A Second Act

Lake Farmington has kicked off its summer season, offering opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, with the beach opening on May 25th. New this year is an inflatable aqua park at the beach, set to open on Memorial Day weekend. Fort Lewis College will host the Four Corners Climate Summit on April 27th, featuring presentations by climate experts, including a keynote by environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams. Additionally, San Juan County is renewing efforts with Septic Safe San Juan County to educate residents about the dangers of unsecured septic tank lids, aiming to prevent accidents, especially among children, during the warmer months. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Durango Motor Company.

Girls with G.R.I.T. is a program initiated by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, focusing on empowering women with essential skills while fostering connections between law enforcement and the community. Led by experts, the program covers a range of topics, from firearms and defensive tactics to recognizing personal safety and investigating crimes. Participants report heightened confidence and awareness, contributing to a safer and more connected community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

San Juan County’s 28th Annual Home & Garden EXPO, brought to you by the San Juan County Home Builders Association, is this weekend, April 12th and 13th, at McGee Park Convention Center. The Farmington Jazz Festival is this Saturday, April 13th, with workshops, live music, and an after hours Jazz Jam. The Theater Ensemble Arts production of Almost Maine opens Friday, April 19th, and runs through Sunday, April 28th at the Totah Theater. New Beginnings is holding its second annual Poker Run on Saturday, April 20th for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Ace Hardware in Farmington

Aztec Adventures three-race gravel series runs from April through October featuring the unique terrain outside Farmington, Aztec, and Blanco. The Galactic Grinder opens the action on April 6th with three distance options for riders of all abilities. Reliant on the energy sector for decades, the sandy washes and windy ridges surrounding Aztec and Farmington offer a scenic and challenging cycling arena easily accessible from a large portion of the Four Corners region. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Northern Edge Casino.

High school students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply for paid internships this summer with San Juan County. The Farmington City Council recently approved plans for the revitalization of the Animas District part of Farmington, which includes the Health Hub area, and it’s not too late to sign up for the 100% San Juan County Summit this month. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traeger’s Bar and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ.

Farmington High School Troupe 381 takes us back to Rydell High for a 50’s joyride through one of musical theatre’s favorite high school love stories. Grease runs from March 29th through April 6th at Farmington High School’s Spotlight Theatre. Troupe 381 has grown into a thriving youth theatre program serving around 50 FHS students who participate in all aspects of the production process. Tickets for Grease are available online. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Home2Suites.

The San Juan County Assessor’s Office is offering in-office assistance to veterans and surviving spouses for filing tax exemptions on April 2nd. San Juan County Commission is seeking letters of interest from eligible citizens residing in District Three to fill the open seat due to the resignation of Representative T Ryan Lane. And the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has received $90,000 for a new virtual reality simulator to enhance use-of-force training, providing dynamic scenarios for officers to better prepare for real-life situations. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine and Spirits.

San Juan Regional Medical Center has been honored with the Family Friendly Business Platinum Level Award from Family Friendly New Mexico, recognizing its exceptional support for employees and their families. San Juan County has secured a $30,000 grant to develop a comprehensive guide to gravel biking trails, capitalizing on the region's extensive network of dirt and gravel roads for recreational use. Despite a typical fire season outlook for San Juan County, officials urge caution and adherence to burning regulations as conditions can quickly change. The Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village invites families to celebrate its 60th anniversary with an Easter Egg Hunt on March 30th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and Distill Beer Wine and Spirits.

The Four Corners Musical Theatre Company presents Baby! the Musical from March 21st through March 30th at the Farmington Civic Center. Baby! takes us on the pregnancy journeys of three couples at very different stages of life. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Civic Center box office. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre presents Hand to God, an irreverent dark comedy written by Robert Askins and directed by Fort Lewis College Theatre Professor Michael McKelvey. Hand to God runs from March 15th through March 31st at the Durango Arts Center. This play carries a parental advisory for its adult language and content and is not suitable for all audiences. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Durango Arts Center box office. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin' Donuts.

The annual hazardous waste collection is on March 23rd invites San Juan County residents to dispose of household waste responsibly. Aztec Adventures’ spring line up includes thrilling races like the Roost the Ridges Enduro and the Galactic Grinder. Leadership San Juan is accepting applications for its 10-month program aimed at enhancing understanding of various sectors in the county, and small business owners can mark their calendars for a networking event on March 26th, hosted by the San Juan College Quality Center for Business. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Northern Edge Casino.

Farmington Area Single Track (FAST) enters its sixth year with more programming than ever before. The organization offers both spring and fall classes for kids from ages two through 18, spanning skill levels from strider bikes to advanced. FAST’s first-ever bike swap will take place March 23rd at the Farmington Rec Center. Twenty percent of proceeds will go towards supporting FAST programming. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and Ace Hardware in Farmington.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a Listening and Learning Event by the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women at San Juan College. San Juan County has applied for $500,000 in funds to expand trails at Alien Run Recreation Area and Angel Peak Scenic Area, and be aware that the road over Navajo Dam has been closed for Bureau of Reclamation maintenance work until May 15th. It’s not too late to snag tickets to the one-night-only run of “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes” this April at the Farmington Civic Center. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders from Olympians to big mountain film icons all competing on the world’s most iconic locations. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain venues from around the world, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

The Farmington City Council and San Juan County have installed the first Safe Haven Baby Box in San Juan County. Superintendent Cody Diehl’s contract with Farmington Municipal Schools has been extended through June 2027 as of the February 13th School Board meeting, and join 100% San Juan County’s book club, reading the book that started a movement. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sunray Park and Casino and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.

Four Corners Economic Development has hired a consultant to implement a $150,000 Just Transition Fund broadband grant, aiming to improve internet access in San Juan County. San Juan College offers paid internships for students through the Center for Student Careers and Employment, assisting them in gaining experience relevant to their degree programs. Free Narcan training sessions are available monthly to educate participants on recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses, with complimentary Narcan kits provided. And, Downtown Farmington introduces Date Night events on the first Friday of each month to promote entertainment and dining options, starting with a film showing, museum visit, and cocktails on March 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Durango Motor Company.

On February 1st, San Juan County Fire & Rescue dissolved its 10 districts to operate as a singular entity. The move is intended to improve the department's management operations. Officials hope the change will help the department serve residents in unincorporated parts of the county. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Boones Family Thai BBQ and Northern Edge Casino.

Farmington City Councilors unanimously approved a construction contract to extend Piñon Hills Boulevard across the Animas River. Funded by a $40 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act, the project aims to provide a secondary connection across the river, starting from East Main Street to County Road 3000. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative is offering a wilderness first aid training in April, which is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. And the Farmington Chamber of Commerce honored Farmers Insurance Manchester Agency as the Business of the Year and John Bryom of Process Equipment and Service Company, Inc. as the Citizen of the Year, recognizing their significant contributions to the community. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ace Hardware of Farmington.

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery, where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

San Juan County Fire and Rescue consolidated its 10 districts into one to enhance service provision to residents, with planned improvements in lesser incorporated areas. San Juan Regional Medical Center initiated a bariatric surgery support group, led by a physician assistant, to assist individuals in post-surgery recovery or preparation. And the San Juan County Adult Detention Center unveiled a new training and wellness center funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to enhance staff well-being and professional standards. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.