San Juan Regional Medical Center opened its new and improved pediatric center on Wednesday, January 11th. The space, which includes elements meant to help lessen the stress of caring for sick children, boasts brightly painted walls, fun paintings, and a playroom for visiting children. The new unit plans to offer quality care for families and sick children for years to come, continuing its work as the only designated pediatric unit in the Four Corners area. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Pop's Truck & RV Center and Three Rivers Brewery
The Aztec Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to continue the Painted Pianos Project started three years ago. The holiday storms have boosted Farmington’s total precipitation above the 30-year average with snowpack levels in Southwest Colorado over 100%, and the City of Farmington received a grant to start work on the Juniper Basin Recreation Area. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and Sunray Park and Casino
Initially a local geologist’s dream office located seventy feet below sandstone ground, Kokopelli Cave became a five-star bed and breakfast in Farmington. It’s located on a three-hundred-foot desert cliff overlooking the lovely La Plata River Valley. Seventeen hundred square feet of carpeted cave offers a full kitchen, and jet tub water flow. Open March first through December first, it accommodates up to eight people for a one-of-a-kind experience. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions
San Juan Regional Childbirth Center has announced four new childbirth classes for it’s January schedule - including a class specifically for new fathers. The classes will be offered in conjunction with previously offered classes through the Childbirth Center. And the Aztec Museum has received a grant to assist in repairing its “Pecos West” cyclorama, constructed in the 1960s and donated to the museum in 2015. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and ServiceMaster Restore
The official beer of Snowdown ’23 is an horchata-spiced ale with vanilla, cinnamon and citrus notes coming in at six percent ABV created Ska Brewing. Hornblower Horchata is available in 12 oz. 4-packs now through the end of Snowdown Sunday February 5th. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
More than a dozen high school football players from Aztec, Farmington, Bloomfield, Shiprock, and Kirtland were named to first and second all-state rosters. The city of Farmington has announced it will no longer acquire the San Juan generating station, and the Four Corners Home for Children once again celebrated the holiday season with its annual drive-through live Navajo Nativity scene. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Pop’s Truck and RV Center
The Nutcracker was performed in two acts at the Henderson Fine Arts building at San Juan College. For sisters Judy and Becky Mann, owners of the Mann Dance Academy in Farmington, it was their 14th annual assembly of the classic ballet. The Nutcracker is often the first exposure to both ballet and classical music for children from 3 to 18. This year, the Mann sisters cast 60 children in the performance. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and Ace Hardware of Farmington
Farmington Police Department is the recipient of a $250,000 grant, which it plans to use as retention bonuses for current officers. San Juan Regional Medical Center is now offering a telehealth partnership with Presbyterian Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to better serve infants and their families, and if you need something to do over the holidays, events abound in Farmington. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions
As the holiday season ramps up this year, news about the flu, RSV, and COVID is doing the same. San Juan Region Medical Center and other local healthcare providers are asking residents to stay safe this year and observe precautions as you head to family and work gatherings this holiday season. maybe add more here? By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Pop’s Truck and RV Center
San Juan County Fire and Rescue wants you to have a safe and fire-free holiday season and has some tips for just that. Farmington Municipal Schools’ Coordinator of Fine Arts is recognized by the New Mexico Art Education Association, and Gold King Mine Settlement Proposals are in. By Hannah Robertson. Sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ
Tailwind Nutrition initially began when co-founder Jeff Vierling wanted to find endurance fuel that worked for him, after running several ultra-marathons with less-than-preferable side effects from other formats. Today, Tailwind Nutrition sells its products across the United States and the world, mixed, packaged, and shipped from their new facility right next to the Durango La Plata Airport. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and The Man Cave Barber
Some extra-large eggs—a nest of six dinosaurs eggs were revealed to crowds of locals and their children at the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at San Juan College. Unbroken, and perfectly preserved, they were purchased and donated by Sean Dugan, son of Sherman, and grandson of Tom Dugan, an oil and gas family known for their generosity to San Juan County. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and CMIT Solutions
Two current and one former San Juan County officers are taking to the Atlantic to row as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, aiming to raise awareness and funds for first responder mental health along the way. San Juan Regional Medical Center has received Gold Plus recognition from the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline for the fourth year in a row, and the City of Farmington wants you to take the outdoor recreation pledge. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and SunRay Park and Casino
Ceramics professor at San Juan College, Don Ellis, and his students made hundreds of bowls for the Annual Charity Bowl Sale for $10 each—which included a fill-up of soup from Mary’s Kitchen on campus. A student art show also took place where master potters sold their wares and shared their many varied techniques. $10,000 dollars was raised for Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable homes for low-income families in San Juan County. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Service Master Restore
All-Ability Parks address parts of the community that often have issues accessing more traditional playgrounds and parks. Spurred by community advocates, the City of Farmington plans to take the site of the former Tibbetts Middle School on Apache Street and transform the space from the dirt lot, track, and old building into a space reflecting the needs and wants of all individuals in the community - no matter how they get around or interact with their environment. The park, the first of its kind in San Juan County, is planned to break ground in the Fall of 2023. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ
San Juan College and New Mexico State University have partnered to offer a program for Native entrepreneurs through the San Juan College Quality Center for Business, with the goal of helping 60 entrepreneurs over the next three years. Presbyterian Medical Services will bring the Festival of Trees back to the Farmington Civic Center with a week of activities to raise funds for San Juan County services, and the Farmington Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for Business and Citizen of the Year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ
Twenty-six honor-roll students from Hermosa Jr High School worked together to place 1,500 flags on graves on Veteran’s Day at Memory Gardens in Farmington. Martha Roberts, a member of the Desert Gold Chapter of the DAR, walked row-by-row with a map eight years ago to document and archine the 1,500 veteran’s graves. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and Traegers Bar
If you’ve never met a Swainson’s Hawk in person, this is your chance. Hawks Aloft, a New Mexico non-profit, traveled to Farmington Museum to conduct their education program to local children and their parents. Hawks A loft’s research provides valuable insight into the welfare of local raptor populations—through rescue, rehab and education. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by @BoonsFamilyThaiBBQ and Pop’s Truck and RV Center
On a windy Friday afternoon, Navajo Preparatory School hosted a dedication ceremony for the rebuilt hogan on the campus - a place that marries tradition with modernity and has already established itself as a home for the students who attend the Academy. With speeches from current and former students, state representatives, and community leaders, the celebration was a warm and welcoming as the crackling fire in the center of the hogan. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Service Master Restoration
San Juan County Fire and Rescue wants to make sure your home is safeguarded against winter fires, while keeping you and your family warm! Make sure to get your registration in for the annual Ringing in Christmas Parade this year, and 100% San Juan County has launched a new directory of 10 essential services in San Juan County. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
D’DAT, a local music trio, were invited to the WOMAD World Festival experience in South Africa. Members collaborated with local artists, indigenous musicians, and more, learning and exchanging personal experiences and cultural perspectives. With a new album on the way inspired and produced during their trip, D’DAT wants to continue to explore themes and ideas they learned along the way. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Pop’s Truck & RV Center
San Juan Symphony opened their 37th season with a program devoted to French composers. Big and bold, it was the symphony’s largest assemblage in years, featuring Lili Boulanger, Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, Arthur Honegger, and the concert’s center piece: Maurice Ravel’s Bolermo! By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and Ace Hardware of Farmington
Dan Neeley, San Juan County public relations manager said about 150 first responders were involved. Agencies working together in the training exercise included Farmington Fire department and its hazmat team; Farmington Police Department and its bomb and SWAT teams; San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS, among other, including the Red Cross. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Farmington Metropolitan area saw a .1% drop in unemployment from August to September this year. Robbins Heating and Air is hosting its 4th annual giveaway of a new Coleman furnace, and the Farmington Arts and Cultural District received part of a $10 million statewide grant to help with arts and cultural development. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Northern Edge Casino
The San Juan County Clerk’s Office wants residents to double-check their absentee ballots for a printing error to ensure correct ballot delivery. 100% San Juan County wants to hear from you about access to basic family services, and San Juan College will begin construction on the county’s first commercial kitchen thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The first Small Business Woman of the Year Award was given to Chili Pod Owner Monica Shultz at the 2022 Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Few garden crops signal the arrival of Autumn more so than the humble pumpkin. Surprisingly, tens of thousands are grown at Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, a farm located on the Navajo Indian reservation a few miles south of Farmington. The pumpkins they grow are sold exclusively to non-profit organizations. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
San Juan Regional Medical Center is gearing up for flu season with two drive-through clinics coming up for both this year’s flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster shots. A bond issue on this November’s ballot will benefit San Juan College infrastructure improvements, including a $500,000 mountain bike park for community use, and spooky season is here! Come join downtown Farmington for a fun day of Halloween family-friendly fun on October 31st. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Service Master Restore
Aztec Adventures, a start-up by Neil Hannum and Will Farmer, wants to help fill the gap with tourism cycling in San Juan County. With all the cycling trails in and around Aztec and Farmington, Hannum and Farmer hope to bring attention to some of the great and unique trails in San Juan County while promoting education and cultural awareness of the area. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Service Master Restore
After a two-year hiatus, the Northern Navajo Fair came roaring back to life. Considered one of the nation’s oldest and most traditional fair gatherings, it celebrates 109 years. Most of the events were back, including a carnival, rodeo, Indian Market, and the traditional song and dance “roll call”. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and Traegers Bar
September 24th, 2022 marked 10 years since Chimney Rock received National Monument designation. To acknowledge the occasion, Chimney Rock offered free admission to the monument, offered games, activities, and guided hikes, and invited several different groups to dance and perform on Saturday. The monument, located just south of Pagosa Springs, is part of the Chacoan architectural group and is a sacred site today to tribes descended from the Ancestral Puebloans. This story is sponsored by StoneAge and Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado
The non-profit, Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity, builds homes for families in San Juan County who could not otherwise afford one. Their second annual fundraiser, “Cars and Canvasses,” was held on Main Street in Farmington. Forty vintage car owners participated, and twenty or so artists sold their crafts to help raise money for Tres Rios’s 14th house. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Pop’s Truck & RV
Northbound lanes for the US Highway 550/US Highway 160 Interchange are paved, and lane changes will be in place for the remainder of the project, and San Juan Regional Cancer Center reopens with new technology. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Northern Edge Casino
After an accident when Dexter Dog Ouray was a puppy left him with three legs, the industrious pup decided he wanted to get back to moving as fast as he could, by teaching himself to walk on his back legs. Living in Ouray, he has amassed a large fan base across the world through social media, and took a little jaunt down to Durango during the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering to bring some light, laughter, and smiles to the town. This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings
After ten tons of red and white grapes are picked, it’s time to party at Wines of the San Juan’s annual Harvest Festival. Visitors arrived by the thousands for the two-day event to enjoy wine, art, food, live music, and the celebrated Great Grape Stomp. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ
San Juan County announced the schedule for early voting at the County Clerk’s office, beginning October 11th and running through November 5th. The annual household hazardous waste collection for unincorporated San Juan County will be October 15th. And the grant application deadline for projects addressing the aftermath of the Gold King Mill spill has been extended to October 28th. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and SunRay Park and Casino
After over a decade, hot air balloons returned to the Farmington skies for the first annual Four Corners Balloon Rally, September 23rd - 25th. 18 balloons representing the Four Corners states managed mud and wind to jump-start what looks to be a yearly festival in Farmington. From candlestick balloon glows to actual flights, concerts and chilly mornings, the rally was deemed a success by organizers and participants alike. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
The Four Corners Freight Rail Study Team held two public meetings about a new feasibility study for a freight rail project through San Juan County, connecting the county to an interstate rail corridor. Childhaven, Inc. will hold classes for new Court Assigned Special Advocates for children in need this October, and don your kilt and dust off your bagpipes for the Aztec Highland Games and Celtic Festival. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel
Future chefs sharpened their skills in Farmington Municipal School’s first ever Jr. Chef Competition. Students, mostly mid-schoolers, used their own recipes to create a dish that merged with the competition’s theme: New Mexico Proud. Ten teams created one dish to be judged by four professional chefs. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits
The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit returns for its fourth year with a new theme: Reinventing Yourself. The Summit, a conference for and by women in the four corners region, is a unique opportunity for professional networking and relationship-building. The theme for this year is purposefully open - allowing every attendee to choose their own definition of what it means to reinvent themselves. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Boon's Family Thai Barbecue
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
