SunRay Park & Casino Hosts Comedy Nights

The Supreme Court’s June 29th ruling that race-based affirmative action in admissions is unconstitutional was disappointing for many educators, but not necessarily a surprise. But the rulings don’t impact how local institutions such as Fort Lewis College operate. Additionally, the rulings don’t impact how schools conduct outreach or recruit. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

The ARNIA Foundation is offering grants of up to $2,500 for local educators through the enrichED Classroom Grant Program. Chili in Octoberfest returns again this year - there are still vendor spots available to kick off October. And close out the summer with Sunday evenings at Wines of the San Juan. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ

The City of Farmington invites you to join the National Day of Service next weekend, with a variety of volunteer opportunities for everyone. Dining with the Dead by the Rio Del Sol Kiwanis Club is back for the 10th year, and the Aztec Highland Games celebrates the first weekend of October. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traeger’s Bar and Pop’s Truck & RV Center

Lots of bunnies battled it out for best of show at the San Juan County Fair this year. Area youth and adults cuddled and coddled their show breeds during the recent open rabbit show. Due to a deadly rabbit virus, the rabbit barn has gone from holding 300 does and bucks five years ago to 108 this summer. It’s by extreme hygienic measures that fair officials have opened the rabbit show at all in the last few years. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2 Suites

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire - but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

A proposal by San Juan County officials have offered a plan to alleviate the concerns of county residents impacted by the 5-Mile Bridge closure, improvements for the immediate timeframe and plans for the future. A feasibility study for raising the dam at Lake Farmington may now come to fruition with a proposed plan to cover costs, and Durango’s Merely Players is proud to present the premiere of “A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven”, catch the show before it leaves after this weekend. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Northern Edge Casino

It took nearly a year, but new cement cart paths, new Yamaha golf carts, and most importantly, a wall-to-wall replacement of the irrigation system, are complete at Piñon Hills Golf Course. Along with a refurbished clubhouse, pro shop, bathrooms, and the Grill on the Hill restaurant. Old bunkers and water features have also been repaired. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Boons Family Thai BBQ

On your mark, get set, go! Join the fun with the Road Apple Rally, registration is now open. If you or someone you know is interested in running for one of the many open elected positions in San Juan County, the deadline for filing is approaching. And Fort Lewis College and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance have announced a new program for high-priority jobs in the La Plata region. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions

2023 marks the fifty-eighth year Farmington has played host to the wildly popular Connie Mack World Series at Ricketts Park. It’s the largest event in Northern New Mexico. Connie Mack regular season play allows highly talented young men ages 16 to 18 to participate. Twelves teams come from across the United States and Canada to compete in the championship as pro scouts and college officials take note. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Northern Edge Casino

This story was previously posted on April 4, 2022 The Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology showcases an array of beautiful minerals, a breathtaking amethyst geode and unique fossils from around the world—including a 35-million-year-old Megacerops skull. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Service Master Restore

San Juan County has a map for that - whatever it may be! San Juan Symphony season tickets for “New Horizons” are now on sale, and although summer is coming to an end, the heat is still on. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Pop’s Truck and RV Center

There is a subtle excitement hearing the tuning note as a symphony is about to start, and San Juan Symphony wants to bring that excitement to everyone, performer or concert-goer. Through community-based programs, working within local schools, and supporting other local music groups, San Juan Symphony is bringing professional-grade music to the small towns and communities, breaking down barriers to access. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

Farmington Municipal Schools is getting ready for the 2023/24 school year, with updated school schedules, lunch and breakfast for all, and school supplies. San Juan College has internship opportunities for any who are interested, and San Juan Health Partners Family Medicine Aztec is now offering walk-in appointments. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Ace Hardware in Farmington

An international organization, Repair Café has recently opened shop at Ignacio Community Library to help folks fix everything from zippers and electronics to toasters and bicycles for free. Tools and materials are on hand, along with a variety of volunteer experts doing and teaching the fixing. Join the crew the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The fifth annual American Indian Art Festival was held under the trees at Aztec Ruins National Monument. It was nearly a hundred degrees in the shade, but the artists remained cool through the two-day event. Weavers, pottera, painters, and jewelers came from all over the Southwest regions of the Four Corners, including Teec Nos Pos in Arizona and the ancient pueblo of Acoma, three hours south of Aztec. The artists demonstrated their various techniques and also sold their crafts. The event was supported by the Chaco Culture Conservancy. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

After operating as a successful agri-tourism farm and entertainment venue for two Autumn seasons, Jackalope Acres Farm is expanding offerings for its first summer in business. Hayrides allow visitors to see much of the farm's 60 acres located outside Ignacio. Sunflower and Zinnia festivals are scheduled for August and September and will lead Jackalope Acres into the fall-fest season it’s become associated with. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

HEart Gallery received a grant from AARP New Mexico to aid with the creation of a “pocket garden”. The annual Cars and Canvasses fundraiser for Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity returns this August, as does the San Juan County Fair. And plan to add an additional 30 minutes if you will be traveling Colorado Highway 172 between Ignacio and Durango, Colorado Department of Transportation has begun paving work on the CO 172 project. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits

Odd Jobs: Shear-sharpener, Mark Pate, travels the far reaches of the Four Corners with his heavy machinery, sharpening blades for beauticians, barbers, pet groomers, and veterinarians. Blades include shears, clippers, nippers and tweezers. He stumbled into this new line of work after being laid off in the oil field four years ago. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Northern Edge Casino

With wildfire season heating up, remember Ready, Set, Go! for wildfire evacuation readiness, and if you’re adventuring to Colorado, both La Plata County and the San Juan National Forest have enacted fire restrictions. The New Mexico Activities Association has introduced a “Two Strike” rule to improve team and fan behavior at high school athletic events, and resident response to proposed 5-Mile Bridge alternatives were overwhelmingly in favor of rebuilding the essential route. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and SunRay Park and Casino

Where do we find the next generation of leaders? Well, at least for members of the affiliated tribes of the Grand Canyon, aspiring leaders find a home in the Rising Leaders program, part of the Grand Canyon Trust. Through programs like the regional, intertribal, intergenerational, stewardship expedition (RIISE) program, Rising Leaders aims to build and support the next generation of leaders to create a more just and sustainable future for the Colorado Plateau. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College