SunRay Park & Casino Hosts Comedy Nights

High on the slopes of Galena Mountain at 12,500 feet, the Old Hundred Mine's 1908 boarding house stood as a testament to the audacity of Colorado's early miners — until decades of heavy snow and neglect brought two-thirds of its roof caving in. In 1996, Beverly Rich and a consortium of partners launched what they called "extreme preservation," airlifting supplies by helicopter up a precarious mule trail to save the historic structure before it plummeted 3,000 feet into Cunningham Gulch below. Workers stayed a week or two at a time, rebuilding the roof and securing the building to the rock cliff with cable. A year later, the tram house was also restored. The effort was immortalized in a documentary, Castle in the Clouds: The Saving of the Old Hundred Boarding House — a tribute to the immigrants from around the world who left everything behind to chase the promise and adventure of America in one of its most remote corners. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. By Beverly Rich This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Four Corners Dental and Dentures, is a full-service dental practice serving Durango and the broader Four Corners region. The practice offers general dentistry with a specialty focus on tooth replacement solutions, including dentures and implants, using state-of-the-art technology and individualized treatment plans. Known for its welcoming, patient-first approach, the team emphasizes comfort and personalized care, treating each patient as an individual rather than a number. [LNN Branded Content]

Beverly Rich was born in Silverton in 1950 and has been involved with the local Historical Society since she was 14 — making her one of the most dedicated keepers of San Juan County's storied past. In her article, Rescuing Relics: Extreme Preservation and the Old Hundred Boarding House, she reflects on what made Silverton remarkable from the very beginning. Few people realize that Silverton is nearly ten years older than Durango, and that without Silverton, Durango wouldn't exist. In its heyday, this remote mountain town was the Silicon Valley of its era — a hub of technological innovation, incredible wealth, and relentless ambition. But like all mining towns, Silverton rode a cycle of boom and bust, its fortunes tied closely to World Wars and commodity prices. The hardest blow came in 1991 when the Sunny Side Mine shut down, taking half the town's population with it. What followed was a period of honest reckoning — and visioning. Silverton leaned into its two greatest assets: spectacular scenery and fascinating history. Today, for the first time ever, Silverton is no longer primarily a mining town. It has become a thriving high-mountain destination, with a booming recreation industry, rising property values, and a new generation discovering what Beverly Rich has known her whole life — this place is something special. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Southwest Colorado spans dramatic terrain from desert floors to towering mountain peaks — and the wildlife that call it home have a story as compelling as the landscape itself. By the late 1800s, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, turkeys, and native trout were pushed to the brink of vanishing entirely. What followed was one of the most extraordinary conservation turnarounds in the American West. Today, Colorado boasts the largest elk population of any western state, wild turkey numbers have rebounded from just 250 birds to over 35,000, and native bighorn sheep once again navigate the craggy high country. But the story isn't over. Gray wolves are returning, Gunnison sage grouse are being protected, and the native Colorado Pikeminnow is being restored to the Colorado River Basin. All thanks to the ongoing efforts from communities that care. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel. Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Retired Colorado Parks and Wildlife manager Patt Dorsey spent 28 years protecting the wildlife of Southwest Colorado. Now, in honor of Colorado's 150th birthday, she's telling the region's untold wildlife story — digging through old biological reports and vintage archives to uncover history that even surprised her. Her core message: wildlife needs people. Without public connection and care, species disappear from our landscapes forever. To read the full article, visit coloradol50southwest.org. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel. Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Native historian Johnny Valdez sheds light on a largely untold chapter of Colorado's history — the Brunot Agreement of 1873 and the treaties that transferred Ute ancestral lands to the United States government. Writing for the U.S. 250/Colorado 150 Power of Place Magazine, Valdez draws on both his formal education and his heritage to reveal what most Colorado schoolchildren were never taught: that the Ute people, the Nuuchiu, did not simply "give" or "sell" their land, but did so under the threat of annihilation, amid miscommunication and cultural misunderstanding. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. Valdez reminds us that this land — the mountains, rivers, forests, and valleys — is sacred, and that understanding its true history makes each of us a better steward of this place. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel. Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

How do we get to where we are — and how important is every little story? Native historian Johnny Valdez reminds us that we are each the product of a hundred generations, and that any one of those stories going differently means we wouldn't be here at all. That perspective, he says, is exactly what makes listening to someone else's story so powerful — because in their story, you find your own. Writing for the U.S. 250/Colorado 150 Power of Place Magazine, Valdez draws on his heritage as a member of the Ute Tribe to explore a largely untold chapter of Colorado's history: the Brunot Agreement of 1873, the treaty that transferred Ute ancestral lands to the United States government. It's a story most Colorado schoolchildren have never heard — they know the beautiful mountains, the great hikes, the fishing and skiing — but not the history beneath their feet. This is the land of the Great Spirit. That's what the Ute Tribe has always called it. And Valdez believes that knowing its true history transforms visitors and residents alike into protectors of this place. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel.

The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies is documenting an unusually low snow year in Colorado. The team monitors how dust layers and temperatures affect snowmelt patterns, building on over two decades of data collection. Their research helps explain the relationship between dust, climate, and the snowpack that provides 70% of Colorado's water. This nonprofit shares their findings for free, offering valuable insights for water managers and helping us understand what's happening in our mountains. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Boon's Family Thai BBQ.

Colorado's new Wildfire Resiliency Building Code requires fire-resistant materials and vegetation management for new construction and major home renovations in wildfire-prone areas. The town of Pagosa Springs plans to adopt the code April 1, with full implementation by July 1. Organizations like Wildfire Adapted Partnership offer free property assessments to help homeowners reduce their risk, even if the code does not apply to them yet. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Blondies Trophy Room.

There's plenty happening in the Four Corners this week. Tomorrow night, San Juan College Library hosts author David Ryan for a free talk about Wandering in the Clear Light of New Mexico — a book spotlighting some of the state's most compelling and under-the-radar destinations, many right in Farmington's backyard. The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Connie Gotsch Theatre. Four Corners Musical Theatre Company is in the middle of its run of Sister Act the Musical at the Farmington Civic Center. The beloved story of a lounge singer hiding out in a convent still has several shows left through March 29th, with tickets ranging from $16 to $28. If you've been thinking about leveling up your garden game, NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service is hosting the next session of their Building a Better Backyard Garden workshop series on Thursday, March 27th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 400 Gossett Drive in Aztec. This session focuses on designing a successful backyard garden — and there are free tools and giveaways at every event. For the off-road crowd, the Chokecherry Scramble II kicks off Saturday, March 28th at Glade Run Recreation Area. Part of the 2026 Desert Championship Race Series, the event features 25 miles of diverse terrain. Families are welcome, and food vendors will be on site. And this Friday, the community is invited to celebrate the launch of Farmington's 2nd Harvest Enhancement Project with a free Chalk Artwalk and ribbon cutting from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 1961 Positive Way. Expect chalk art, lemonade, snacks, books, crafts, and goodie bags for kids. For more info visit farmingtonnm.org/events. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Big Idea Maker Space at San Juan College.

The City of Farmington's Bonnie Dallas Senior Center has launched the High Desert Games, its annual Senior Olympics program, with opening ceremonies marking the start of a multi-month competition schedule running through May. The event series, organized through the city's Parks and Recreation Department, features activities including shuffleboard, cornhole, table tennis, pool, pickleball and more. Adult Programs Manager Martin Moulton said the primary goal is for participants to have fun while staying active and socializing. "It gives seniors an opportunity to socialize, get together with their friends, and participate in team sports or individual sports," Moulton said. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for May. This story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Four Corners Regional Airport

Farmington Parks and Recreation has a fun-filled spring break lineup for families and kids of all ages. From yoga with adoptable puppies to a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt and a week-long youth camp, there is something for everyone happening around the city this week. Watch the full story above for all the details. This story is sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Durango Motor Company

Arenacross racing returns to the Four Corners region for the fourth consecutive year as Finish Line Promotions brings the Parnall Law Xtreme Arenacross back with Aztec Motocross, drawing amateur and professional riders from across the Southwest while offering roughly 40 classes for all skill levels, from toddlers on balance bikes to seasoned pros. Organizer Andrew Gallegos says the event's economic reach extends well beyond the track, with competitors and their families filling local restaurants, hotels and gas stations throughout the weekend, and sponsors like Dekon Environmental say the gathering gives Four Corners youth a positive recreational outlet while fostering a brand of community camaraderie rarely found in other sports.

This week in Farmington, local professionals have a chance to sharpen their skills at the Four Corners Conference for Professional Development on Feb. 26, while music fans can catch One Night in Memphis — a high-energy tribute to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis — at the Farmington Civic Center on Feb. 28. San Juan College is also hosting a free Health and Wellness Fair on March 3, open to students and the broader community. And for the creatives, Film Four Corners is accepting entries for its 2026 film contest now. This story is sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Fitness World.

This week's Farmington bulletin features the return of the High Desert Games at Bonnie Dallas Senior Center with registration open through March 2nd for athletes 50 and up, a citywide job fair February 24th at the Farmington Civic Center with positions in Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Police and Fire, the Parnall Law Xtreme Arenacross and Stunt Show February 28th at McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, and the Sycamore Park Community Center Hosts Annual Daddy Daughter Ball. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

San Juan College's Native American Center brought the community together for two special evenings celebrating Késhjéé, the traditional Navajo Shoe Game. The learning session on Wednesday, Jan. 28, was led by Kevin Belin, Navajo language teacher at Navajo Preparatory School, who guided attendees through the game's rules, strategies, songs and cultural meanings. On Thursday, Jan. 29, teams gathered around rows of moccasins and shoes as players tried to find the hidden ball while using creativity and humor to distract opponents. This story is sponsored by Express Employment and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

This week's Farmington bulletin features a Chinese New Year Immersive Culture Experience on February 12th at San Juan College's Merrion Rooms with presentations, Q&A, and hands-on crafts led by Qinqin Schoser, the Lovers and Friends Tour Comedy Show February 14th at 8:00 pm at SunRay Park and Casino's Stingray's Room featuring headliner Zach Abeyta, Theater Ensemble Arts presents Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" February 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm and February 22 at 2:30 pm at the Connie Gotsch Theatre, and the "Atoms for Peace" exhibit exploring President Eisenhower's 1953 UN address and the impact of nuclear science on display at the Farmington Museum through April 27th. For more events, visit farmingtonnm.org/events. This story is sponsored by Dr. Graff Orthodontics and Home2Suites

Farmington Museum has expanded its permanent collection with the acquisition of 20 original landscape paintings by nationally recognized artist Agnes Crowley. The donation strengthens the museum's representation of Southwestern art and preserves an important body of work inspired by New Mexico's distinctive landscapes. The collection features acrylic paintings on canvas created during Crowley's more recent period of work, focused on the color, light and terrain of New Mexico. The museum plans to incorporate the Crowley collection into future exhibitions and make them available as loans to other New Mexico museums and arts organizations. Agnes Crowley is a nationally known artist whose career spans more than six decades. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she studied at the School of Fine Art at Washington University in St. Louis before moving to Paris in 1958 to study at l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Her work has been exhibited across the United States and internationally and is held in private collections worldwide. She currently resides in Austin, Texas. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Durango Motor Company

Here’s a look at upcoming events around Farmington, including Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR., presented by the Heather McGaughey Children’s Theatre and featuring local performers ages 8 to 12; Ma’ii Productions’ exhibition celebrating 45 years of work by Diné artist Anthony Chee Emerson at the Henderson Fine Art Gallery; the Caliente Community Chorus’ 16th annual Broadway for Brunch at the Piedra Vista High School Commons; and Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity’s Building Access to Hope Dinner and Auction at SunRay Park and Casino. This story is sponsored by Four Corners Regional Airport and Boons Family Thai BBQ.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is expanding its Range Rider Program as part of the state’s gray wolf restoration efforts following voter-approved Proposition 114. The program places highly trained riders in key regions to help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while supporting long-term coexistence. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sunray Park & Casino.