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 Smith

Watch 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 Waite

Watch 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 Smith

Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news

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.

By Christi Bode

Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news

This 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 Sparks

Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news

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.

By Tanner Waite

Watch this story at famingtonlocal.news

This 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.news

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.

By Tanner Waite.

Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news

This story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and Fitness World