Farmington Looks to $12.5 Million Water Plant Upgrade

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

Several sites in San Juan County are participating in the Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals to individuals under the age of 18. With the Fourth of July approaching, the county encourages the safe celebration of fireworks at McGee Park, emphasizing the importance of following fire safety guidelines. Elder Grown's Summer Camp at Tico Time, a one-night music festival, on July 8th, features live music and showcasing talents from various artists and music styles. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Pop’s Truck & RV Center

A month after the deadly spree shooting in Farmington, Denny’s, partnered with the San Juan Medical Foundation to fund families impacted by the tragedy. One hundred percent of sales rung up from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on June 14th was donated to the Farmington Strong Fund. Denny’s customers enjoyed a hardy meal while knowing that their entire purchase would contribute to the community affected by May’s tragedy. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Boons Family Thai BBQ

Childhaven, Inc. and First Tee - Four Corners were announced as two of 44 nonprofit organizations who are recipients of grants from the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Resources Foundation. 5-Mile Bridge closed due to safety concerns - and you are invited to a public meeting to discuss possible options to maintain the route, and come enjoy all the cheesiness at the Mac and Cheese Fest this Saturday at Berg Park. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits

The New Mexico Office of the Natural Resources Trustee has announced the 10 projects that will be funded with the $12 million settlement from the Gold King Mine spill. These projects aim to address economic loss and the impact on outdoor recreation caused by the spill. Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity Restore is celebrating its 9-year anniversary with a parking lot sale, offering discounts and a festive atmosphere on June 24th, and public meetings are being held to discuss the feasibility of bringing a freight rail service to the Four Corners region, inviting feedback on potential route alignments. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Traeger’s Bar

Nearly five hundred dogs strutted their stuff at the Durango Kennel Club’s Show at McGee Park in Farmington. Dozens of breeds and their handles traveled from across the country to compete in the four-day event. Categories included conformation shows, obedience trials, and rally trials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Ace Hardware in Farmington

The Durango Airtanker base houses firefighting and support crews that serve as a shared national resource when wildfire breaks out. Firefighting efforts generally require collaborating with multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management along with state, city, and county offices. This season provided the opportunity for the base to host its first “fly-in” since the pandemic. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

High school students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply for paid internships this summer with San Juan County. First Tee Four Corners is running its usual summer programs in June and July, and has started a Veteran’s League this year. San Juan Regional Medical Center invites you to comment on this year’s Health Needs Assessment Survey, and come “Jolt” your summer at the “Jolt Jamboree”, complete with Zook the T-Rex. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and SunRay Park and Casino

Farmington Electric Utility System was one of a 109 in the nation to receive the Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association this year. It signifies that a utility has demonstrated commitment to industry-best practices. The award, which lasts for 3 years, recognizes public efficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, workforce development, system improvement, and safety. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Northern Edge Casino