Farmington Local News

The Farmington Public Library hosted New York Times bestselling author Douglas Preston as part of its ongoing effort to connect the Four Corners region to the wider world. Preston, who lives part of the year in New Mexico, visited the library with support from the Farmington Public Library Foundation, which covered his speaker fee.The library, open to anyone who visits Farmington regardless of home address, is funded through the gross receipts tax rather than property tax. It has served the community since it opened in 2003 and offers programming from baby story times to teen zones, plus book clubs, online databases and public computer access. For events and more information, visit infoway.org.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Home2 Suites by Hilton and Durango Motor Company.

Madison Smith moved back to San Juan County after nine years and found a community short on resources for young families. She opened Piper's Play Cafe in Aztec, a sensory-inclusive indoor toddler play space offering free-range exploration for kids and a rare moment of rest for parents. The cafe includes a slide structure, dramatic play areas, a pretend kitchen and market, free snacks, free drinks and coffee, a free little library and an outdoor clothing donation bin. Smith built it for the parents as much as the kids, particularly those without a support network nearby.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.  

A San Juan County program called UmattR is putting high school seniors in front of younger kids, not with lectures, but with their own stories. The program gives $1,000 scholarships to selected seniors who then spend the year visiting elementary and middle schools across the county. This cycle drew more than 300 applicants; 24 made the cut. Together they log about 650 service hours. The younger kids do not forget them. At community events around the county, elementary students bring trading cards featuring the seniors and stop them with questions about hard situations they are facing. The program accepts donations and sponsorships at umattr.com.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.news.This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ.

Music in the Mountains is celebrating its 40th anniversary season this summer, running July 9th through August 2nd across the Four Corners region. What started in 1987 with just 11 musicians has grown into a world-class orchestra featuring performers from around the globe. This year's festival features free community concerts from Durango to Bayfield, Ignacio, Pagosa, and Mancos, along with full orchestra performances, family concerts, and chamber music. Tickets are on sale now at musicinthemountains.com.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at lnn.news.This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

Farmington Museum is hosting the Smithsonian's "Lowrider Culture in the United States" traveling exhibit through July 25, 2026. The museum added its own touches: three lowrider cars, three motorcycles and artwork inside, plus a Park and Chill car show in the parking lot with live music and food vendors. Museum director Nathan Augustine says the event brought out a broad slice of the community and highlighted the strong connection between lowrider culture and Northern New Mexico's Hispanic heritage. The museum is targeting September or October 2027 for a follow-up event during Hispanic Heritage Month. If you're a lowrider or connected to the culture, reach out to curator Michelle Zupan at the Farmington Museum to get involved.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Fitness World.

Skyring Water is a Cold War thriller bestselling author Louis L'Amour wrote around 1960 but never published. After L'Amour's death in 1988, the manuscript sat unfinished for decades until his son Beau L'Amour completed it, describing the book as a partnership across time. Skyring Water releases June 2, 2026.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.news.This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Today we're spotlighting one of Farmington's finest — Loren Healy, a born-and-raised San Juan County native who turned a love of desert rock crawling into a full-blown professional motorsports career. Loren has won the King of the Hammers multiple times, captured five consecutive Baja 1000 victories in the stock class, and now runs RTR Off-Road Shop right here in Farmington. He's currently building a trophy truck with dreams of an overall Baja 1000 win — something he's called a boyhood dream. If you want to follow the build and catch live race streams with in-cab cameras, find him on Facebook and Instagram under Loren Healy. And keep an eye out — an open house at the new RTR Off-Road Shop is coming up, and the whole community is invited.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Four Corners Regional Airport.

The Garden Guys are back with practical advice for Southwest Colorado gardeners. Tom Bartels and Darrin Parmenter break down planting timing, drought prep, compost versus fertilizer, and what to look for when buying transplants this spring.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and the Payroll Department. 

A new hospital is now open in Farmington, New Mexico — and the community response has been nothing short of remarkable. Exceptional Community Hospital celebrated its ribbon cutting after more than four years of planning and three years of construction, opening its doors Feb. 18 to the public.Since that first day, the facility has been seeing 50 patients daily — a pace that hospital leadership says has never been matched across any of their nine operating locations nationwide. The hospital focuses on acute care, treating patients for conditions like chest pain, difficulty breathing, cuts, infections and more. They also have the capacity to admit patients for conditions such as pneumonia or minor abdominal infections, and will transfer more critical cases to higher-level facilities when needed.Leadership describes their model as concierge-style medicine — getting patients into a room quickly and delivering warm, personalized care. And judging by the numbers, Farmington is all in.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.news. This story is sponsored by Graff Orthodontics and Arkins Juice Tavern.

For over two decades, the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies has been monitoring Colorado's snowpack from weather stations on Red Mountain Pass. Their team digs snow pits every few weeks documenting dust layers, measuring snow crystals, and tracking how the snowpack reflects sunlight. This year they're recording unusually low snow conditions across the state while studying how dust particles reduce snow's reflectivity and speed up melt timing. Since snowpack provides 70 percent of Colorado's water supply, understanding these patterns helps water managers plan for the seasons ahead. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis 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.By Christi BodeWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Blondies Trophy Room.

There's a full week of community events happening in the Four Corners. On Wednesday evening, San Juan College hosts author David Ryan for a free presentation about his book on New Mexico's hidden gems — 6 to 8 PM at the Connie Gotsch Theatre. Sister Act the Musical is still running at the Farmington Civic Center through March 29th, with shows Thursday through Sunday. On Thursday, gardeners can catch the latest session of the Building a Better Backyard Garden workshop series in Aztec — free to attend with tools and giveaways. Off-road motorcycle fans can head to Glade Run Recreation Area this weekend for the Chokecherry Scramble II, part of the 2026 Desert Championship Race Series. And on Friday, the whole community is invited to celebrate the launch of Farmington's 2nd Harvest Enhancement Project with a free Chalk Artwalk and ribbon cutting at 1961 Positive Way from 4 to 6 PM.By Paige SparksWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis 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.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at famingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Four Corners Regional Airport

Farmington Parks and Recreation is making spring break one to remember with a lineup of family-friendly events across the city this week. Whether you are looking for something fun for the kids or the whole family, there is plenty happening around town. Head to the link in the show notes to watch the full story and get all the details.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis 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.By Tanner Waite. Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and Fitness World

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.By Paige Sparks. Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis 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. By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news.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.By Tanner Waites.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Express Employment and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

This week in Farmington brings cultural exploration, comedy, and theatrical entertainment. On Thursday, February 12th from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, San Juan College Global Studies hosts a Chinese New Year Immersive Culture Experience at the Merrion Rooms in the School of Energy, where Qinqin Schoser will lead a welcoming introduction to Chinese culture and the Lunar New Year with presentations, hands-on crafts, and the opportunity to write your name in Chinese characters.Get ready for nonstop laughter at the Lovers and Friends Tour Comedy Show Saturday, February 14th at 8:00 pm at SunRay Park and Casino's Stingray's Room, featuring New Mexico award-winning headliner Zach Abeyta along with Tyler Lovely and Stef Darnell, hosted by Jamie Scott. Theater Ensemble Arts presents Ken Ludwig's comedy "Lend Me a Tenor" at the Connie Gotsch Theatre at San Juan College, with performances February 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm and February 22 at 2:30 pm. And the Farmington Museum invites visitors to explore "Atoms for Peace," an exhibit examining President Eisenhower's historic 1953 United Nations address and the global impact of nuclear science, on display through April 27th. For a complete events calendar, visit farmingtonnm.org/events.By Paige Sparks & Sadie Smith.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news.This story is sponsored by Dr. Graff Orthodontics and Home2Suites

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening around Farmington this week.From a youth production of Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. to a major art exhibition celebrating Diné artist Anthony Chee Emerson, plus Broadway for Brunch and a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the community.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis 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.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sunray Park & Casino.