The brainchild of author Kevin Coolidge, Totally Ninja Raccoons uses characters from Coolidge’s book series named the same in posters, which are hidden as part of a town-wide scavenger hunt. Amy’s Bookcase put the event on last year, and with the interest and fun, decided to run it again this year. 17 different business across Farmington have hidden the Totally Ninja Raccoons, and if you find all 17, you’re entered to win a special prize! This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and The Big Idea at San Juan College
A new report from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions ranks San Juan County sixth in the state for weekly wages, though the county still falls short of the state-wide average. Expand your professional network by applying to Connect New Mexico, and the Farmington Regional Animals Shelter is hosting its second low-cost adoption event in as many months. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar
We took a deep dive and looked at the naked truth behind the infamous Tico Time River RV Resort. What we discovered was that the noise and nudity complaints have abated—along with many changes. Now in its third season, the relaxed beach vibe is finally clicking for campers and neighbors alike. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace
Laura Harper began writing the script for a film about Rambo, her once-wild mustang who came from the Carracas Mesa. As she learned more about Rambo’s past, she found parallels between the horses and the evolution of New Mexico’s history, as well as her own life in the Southwest. The resulting film, “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa,” ties together New Mexico history, wild horses, and everyday people to tell the story of the mustangs of San Juan County. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and SunRay Park & Casino
Plenty of earth’s treasures was on display at the annual gem and mineral show at McGee Park in Farmington. Hosted by the San Juan County Gem and Mineral Society, prospectors and lapidarists, arrived from across the county to sell their gem stones, fossils and jewelry. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Pop's Truck and RV Center
Update your calendars with upcoming summer fun and events, from the annual field day at the Agricultural Science Center to music and theater events. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Boons Family Thai Barbecue
Amy Martindale, a certified personal trainer, opened a new gym called All HIIT No QUIT in April. She gives nine 30-minute, high intensity interval training sessions a day called ‘hits.’ For a $100 dollars a month, you can attend as many sessions as you like, and the first three are free. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and SunRay Park and Casino
San Juan County, the City of Farmington, and the Navajo Nation hope to bring a freight rail system to the Four Corners, and a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for a feasibility study, now in its early stages. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery
Dylan McClain and Dalton Bevill may have practical construction skills, but they wanted to do more to express their artistic side, so they joined forces to start Animas Artisans, a Design and Fabrication Studio. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage
McGee Park opens for personal firework displays, support local farmers and eat fresh food with a Harvest Farm Box subscription. And the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to children under the age of five. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and Boons Family Thai Barbecue
For the third year in a row, flight was cancelled for the San Juan River Balloon Rally in Bloomfield. Wind shears grounded balloons this year. Covid was culprit for the previous two cancellations. Organizers disappointed as a deflated balloon? Maybe. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Pop's Truck and RV Center
The Southwest Civic Winds, founded in 2012, boasts a robust band of 40 members, give or take, playing a variety of instruments, music, and songs from across the world. While they can and do perform in concert halls and other similar venues, you can catch a glimpse of them at the Fourth of July Rotary Park Pancake Breakfast this year. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the Payroll Department
Mesa Verde Country hopes to manage and market the Trails of the Ancients Byway so that visitors to Southwest Colorado will find a reason to extend their stays by one or two more days. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
Horse Empower has a unique way of approaching a ladies’ night out - in the midst of the staples of good food, drinks, and conversation, a horse might just make its appearance. Kim Hardesty, owner of Horse Empower, and her herd of horses offer a range of services, from equine therapy to equine-assisted learning. One of the programs though, might just offer new options for a night out. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage
Be prepared for road closures and detours as summer road construction ramps up. The City of Farmington announces the purchase of a new building for the Farmington Police Department, and mark your calendar for Friday lunchtime fun. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by the Man Cave Barber and SunRay Park & Casino
A project to replace one of the taxiways at Four Corners Regional Airport will begin in July, thanks to a $7.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will help with the demands of the airport and improve the infrastructure to maintain the highest levels of safety and efficiency. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ute Mountain Casino
KSUT Public Radio wants to reduce polarization between people in the Four Corners with a new conversation series and it invites residents from throughout the region to participate. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley
Rural Northern New Mexico and Southwest Colorado are suffering from teacher shortages, particularly in secondary math and science classrooms and special education classrooms. The Three Rivers Education Foundation hopes to put a dent in the problem with a unique teacher-training program for professionals considering a change in their careers. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbecue and Pop's Truck and RV Center
The Four Corners Airport is $7.5 million closer to re-opening for passenger jet service, and San Juan Region Medical Center welcomes a new Chief Nursing Officer. Also, Father’s Day events are coming up! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewing
Eight teams lugged an 80,000-pound fire truck 60 feet for Farmington Police Department’s second annual Fire Truck Pull to support Special Olympics New Mexico. Partnered with The Law Enforcement Torch Run, a national non-profit for Special Olympics, the department expects to “pull” in $20,000 with the competition. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer, Wine, Spirits and Ace Hardware of Farmington
