This year’s full-scale drill, a joint operation with San Juan County will be at San Juan College October 7th - while the campus will remain open there will be parts that are closed or restricted access during the drill. Enjoy the fruits of fall with the Southwest Apple and Chili Fest, and Aztec Municipal Schools celebrates Lydia Rippey Elementary School’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon school. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Northern Edge Casino

On a sunny fall Saturday, 140 dogs and their owners took part in a rattlesnake avoidance training course, hosted by Durango Kennel Club. Professional Trainer Terry Chandler (Rugerheim Kennels) has over 35 years of experience training field dogs, and he brings that expertise from Las Cruces, New Mexico to help keep dogs and their owners safe while hiking in the southwest. The aim of the training is to replace curiosity with founded fear, and keep dogs from getting bit by rattlesnakes. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

“Stained Glass Expressions” is an impressive exhibition of glass artwork by San Juan Encore students at the Henderson Fine Art Gallery on campus in Farmington. It showcases the myriad skills one can learn from taking glass art classes at San Juan College, and displays the versatility of glass as an artistic medium, exemplified by the various types of objects on display through September. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and CMIT Solutions

The third supermoon of 2023 will grace the night sky September 29th. It’s not the only astronomical event happening this fall - an annular solar eclipse will take place October 14th, it’s path taking it over Farmington according to NOAA San Juan County and the Navajo Nation have announced a new county commission district map to better address representation in the Navajo Nation, and the Four Corners Balloon Rally for another long weekend of community and family-friendly fun. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

Did you know you can report illegal dumping in San Juan County? It’s as easy as downloading the app, snapping a picture, and submitting it! Traffic has switched once again on the US Highway 550 project as construction to connect the highway with the existing US Highway 160 interchange, and Durango Kennel Club invites you to sign up for its Rattlesnake Avoidance training this Saturday to keep your furry furiends safe. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Home2Suites

We Are Water hopes to inspire conversations about what water means to communities within the Four Corners region. The exhibit has partnered with Ignacio Community Library, which is serving as the place to meet and share, explore and learn about water in our community. The exhibit runs through October 29th. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

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