rally. The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village is participating in the Smithsonian National Museum Day with food trucks and activities galore. It’s property tax time, so make sure your mailing address is up-to-date with the Office of the Treasurer, and stay healthy this flu season. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Organic melons and green chili are just some of the many fresh products grown and sold by Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, better known as NAPI, located six miles south of Farmington on 100,000 irrigated acres. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park & Casino and the Big Idea Makerspace
Modern quilts today are like dazzling textile masterpieces. At the San Juan County Fair, 127 quilts were on display. While the San Juan Quilter Guild babysits the quilts, they sell raffle tickets to support quilt donations to the community. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Traegers Bar
Events for the 9/11 Day of Service in Farmington have been announced, and there’s something for everyone. San Juan Regional Medical Center has received accreditation for its chest pain center from the American College of Cardiology. And a 25-year-wait for the extension of Piñon Hills Boulevard is a wait no longer with federal aid covering the additional funding. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Service Master Restore
A local group of climate change activists is on a mission to educate Four Corners Area residents about the incentives now available to them to play a significant role as individuals in reducing climate change. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings and The Payroll Department
Many scientific studies show the mental and physical benefits of petting a dog or a cat, and many hospitals have created or joined pet therapy programs to offer that service to their patients. San Juan Regional Medical Center works with Pet Partners to provide trained therapy dog volunteers to patients and caregivers alike. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Big Idea Makerspace and Northern Edge Casino Hotel
Students will be living on campus at San Juan College for the first time this fall. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by the San Juan College Foundation. The community had an opportunity to tour the three-level, state-of the art facility, featuring a Great Hall, fancy elevators, and pergola-covered courtyard with a fireplace and a grill. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Boons Family Thai Barbecue.
“Chili in October-fest” and “Dining with the Dead” return in early October, and ENDWI is setting up sobriety checkpoints in and around San Juan County through the month of September. And while the monsoons are bringing some relief to the drought-stricken southwest, don’t expect it to last for long. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop's Truck & RV Center and Ace Hardware of Farmington
Founded in 1999, the DAISY Award honors nurses for the work and care they provide every day for their patients. San Juan Regional Medical Center offers patients and staff the opportunity to nominate nurses for this special award, and celebrates the individuals who have received the award. DAISY recipients at SJRMC are found across the departments, and have been nominated by both patients and peers. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and CMIT Solutions
The Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, or WESST, was founded with the goals of helping women, people of color, and low-income New Mexicans learn about best business practices, to support new entrepreneurs with financial and business advice, and provide resources within their communities. Farmington’s WESST center in San Juan College’s Quality Center for Business assists local entrepreneurs at every step of their small-business journey. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and Service Master Restore
WESST is hosting its 8th annual Silver Soirée event on August 19th, with a variety of fun, unique prizes you can enter to win through a raffle. As of August 1st, the state-wide burn ban has been lifted, but San Juan County Fire and Rescue urges caution, and the Aztec Museum has received additional funding from the City of Aztec to help address several ongoing maintenance issues. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Vegas-based Arrow the Airedale played Sandy the dog in a production of Annie at Farmington Civic Center in Farmington. The canine actor received lots of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the audience. The production of Annie marks Four Corners Theatre Company’s first full summer of three musicals. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and SunRay Park & Casino
Keep calm and hold on! The San Juan County Fair’s first event this year was an open rodeo at McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, an event mostly for beginning competitors to get some “rough-stock” time in like facing down a 2,000-pound bull or a bucking bronc. By Donna K. Hewett. Sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbecue and Ace Hardware of Farmington
At Farmington Sports/Tennis Complex on the LaPlata Highway, hosts Summer/Fall Tennis Camps, ages 4-18. Tennis boosts personal growth. Kids learn things like hard work, determination and grit, while getting a great workout. Coach McGrath’s lessons are exhilarating. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbeque and Three Rivers Brewing
Their bright green uniforms do more than simply set the Farmington Park Rangers apart from the other uniformed officers of the Farmington Police Department. It ensures that the officers are easy to spot along the river walk or in any of Farmington’s municipal parks - whether you’re in need of their assistance or you simply want to chat. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and CMIT Solutions.
The first four miles of the San Juan Rived are designated by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as ”Quality Waters.” Released from Navajo Lake, the water is clear, cold and rich in nutrients and sustains one of the most prolific trout populations in North America. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Northern Edge Casino
A makerspace is what it sounds like, a space to create and make…well, just about anything! At the Big Idea, 3D printers, a fully-stocked woodshop, laser printers, and more combine to create a space to design, create, and develop any variety of projects and more! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and The Big Idea at San Juan College
Drivers in Farmington and New Mexico finally see some relief at the gas pump - but it might be short-lived. Preliminary plans are presented for the all-abilities park at the old Tibbits Middle School, as well as an updated price tag. And Wines of the San Juan receive an international round of applause for its Tempranillo wine. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and Ute Mountain Casino
After being sold on the idea in Florida, a Farmington couple has opened the first I Heart Mac & Cheese restaurant in New Mexico. Operating in the fast-casual segment of the restaurant business, it’s the first of three they plan to open – one in Rio Rancho and another in Albuquerque. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace
The brainchild of author Kevin Coolidge, Totally Ninja Raccoons uses characters from Coolidge’s book series named the same in posters, which are hidden as part of a town-wide scavenger hunt. Amy’s Bookcase put the event on last year, and with the interest and fun, decided to run it again this year. 17 different business across Farmington have hidden the Totally Ninja Raccoons, and if you find all 17, you’re entered to win a special prize! This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and The Big Idea at San Juan College
A new report from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions ranks San Juan County sixth in the state for weekly wages, though the county still falls short of the state-wide average. Expand your professional network by applying to Connect New Mexico, and the Farmington Regional Animals Shelter is hosting its second low-cost adoption event in as many months. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar
We took a deep dive and looked at the naked truth behind the infamous Tico Time River RV Resort. What we discovered was that the noise and nudity complaints have abated—along with many changes. Now in its third season, the relaxed beach vibe is finally clicking for campers and neighbors alike. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace
Laura Harper began writing the script for a film about Rambo, her once-wild mustang who came from the Carracas Mesa. As she learned more about Rambo’s past, she found parallels between the horses and the evolution of New Mexico’s history, as well as her own life in the Southwest. The resulting film, “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa,” ties together New Mexico history, wild horses, and everyday people to tell the story of the mustangs of San Juan County. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and SunRay Park & Casino
Plenty of earth’s treasures was on display at the annual gem and mineral show at McGee Park in Farmington. Hosted by the San Juan County Gem and Mineral Society, prospectors and lapidarists, arrived from across the county to sell their gem stones, fossils and jewelry. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Pop's Truck and RV Center
Update your calendars with upcoming summer fun and events, from the annual field day at the Agricultural Science Center to music and theater events. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Boons Family Thai Barbecue
Amy Martindale, a certified personal trainer, opened a new gym called All HIIT No QUIT in April. She gives nine 30-minute, high intensity interval training sessions a day called ‘hits.’ For a $100 dollars a month, you can attend as many sessions as you like, and the first three are free. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and SunRay Park and Casino
San Juan County, the City of Farmington, and the Navajo Nation hope to bring a freight rail system to the Four Corners, and a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for a feasibility study, now in its early stages. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery
Dylan McClain and Dalton Bevill may have practical construction skills, but they wanted to do more to express their artistic side, so they joined forces to start Animas Artisans, a Design and Fabrication Studio. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage
McGee Park opens for personal firework displays, support local farmers and eat fresh food with a Harvest Farm Box subscription. And the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to children under the age of five. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and Boons Family Thai Barbecue
For the third year in a row, flight was cancelled for the San Juan River Balloon Rally in Bloomfield. Wind shears grounded balloons this year. Covid was culprit for the previous two cancellations. Organizers disappointed as a deflated balloon? Maybe. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Pop's Truck and RV Center
The Southwest Civic Winds, founded in 2012, boasts a robust band of 40 members, give or take, playing a variety of instruments, music, and songs from across the world. While they can and do perform in concert halls and other similar venues, you can catch a glimpse of them at the Fourth of July Rotary Park Pancake Breakfast this year. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the Payroll Department
Mesa Verde Country hopes to manage and market the Trails of the Ancients Byway so that visitors to Southwest Colorado will find a reason to extend their stays by one or two more days. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
Horse Empower has a unique way of approaching a ladies’ night out - in the midst of the staples of good food, drinks, and conversation, a horse might just make its appearance. Kim Hardesty, owner of Horse Empower, and her herd of horses offer a range of services, from equine therapy to equine-assisted learning. One of the programs though, might just offer new options for a night out. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage
Be prepared for road closures and detours as summer road construction ramps up. The City of Farmington announces the purchase of a new building for the Farmington Police Department, and mark your calendar for Friday lunchtime fun. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by the Man Cave Barber and SunRay Park & Casino
A project to replace one of the taxiways at Four Corners Regional Airport will begin in July, thanks to a $7.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will help with the demands of the airport and improve the infrastructure to maintain the highest levels of safety and efficiency. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ute Mountain Casino
KSUT Public Radio wants to reduce polarization between people in the Four Corners with a new conversation series and it invites residents from throughout the region to participate. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley
Rural Northern New Mexico and Southwest Colorado are suffering from teacher shortages, particularly in secondary math and science classrooms and special education classrooms. The Three Rivers Education Foundation hopes to put a dent in the problem with a unique teacher-training program for professionals considering a change in their careers. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbecue and Pop's Truck and RV Center
The Four Corners Airport is $7.5 million closer to re-opening for passenger jet service, and San Juan Region Medical Center welcomes a new Chief Nursing Officer. Also, Father’s Day events are coming up! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewing
Eight teams lugged an 80,000-pound fire truck 60 feet for Farmington Police Department’s second annual Fire Truck Pull to support Special Olympics New Mexico. Partnered with The Law Enforcement Torch Run, a national non-profit for Special Olympics, the department expects to “pull” in $20,000 with the competition. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and Ace Hardware of Farmington
Montezuma County residents Frank Dean and Wendy Walker run a worm farm. Yes, WORM farm. Four Corners Worm Farm. And they're on a mission to introduce worm composting and worm fertilizer as a practice in regenerative agriculture that reduces the amount of waste thrown in landfills and rids the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers – and provides bait for the occasional fisherman. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation of Montezuma and Keesee Motors
Summertime in the southwest means blue skies, warm weather, and, unfortunately, drought conditions. Fires already are burning across the Four Corners, so how best do we balance having fun in the sun, with taking precautions and being safe with fires? By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and Pop’s Truck and RV Center You can visit San Juan County Fire & Rescue, Cortez Fire & Rescue, La Plata County Search & Rescue, and Durango Fire & Rescue for updates
Childhaven supports children in crisis in San Juan County, offering a variety of services to help children get the aid they need. On Friday, May 20, Childhaven opened a new foster care center, which will offer support and resources for children and families who are a part of the foster system. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and CMIT Solutions
Summer kick-off fun and rentals in San Juan County, and the Mental Wellness Resource Center wins an achievement award. This story is sponsored by Man Cave Barber and SunRay Park and Casino
Dog lovers united for the Durango Kennel Club’s annual American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show at McGee Park in Farmington. On their best behavior, 600 dogs and their owners, handlers, and judges came from across the United States and Mexico to participate. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and ServiceMaster Restore
The Aztec Museum complex houses one of the finest collections of authentic western Americana in the country. Tour a dozen structures in the “Village,” among them a doctor’s office, general store, black smith and foundry, Aztec’s first jailhouse, and the old Cedar Hill Church. The Museum also offers a summer concert series. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by ServiceMaster Restore and Distil Beer Wine Spirits
While thousands of bicycle riders and their families will arrive in Durango Memorial Day Weekend to ride in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic or watch cyclists race the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad over three mountain passes to Silverton, hundreds of others across the world will be riding Hermosa Valley leg of the race without rolling a wheel into town.
Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village announce their summer concert series, San Juan County is looking for local businesses to participate in a summer internship progam for high school students and recent college graduates, and plans for a new all-abilities park in Farmington are in the works. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Three Rivers Brewing
Get ready to celebrate the Ute Mountain Casino's 30th anniversary – it's 'Still the One' for gaming, dining and serving as central headquarters for visitors who want to explore Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners Region. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley
