San Juan County and the Navajo Nation hosted public input meetings to kick off the final months of the Freight Rail Feasibility Study, which will look to extend a spur of the U.S. Freight Rail service to San Juan County. Join Rio Del Sol Kiwanis and the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Juan County for the 8th annual Shoes for Kids Project. And sign-ups are open for the fall Rattlesnake Avoidance clinic, hosted by the Durango Kennel Club. By Hannah Robertson

Fort Lewis College has partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish a new nursing training facility on its campus. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper toured the facility on Aug. 29, highlighting the importance of local educational opportunities in retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. $1.3 million in federal funding will support the CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative, which aims to train students in community-based, rural, and Indigenous healthcare perspectives. By keeping nursing education local, the program seeks to address the challenges smaller communities face in recruiting healthcare workers and enhance the quality of care available in southwest Colorado. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and M&R Plumbing.

The City of Aztec has updated its 2024 Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Master Plan, focusing on improvements to the historic downtown area and seeking feedback from community stakeholders. On September 14th, the Aztec Ruins National Monument will host the 2024 Indigenous Cultural Arts Festival, showcasing artwork from various Southwest nations, along with live performances. And San Juan College will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with "Fiesta at Sunset" on September 13th, featuring traditional dance performances, a car show, and other festivities. By Hannah Roberston. This story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

The second annual Bike Prom celebrates cycling subculture at The Powerhouse on September 14th. The event features a bike-parade, bike games, music and more. Participants are encouraged to find silly, funky costumes harkening back to high school prom. The event is billed as “the low budget prom you always loved and never knew you needed.” By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and FLC Center for Innovation.

San Juan County is hosting several events in September, starting with a county-wide competition to combat hunger as part of Hunger Action Month. Local businesses can participate in a food drive organized by ECHO Food Bank to support those facing food insecurity. The community is also invited to celebrate the end of summer with a free concert at the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village on September 13th. The City of Farmington will observe National Day of Service on September 7th with various volunteer opportunities, including park clean-ups and landscaping projects. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Durango Motor Company.