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
San Juan College is inviting Native American students to join a new program, in partnership with New Mexico State University’s American Indian Business Enterprise Center, to help jumpstart entrepreneurial careers. San Juan Regional Medical Center released results from the community health needs survey that will help the medical center shape its priorities for the next three years, and a weekend workshop for food business entrepreneurs hosted by the Street Food Institute gives you a chance to jumpstart your business. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Traegers Bar
Rod Hubble’s Retrospective, Song of My Life, is a show of 125 paintings, spanning a fifty-year career. Local rivers, lakes, and landscapes are featured in his work. The impressionist spectacular at the Farmington Museum will be on display through October. Stop by for a chance to meet Hubble at his studio, set up in the middle of the studio where he paints daily. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and SunRay Park & Casino
Fundamental Needs, a Cortez-based non-profit, began by helping out on the Navajo Reservation during the pandemic. Ultimately, the founder’s discovered water was one of the most desired resources on the reservation. It developed a program that installs water systems for individual dwellings that don't have access to clean water. In 2023, the non-profit will continue its expansion into the Farmington and Shiprock areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
San Juan County Fire and Rescue issued a burn restriction June 28th as fire conditions ripened - make sure you’re aware of what all is included under the restrictions and be informed about what that might mean moving forward. The Farmington Growers Market is the recipient of a $12,000 grand from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to aid in the construction of a pavilion for the market, and enjoy the warm summer evenings with piano music at Aztec Museum and Pioneer Night, courtesy of the Painted Pianos and Friends. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
The Grand Canyon Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau, initiated the Pinyon Jay project to involve volunteers in wildlife conservation. Pinyon Jays have a symbiotic relationship with pinyon trees, making them a key marker in forest preservation for the pinyon and juniper forests dotting the Colorado Plateau. The project aims to gather data and protect the ecosystem while engaging amateur birders and outdoor enthusiasts, making the project accessible to everyone. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery
It’s been 47 years since the San Juan County Sheriff’s Posse held a rodeo round-up at its principal ground in Farmington. The day included ten bull teams competing with 20 bull riders, a women’s bull riding competition, and a mutton busting event that includes young kids riding a sheep like a little bull. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Ace Hardware in Farmington
