New acting studio offers classes

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.

Durango, along with Purgatory Resort, is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain locations, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

San Juan County has received financial excellence awards at both state and national levels for the fiscal years 2021-2023. The Farmington Museum system is set to release its long-term strategic plan, concluding a process that began in December 2019, and the community is invited to "Art for Everyone" classes at the Sycamore Park Community Center, offering a creative and inclusive experience led by local artist Crystal Hazen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine & Spirits and SunRay Park and Casino.

There’s something exciting about seeing a movie or a tv show and recognizing the landmarks. With the opening of a film backlot - a place created to provide a backdrop for a scene - in San Juan County, Four Corners residents may soon be able to see the place we call home featured on-screen. With growing interest in the film industry and tax breaks for New Mexico, San Juan County hopes to draw in both the shows themselves, but also the people who make the movie magic happen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Home2Suites.

The 2024 Theatre Ensemble Arts season is set to kick off, featuring three plays: "The Murder Room" in February; "Almost, Maine" in April; and "Death of a Salesman" to close the season. Work on the mountain biking park south of San Juan College, including a pump track and restrooms, is expected to start in spring, funded by a bond issue and an Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. Durango's 45th annual Snowdown, themed "Peace, Love, and Snowdown," will take place from January 26th to February 4th, offering various events to shake off the winter blues. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai BBQ and Ace Hardware of Farmington.

During the holiday season, Northern Edge Casino employees participated in their annual Toys for Tots drive and an Angel Tree initiative, doubling up on donations to support local families in need. The Angel Tree program involved ornaments representing local families with lists of items, ranging from clothes to toys. In addition to these initiatives, Northern Edge Casino, which is celebrating its 12-year anniversary in 2024, also conducts an annual food drop-off in collaboration with its sister, Flowing Water Casino, benefiting affiliated Navajo chapters. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traeger’s Bar and Ace Hardware of Farmington.

A grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s Equity Fund aiming to support the next generation of outdoor leaders was awarded to local nonprofit Farmington Area Single Track (FAST). The grant will enable FAST to purchase bikes and hire more teachers to better support its mission to teach youths outdoor appreciation and mountain biking skills. A grant from the New Mexico Environmental Department will support a new San Juan County initiative to combat illegal dumping and littering in the county, and San Juan Regional Medical Center’s Kevin Rose, DPT, was recognized as the Clinical Instructor of the Year by Rocky Mountain University. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai BBQ and Northern Edge Casino.

Applications are now open to fill the District 2 City Councilor vacancy. The San Juan County GIS Department will undergo maintenance from January 11th to the 16th, causing an outage affecting various online maps. Business owners are reminded to renew business licenses to avoid $10 late fees starting in March. Additionally, businesses can capitalize on the growing New Mexico film industry by adding products or services to the Product Placement Central Database for free. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and SunRay Park and Casino.

Every year, 11,000 people suffer injury from snow shoveling alone. With more snow, ice and colder temperatures comes a higher risk for drivers, pedestrians and pets. The Four Corners region has unique conditions that can increase certain risks. The Local News Network with the help of Visit Durango has gathered some tips to keep you safe, from the high desert to the high alpine. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

Come enjoy a free screening of the documentary “In The Dirt” with the Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative at the Totah Theater this January. Aztec Chamber of Commerce is looking to spotlight Chamber Business members on its website and social media this winter and spring. And the City of Farmington has received a $50,000 grant to improve Orchard Plaza in downtown Farmington. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and Home2Suites

The Farmington Chamber of Commerce is collecting small stuffed animals for the "My Very Own Bags of Love" San Juan chapter, and is gathering blankets for homebound seniors. The Soul of Leading Institute and the LANL Foundation Early Childhood Education are collaborating on a three-part training series in early January covering interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, communication skills, time management, and workplace empowerment. Albertsons Safeway Foundation and Kellogg's recently donated 500 books and a $20,000 check to Mesa Verde Elementary School as part of the Kellogg's Feeding Reading Program. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit has experienced significant growth over the past four years. The event encourages women from the Four Corners area and beyond to network, connect with professionals, and celebrate the community of Farmington. The recent summit, themed "Balancing 'Act'," focused on the challenges of maintaining balance in life. Speakers included Mary Bono, a former congresswoman, and Jennifer McCoy, an Air Force veteran and businesswoman, who shared insights on life's balancing act. The summit coincided with the Business-to-Business Expo, showcasing Four Corners businesses and providing networking opportunities. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

The results are in - the total amount of food raised for the ECHO Food Bank is over 15,000 pounds of food, and the City of Bloomfield claimed the Mr. Potato Head Trophy. Christmas Tree permits are now available from the Bureau of Land Management Office in Farmington. And the City of Farmington and the Farmington Noon Day Citivan Club invite you to compete in this year’s Christmas Lighting Contest. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and Northern Edge Casino

The annual Christmas parade, “A New Mexico Christmas” will help kick-off the holiday season in downtown Farmington. Mark your calendars for the 21st annual Festival of Trees with activities for the whole family. It’s time to nominate an individual or business for the Farmington Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Citizen of the Year, and if you’re looking for an excellent volunteer opportunity, become a CASA Volunteer with Childhaven, Inc.. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ace Hardware in Farmington

Looking for a place to share a Thanksgiving meal this Thursday? The Salvation Army invites you to come join them for its annual Thanksgiving luncheon. SunRay Park and Casino and Northern Edge Casino are both offering Thanksgiving meals as well. Support your favorite local businesses for Small Business Saturday in both Farmington and Aztec this Saturday. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Home2Suites

Come check out the 1st exhibition of Art in the Heart, featuring sculptures from local artists scattered around downtown. Riverside Nature Center is looking for volunteers to assist with its xeriscape garden clean-up, and stay safe this holiday cooking and baking season with tips from San Juan County Fire and Rescue. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Northern Edge Casino

San Juan County is conducting a feasibility study for a Crisis Triage Center, and is inviting the public to a presentation on Monday, November 13th. After a challenging year, Farmington Electric Utility System announced a return to traditionally low rates beginning in January 2024. Time to practice your best turkey impression, the Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble 2-mile return to Orchard Plaza, this year supporting the Tibbits All Ability Park Foundation. The world premiere of a musical adaptation of Charles’s Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, in collaboration with the Four Corners Musical Theatre Company opens November 17th at the Farmington Civic Center. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Distill Beer Wine Spirits

The local P.E.O. Chapter BA held its first “Tablescape” fundraiser in Farmington. P.E.O. stands for Philanthropic Education Organization. It’s a U.S.-based international women’s association of about 230,000 members from across the country and 6,000 local chapters. Their singular mission is to promote higher education for women through grants, loans, and scholarships. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and CMIT Solutions

Aztec Adventures invites everyone for the Holy Grit gravel bike ride this weekend. Explore your money story with WESST Farmington Women’s Business Center, and give back this holiday season with the Aztec Public Library. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Pop’s Truck & RV Center