While Mesa Verde National Park is celebrated for its historic cliff dwellings and archaeological sites, many may be surprised to learn about the presence of wild horses roaming the park. The National Mustang Association of Colorado (NMACO) has undertaken the Mesa Verde Project to relocate these horses, aiming to preserve the park's cultural heritage. This effort is driven by the park's role, which excludes horse management responsibilities under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, placing such duties with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.
There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park. "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into Holmes' world and discover the mysteries for themselves. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.
The City of Farmington designated 17 local non-profits as recipients of the Community Development Block Grant, allocating over $200,000 to support various community programs. The Four Corners Economic Department received two significant grants this summer to fund local development projects, including a $25,000 grant for engineering plans and a $100,000 grant to bolster the local energy economy. And the Grandview Interchange on U.S. Highway 550 finally opened on July 14, rerouting traffic from Farmington Hill. The Colorado Department of Transportation urges motorists to take care and ensure extra time while drivers become familiar with the new route. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.
National touring film & arts fest Equus will visit the four corners for the first time on July 26 - 28 in Aztec, New Mexico. In addition to film & arts, the event will include panel discussions, visiting clinicians and a mustang summit to discuss management of the Jicarilla Mustangs. Local artists, filmmakers, policy managers and veterinarians will be on hand for Q&A sessions and panel discussions. The accompanying mustang summit will focus on management strategies for New Mexico’s Jicarilla Mustang herd, and will feature the film “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa” by local filmmaker Laura Harper. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.
After a family trip, Rosalyn Fry was inspired by public pianos out in the open for anyone to play. A donated piano and an artist friend later, and the first of what would become nine painted pianos was displayed in Aztec. Artists volunteer their time to paint a piano donated to Fry - upright pianos are surprisingly easy to come by - and the City of Aztec puts on events to highlight the pianos and local musicians. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.
The City of Farmington has begun work on the Boundless Journey Adventure Park, an all-abilities park at the old Tibbetts Middle School site, with phases one and two already underway. The project, developed in partnership with local organizations, aims to create an inclusive multi-generational community space and is still seeking donations through the Tibbetts All-Abilities Park Foundation. The Riverside Nature Center is looking for volunteers for Wednesday morning clean-ups. Farmington Area Single Track has opened sign-ups for the fall programs - with a handful of summer program opportunities left! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Traegers Bar.
Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of the most versatile gear available. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
San Juan County Fire and Rescue has been nationally recognized for its Septic Safe San Juan program, which aims to prevent child drownings in septic tanks. Four local high school softball players have been honored by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association for their outstanding performance. Aztec's summer schedule is bustling, featuring the Equus Film and Arts Fest from July 26th to 28th, highlighting the bond between humans and horses through various films and events. Additionally, the Feat of Clay gallery is calling for art submissions for its "Beat the Heat" event, with a focus on cryptic and fantastical creatures. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Durango Motor Company.
Help an adoptable pup find their fur-ever home with the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter’s Doggie Day Out. Construction on the bridge over the Animas River on Road 350 will result in alternating lane closures - be aware of all road signs and follow signs and notices. Celebrate local farmers and artisans at the Growers Market and Makers Market, and the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club invite all to their 70th annual Gem and Mineral Show July 12th - 14th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Boons Family Thai BBQ.
The 4th of July - one of the hallmarks of summer - is nearly here! Between bar-be-ques, parades, and fireworks shows, San Juan County is full of fun activities for everyone. With everything going on, San Juan County Fire and Rescue have some tips to keep the fun going, fireworks enjoyable, and everyone safe. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Home2Suites.
Farmington Museum at Gateway Park invites you to come sleuth it out this summer with the Sherlock Holmes Exhibit, opening June 28th. Don’t forget to stop by for the Summer Terrace Concert Series every Saturday for free music and family-friendly fun. The Heather McGaughey Four Corners Theatre Academy’s summer classes start July 1st - there’s something for everyone! And the San Juan College Center for Workforce Development has released its July-December 2024 calendar with new course offerings. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.
The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo celebrated its 94th year with flair and excitement. From honoring First Responders and Military personnel to showcasing the thrill of rodeo competition, this event brought together the community for a weekend of entertainment and camaraderie. With over $80,000 in payouts and strong community support, this year's rodeo proved to be one of the most memorable yet. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma
Harvest Food Hub and Kitchen has opened sign-ups for its Farm Box subscription, with the first pick-up on June 27th. The Aztec Speedway's 72nd season is underway, with many events scheduled through October. San Juan Regional Medical Center is offering three new classes to help siblings prepare for the arrival of a new baby, covering topics for parents and children of various ages. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.
Summertime is often synonymous with visits to lakes, waterparks, rivers, and pool. The City of Farmington and San Juan County boasts a number of water recreation opportunities, so make sure to brush up on water safety before heading out. From making sure there’s extra water and sunscreen to wearing proper footwear and checking on the weather, keep the fun going all summer long by staying safe. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Durango Motor Company.
The long-awaited City of Aztec East Arterial Project has finally been put to bid. The project will help reduce the amount of heavy, industrial traffic going through Aztec Main Street. Four alternative routes have been presented for a non-motorized path between Farmington and Aztec. And the new rabbit and poultry building at McGee Park is on track to be competed by this year’s San Juan County Fair. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ.
Fort Lewis College Professor Justin McBrayer has won a prestigious award from the Fulbright Program. McBrayer will spend a term in Italy both conducting research and teaching at the University of Genoa, Italy in 2025. This is the second time McBrayer has received an award from the prestigious Fulbright Program, which is “devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” McBrayer said the award will allow him to continue exploring the issue of misinformation and fake news. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
Aztec Ruins National Monument has received $344,000 to assist with soil revitalization and erosion prevention - work began at the beginning of May. The New Mexico State Parks Division has opened a survey for the Navajo Lake State Park Management Plan, specifically regarding the San Juan River portion of the plan. And the Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that the Grandview Bridge switch will be postponed to the middle of the month due to delays in lighting at the Grandview Roundabout. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.
Road work season has begun, with San Juan County repaving Road 6480 thanks to a $2 million grant. The project, which started two weeks ago, will proceed in three phases, each lasting 2-3 weeks, with detours and closures from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Join the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village's summer concerts every second Friday, starting June 7th and continuing through October 8th. For dog owners, the Durango Kennel Club offers a rattlesnake avoidance clinic on June 1st, teaching dogs to identify and avoid rattlesnakes. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Traegers Bar.
San Juan County is improving its services to newly released detainees from the adult detention center. A new reentry resource center at the detention facility includes a phone charging station, informational video and a brochure wall with relevant services. The center was a joint project spearheaded by Leadership San Juan. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home-2-Suites and Boon's Family Thai BBQ.
The Farmington Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Business to Business Expo on Thursday, June 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Farmington Civic Center. The San Juan County Adult Detention Center recently celebrated the opening of its Reentry Resource Center. The Farmington Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Young Professionals Network, is seeking hole sponsors for its annual golf scramble, Tees and Tunes, taking place on Friday, July 12th at the San Juan Country Club. The Colorado Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that US Highway 550 will be closed to vehicles on Saturday, May 25th between Purgatory Ski Resort and Silverton for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Traeger's Bar and Boon's Family Thai BBQ.
The Connie Gotsch Foundation will close its doors after 11 years of supporting and encouraging local artists and arts programs in San Juan County. Make sure to pick up the 2024-25 sculpture guide, with the 11 new sculptures that have been installed across Downtown Farmington. Mark your calendars for the presentation of the 2024 Paddling Film Festival, taking place May 26th at the Totah Theatre. And at a recent visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, Senator Michael Bennet and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton announced $2.3 million in funding for the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Three Rivers Brewery.
San Juan County officials rededicated the old Cedar Hill Bridge for pedestrian use 110 years after the bridge was first built on April 30th. The bridge was installed by residents in 1914, and for much of its life, the bridge served as the area’s main Animas River crossing. The bridge now connects a two-mile walking loop in Cedar Hill. By Connor Shreve. This Story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.
Four Corners Economic Development and the Alliance for Navajo Broadband are hosting a conference on broadband planning and development efforts in Farmington and San Juan County. Join the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative and Desert River Guides for a clean-up along the Animas River Corridor, and with the weather warming up, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reminds you to keep your furry furriends safe and cool. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and Durango Motor Company.
Fraudulent tax letters are being sent out to property owners, and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department warns property owners to be careful about responding to notices in letters. The historic Cedar Hill Pedestrian Bridge re-opens after seven years and restoration work, and there is still time to submit photos for the Visit Farmington 2025 vacation guide. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Northern Edge Casino.
The Farmington High School Scorpions can extend their season with a win against New Mexico’s number-one team, La Cueva High School. La Cueva is 19-2 coming off a 17-2 win over Sandia. With five games remaining, FHS needs wins to guarantee a postseason berth. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home 2 suites and Boons Family Thai BBQ.
