Farmington Family Market Survives COVID

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.

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Initiative is launching a hiking series to help beginner and advanced hikers alike enjoy the hikes the Four Corners region has to offer. A new endowment fund with Four Corners Economic Development and San Juan College is offering grant opportunities for local small businesses and entrepreneurs. And the final phase of paving on Road 6580 has begun, so pay attention to road signs and new closures. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by M&R Plumbing and SunRay Park and Casino.

The Northwest New Mexico Arts Council is one of 100 nonprofits nationwide to earn a grant from Lowe’s Hometowns to invest in the community. The money is being used to develop the outdoor space at the newly opened historic Leanor Hotel. The space will be used to teach underserved teens service industry skills. The Leanor Hotel aims to be a safe gathering space for teens across the county. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Traegers bar.

Tickets are now available for several exciting events in Farmington, including the 2024 Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit, on November 6th-7th. Registration is also open for the Road Apple Rally, America’s longest-running mountain bike race, taking place in October, with new race options and community activities. The beloved "Dining with the Dead" event is returning on September 7th, allowing participants to explore Farmington’s history through cemetery tours. And Chili in October-Fest is seeking vendors and participants for its annual cook-off on October 5th, featuring spaces for both home cooks and restaurants. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and Traegers Bar.

Small business owners are invited to take part in the upcoming Small Business Opportunity Day on August 13th. Registration for the La Plata Economic Alliance Summit hosted at Sky Ute Casino Convention Center is now open for the September 19th event. Applications are still open for FEMA relief for current or future damage from the storms on June 20th and 21st, and the Four Corners Musical Theatre presents the Wizard of Oz. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Durango Motor Company.

While Mesa Verde National Park is celebrated for its historic cliff dwellings and archaeological sites, many may be surprised to learn about the presence of wild horses roaming the park. The National Mustang Association of Colorado (NMACO) has undertaken the Mesa Verde Project to relocate these horses, aiming to preserve the park's cultural heritage. This effort is driven by the park's role, which excludes horse management responsibilities under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, placing such duties with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park. "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into Holmes' world and discover the mysteries for themselves. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.

The City of Farmington designated 17 local non-profits as recipients of the Community Development Block Grant, allocating over $200,000 to support various community programs. The Four Corners Economic Department received two significant grants this summer to fund local development projects, including a $25,000 grant for engineering plans and a $100,000 grant to bolster the local energy economy. And the Grandview Interchange on U.S. Highway 550 finally opened on July 14, rerouting traffic from Farmington Hill. The Colorado Department of Transportation urges motorists to take care and ensure extra time while drivers become familiar with the new route. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

National touring film & arts fest Equus will visit the four corners for the first time on July 26 - 28 in Aztec, New Mexico. In addition to film & arts, the event will include panel discussions, visiting clinicians and a mustang summit to discuss management of the Jicarilla Mustangs. Local artists, filmmakers, policy managers and veterinarians will be on hand for Q&A sessions and panel discussions. The accompanying mustang summit will focus on management strategies for New Mexico’s Jicarilla Mustang herd, and will feature the film “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa” by local filmmaker Laura Harper. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.

After a family trip, Rosalyn Fry was inspired by public pianos out in the open for anyone to play. A donated piano and an artist friend later, and the first of what would become nine painted pianos was displayed in Aztec. Artists volunteer their time to paint a piano donated to Fry - upright pianos are surprisingly easy to come by - and the City of Aztec puts on events to highlight the pianos and local musicians. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.

The City of Farmington has begun work on the Boundless Journey Adventure Park, an all-abilities park at the old Tibbetts Middle School site, with phases one and two already underway. The project, developed in partnership with local organizations, aims to create an inclusive multi-generational community space and is still seeking donations through the Tibbetts All-Abilities Park Foundation. The Riverside Nature Center is looking for volunteers for Wednesday morning clean-ups. Farmington Area Single Track has opened sign-ups for the fall programs - with a handful of summer program opportunities left! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Traegers Bar.

Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of the most versatile gear available. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

San Juan County Fire and Rescue has been nationally recognized for its Septic Safe San Juan program, which aims to prevent child drownings in septic tanks. Four local high school softball players have been honored by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association for their outstanding performance. Aztec's summer schedule is bustling, featuring the Equus Film and Arts Fest from July 26th to 28th, highlighting the bond between humans and horses through various films and events. Additionally, the Feat of Clay gallery is calling for art submissions for its "Beat the Heat" event, with a focus on cryptic and fantastical creatures. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Durango Motor Company.

Help an adoptable pup find their fur-ever home with the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter’s Doggie Day Out. Construction on the bridge over the Animas River on Road 350 will result in alternating lane closures - be aware of all road signs and follow signs and notices. Celebrate local farmers and artisans at the Growers Market and Makers Market, and the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club invite all to their 70th annual Gem and Mineral Show July 12th - 14th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Boons Family Thai BBQ.

The 4th of July - one of the hallmarks of summer - is nearly here! Between bar-be-ques, parades, and fireworks shows, San Juan County is full of fun activities for everyone. With everything going on, San Juan County Fire and Rescue have some tips to keep the fun going, fireworks enjoyable, and everyone safe. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Home2Suites.

Farmington Museum at Gateway Park invites you to come sleuth it out this summer with the Sherlock Holmes Exhibit, opening June 28th. Don’t forget to stop by for the Summer Terrace Concert Series every Saturday for free music and family-friendly fun. The Heather McGaughey Four Corners Theatre Academy’s summer classes start July 1st - there’s something for everyone! And the San Juan College Center for Workforce Development has released its July-December 2024 calendar with new course offerings. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.

The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo celebrated its 94th year with flair and excitement. From honoring First Responders and Military personnel to showcasing the thrill of rodeo competition, this event brought together the community for a weekend of entertainment and camaraderie. With over $80,000 in payouts and strong community support, this year's rodeo proved to be one of the most memorable yet. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma