Professional boxing is making its return to Durango with the Legends on the Animas event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Many of us recognize the mural of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey on the side of El Rancho Tavern, where he fought back in 1915. Durango’s wild western history is well-known, but this will be the first professional boxing event since Dempsey’s time. On October 12th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, professional boxers Hector 'Macho' Camacho Jr. and Andrew 'Hurricane' Hernandez will fight for the Legends Boxing Foundation world championship. The day will be packed with food, fights, and family-friendly entertainment. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/legends-on-the-animas

This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC.

Aztec Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at the Fall Festival and Car Show Oct. 12 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Minium Park. With over 70 vendors showcasing food, drink, art, and more, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to pick up your big raffle tickets before the final drawing at the end of the day!

Three Rivers Estate is hosting Trunk or Treat again this year on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. If you have a company vehicle and would like to participate in the event, make sure to dress to impress (the vehicle, and you!) for the Best Decorated Vehicle contest. Three Rivers Estate is also looking for candy donations - drop off any time before the event.

Sneezes and snuffles here, there, everywhere! Cold and flu season is back - protect yourself, friends, and family with two free drive-through vaccine clinics from San Juan Regional Medical Center. The drive-through clinics are Saturday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Nov. 2nd at the north visitor parking lot, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until all vaccines are gone. By Hannah Robertson.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/family-friendly-fall-festivities

This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Boon's Family Thai BBQ.

Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasizes the goal of Durango Devo remains fostering the love of riding bikes. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-devo-ready-for-new-leadership

This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Celebrate where the Southwest meets the Scottish Highlands at the Aztec Highland Games and Celtic Festival. From Saturday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Sept. 29, pack your kilt and participate in a variety of games, listen to live music, and find your clan tartan at the fair.

Join the River Reach Foundation at the Anima River Jam, Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Farmington Museum Terrace and All Veterans Park. Featuring live music and a Free Fishing Derby, there will be something for everyone at the event.

Wines of the San Juan invites you to the Great Grape Stomp at its Harvest Festival this weekend, Sept. 28-29. Sign up in teams of two to compete who can stomp the most juice out of 30 lbs of grapes, and enjoy live music, food, and drink from local farms and breweries.

San Juan Regional Medical Center has moved its Health Information Management Department (HIM) to a new location at 300 West Arrington Street, Suite 101. The move enables patients to access both billing and their medical records in the same place, facilitating a better patient experience. By Hannah Robertson.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/kicking-off-weekend-fun-with-games-music-stomping

This story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and SunRay Park and Casino.

Four Hispano communities were uprooted and displaced during the construction of Navajo Dam and almost lost to history. Farmington historian Patricia Bobby Tharp made sure the families were remembered, and you are invited to learn about their history at the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village Free Smithsonian Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the 2:00 p.m. special panel.

Build back up that TBR at the Farmington Public Library Foundation book sale Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21 from 9:oo a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With books starting at $1, there’s sure to be a great find (or several!).

What better way to enjoy a weekend than with grit in your teeth and a bike below you? Aztec Adventure’s Holy Grit trail ride Saturday, Sept. 21 offers three rides along the Old Spanish Trail, with music, food, and cycling camaraderie to round out the event. By Hannah Robertson.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/navajo-dams-lost-communities-panel-at-aztec-museum

This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Traegers Bar.

The 2024 Aztec Indigenous Arts Festival features local Indigenous artists, performers and culture on Saturday, September 14. This version of the festival features the largest variety of entertainment in its history. With headlining acts scheduled throughout the day, the 2024 Aztec Ruins Cultural Indigenous Arts Festival plans to move attendees in all manner of motif. Featured performers include renowned hoop dancer JaiP’o Harvier, musician Levi Platero and Diné storyteller Sunny Dooley, among others. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/indigenous-arts-festival-returns

This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirit and M&R Plumbing.

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.

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.

Watch this story at www.farmingtonlocal.news/newsstories/senator-hickenlooper-tours-new-nursing-training-facility-at-fort-lewis-college

This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and M&R Plumbing.