<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
    xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
    xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/">
<channel>
    <title>Tri-Cities</title>
    <category>Tri-Cities</category>
    <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/section/tri-cities/feed/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://tj.durangoherald.com/section/tri-cities/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description>Latest local news from The Durango Herald.</description>
    <lastBuildDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:49:34 -0600</lastBuildDate>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <ttl>30</ttl>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/dream-flights-relished-by-veterans-enthusiasts-monday-in-farmington/</link>
        <title>Dream Flights relished by veterans, enthusiasts Monday in Farmington</title>
        <description>Darryl Fischer, founder, explains origin and joys of providing flights</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">A829BB72-F9C7-4BDD-8EB9-3A4E8BEE3B8B</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=34A3059E-CD76-54A9-B3B0-D88257428C34&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.89&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=34A3059E-CD76-54A9-B3B0-D88257428C34&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.89&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Darryl Fischer, founder, explains origin and joys of providing flightsDavid McNally said he felt like a bird on his Dream Flight tour Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington. (Brad Ryan/Special to Tri-City Record)A group of senior veterans and a couple of volunteers took to the skies Monday morning in a restored WWII-era Stearman biplane, savoring 15 minutes of open-cockpit flight as Dream Flights brought its nationwide mission of honoring veterans to the Four Corners Regional Airport.The event, sponsored by Three Rivers Estates Senior Living and Memory Care, gave 10 participants a chance to experience what founder Darryl Fischer calls the “pure magic” of flight – a program that has delivered more than 8,400 free rides to veterans across the country. Passengers described the Farmington flights as “outstanding,” “unbelievable” and “like being a bird,” while Fischer and his volunteer crew said the joy and renewed energy they witnessed is what keeps them traveling from state-to-state each season.With six aircraft, 12 pilots and a safety-focused operation, Dream Flights continues its April-to-October tour, offering veterans moments that many say are among the best of their lives.James Thomas, 93, who served 30 years and 30 days in the U.S. Army, described his dream flight as “outstanding … don’t know the words. To look out and see my daughter’s house then down by the river.”James Thomas, Three Rivers Estates Senior Living and Memory Care resident, relished his Dream Flight at the Four Corners Regional Airport on Aug. 3. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record)As an airborne infantry soldier, Thomas retired as a colonel after serving in Panama and many other locations.“Totally unique,” said Thomas, who had flown in all kinds of airplanes and made more than 70 jumps.Robert Williams, a volunteer at TRESL & MC, served as an aviation mechanic in the U.S. Navy. Williams recalled the exact time he served – “four years, two months, two days.”After the military, Williams studied the natural sciences at the University of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. Williams applied with the National Park Service, but it faced job cuts by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration, so Williams went into private industry.He retired from Arizona Public Service at their local power plant after working in instrumentation, electrical and management.Dream Flights were enjoyed by 10 passengers Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport. (Brad Ryan/Special to Tri-City Record)David McNally, 83, said the flight was “awesome.”“Oh man, unbelievable,” said the grateful passenger who served in the U.S. Navy aboard an aircraft carrier in combat air information.He added, “Yeah, it’s like being a bird. I’ve never sat in nothing like that in my life.”Anita Lewis was anticipating her Dream Flight on Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record)Mike Perry, Dream Flights crew chief, was on his second tour with Dream Flights, which was held Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington, N.M. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record)Anita Lewis, 92, a TRESL & MC resident and former society editor in Gallup, was excited about her flight. She qualified because all five of her sons served in the military.Mike Perry, Dream Flights crew chief based in Reno, Nevada, was on his second tour with Darryl Fischer, founder of Dream Flights.“I mean, it just makes me happy,” Perry said. “That's why I’m here, all right, you know, volunteering because it’s just really wonderful to see how excited these guys are.”Tina Jaime, Life Enrichment director at TRESL & MC, said it was a perfect day for the event she helped organize.Alicia Jimenez, TRESL & MC administrator, said, “I think taking the time to just give our veterans some little extra love is something, you know, beautiful.”The new Four Corners Regional Airport manager Jeremy Patton said he is familiar with Dream Flights, as they had been to the Cortez airport where he previously managed.Dream Flights founderDarryl Fischer prepares to enter his Stearman biplane during a visit to Farmington in 2024. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record)Fischer, also based in Reno, said Dream Flights happened by accident in 2011 when his dad asked him to join him on a trip to Mississippi to pick up a Stearman airplane that was being rebuilt.Fischer, the president of Mission Senior Living, which owns Three Rivers Estates Senior Living and Memory Care, said he was inspired on the return flight to give airplane rides to veterans in their senior living facilities.“So, I kind of got this idea that, ‘Hey, when we’re coming back to Oregon, we have to do 15 gas stops,’ and I asked my dad if it was OK if I call the senior living community at the places we were stopping,” Fischer said.“And it was so awesome that we just kept doing it,” he chuckled.Dream Flights crew and volunteers helped a passenger board the Stearman biplane Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport. (Brad Ryan/Special to Tri-City Record)“Yeah, we’ve given now over 8,400 flights,” Fischer said, adding they have six airplanes and 12 pilots.“It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “We’ve been very, very blessed to be able to do what we do.”Fischer said one of his passengers today said, “That's the best thing I've ever done.”From Fischer’s perspective, the joy, exhilaration and energy is immeasurable. One veteran told him, “I feel like a young man again.”These types of heartfelt messages bring tremendous satisfaction to Fischer and Perry.“Right before your eyes, you see them change in their full demeanor and their enthusiasm and energy and everything,” Fischer said.dalbright@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/kirtland-man-charged-in-former-wifes-shooting-death/</link>
        <title>Kirtland man charged in former wife’s shooting death</title>
        <description>DA’s office to file pretrial detention hold in case</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:49:38 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">365FA54A-28A1-482D-A43B-543A3E1A45BE</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=2DE8C958-A3BC-5BF4-9732-FE91851D3C56&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=2DE8C958-A3BC-5BF4-9732-FE91851D3C56&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[DA’s office to file pretrial detention hold in caseAnthony Heard, 42, of Kirtland, was arrested Aug. 3, 2026, for allegedly shooting and killing his former wife at a home on County Road 6055 in Kirtland.A Kirtland man has been arrested for reportedly shooting and killing his former wife.Anthony Heard, 42, was charged with first-degree murder and negligent use of a deadly weapon in the Aug. 2 death of Varissa Heard.Anthony called dispatch at 10:11 p.m., saying that “his firearm had discharged, striking Varissa,” at his home on County Road 6055 in Kirtland, according to the affidavit for arrest warrant.The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded five minutes later and rendered aid to the woman, who was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where she died.Anthony reportedly told deputies that Varissa was his former wife, and court records show that the couple’s divorce was finalized Jan. 21, 2025.Despite the divorce, the couple lived in the house together, and Anthony reportedly told deputies that they were having “relationship issues,” according to the affidavit for arrest warrant.Anthony told police he had been playing video games all day, when Varissa returned “home from being with friends.” He reportedly found his Kimber 1911 45 caliber pistol on a stand next to his bed and noticed rust on the handle, the affidavit said.He allegedly told investigators that he went into Varissa’s room to show her the firearm, when “the gun went off,” striking her in the chest, the affidavit said.Anthony told police he could not find an “exit wound” on Varissa, so “he took the pistol back to his office and placed it into the holster” and then called dispatch, according to the affidavit.However, the investigation contradicted Anthony’s story, according to sheriff’s detective Cody Price, who wrote in the affidavit that a “spent 45 caliber casing” was found in the hallway, and there was a “defect in the drywall” that appeared to be caused by a bullet.The “slug” was found in a bathroom cabinet, and the trajectory did not match with Anthony’s statement, Price wrote in the affidavit.A search warrant also led detectives to discover text messages on Varissa’s phone, stating that she had been on a date. Anthony allegedly came into her room “fists clenched,” while he was “shaking” and yelling at her about where the man parked his truck, the affidavit said.When questioned, Anthony reportedly told detectives, he was “upset” but continued to claim that “the gun just went off,” the affidavit said.Anthony also admitted to drinking and said he was “clear-minded probably 50/50 a little upset,” but was focused on showing Varissa the rusted gun, the affidavit said.When detective Price found the gun, he described it as having “only minimal surface discoloration” from “minimal rust,” the affidavit said.Further questioning led Anthony to allegedly say that he was arguing with Varissa, and he planned to shoot himself.“I made a horrible mistake. It was an accident.” Anthony reportedly told detectives. “It was an accident. It was not intentional to shoot her. I did have the gun in my hand, yes. I did pull the trigger, but it wasn't intentional.”Anthony was booked Aug. 3 into the San Juan County Detention Center and the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion for a pretrial detention hold to keep him incarcerated until his trial, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Decker.dmayeux@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/jones-curley-advance-to-general-election-in-navajo-nation-presidential-race/</link>
        <title>Jones, Curley advance to general election in Navajo Nation presidential race</title>
        <description>Unofficial results ends President Buu Nygren’s bid for a second term</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:11:06 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">BA9219DD-0E30-42E9-9B4B-D055CB01C022</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=C9E9B9BB-C9F3-56F1-A1A2-D0C7A3A814F6&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.2575&#038;y=0.02626642&#038;crop_w=0.53875&#038;crop_h=0.60412758" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=C9E9B9BB-C9F3-56F1-A1A2-D0C7A3A814F6&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.2575&#038;y=0.02626642&#038;crop_w=0.53875&#038;crop_h=0.60412758" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Unofficial results ends President Buu Nygren’s bid for a second termJustin Jones, Navajo Nation presidential candidate, received a majority of the votes, according to the unofficial results from the Navajo Nation Election Administration. Jones had 15,039 votes with Crystalyne Curley trailing at 8,546 votes. (Courtesy Justin Jones for Navajo Nation President)The unofficial results from Navajo Nation Election Administration released on July 22 show that Justin Jones and Crystalyne Curley will be advancing to the general election for president in November.Jones led the race with 31% of votes at 15,039 and Curley followed at 17% with 8,546 votes. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren was next with 15% of votes at 7,410.Both candidates hosted watch parties on Tuesday night in Window Rock, Arizona.“You voted today,” Jones said at the watch party. “You made a loud statement.”Jones spoke on corruption, funding and unity at the end of the night as he thanked those who voted and attended.“This campaign has been about all of you,” he said. “It’s about the Navajo Nation. I come second.”His campaign priorities include investing in business by using Navajo fundamentals. Jones looks to rebuild the Navajo Nation by expanding housing and infrastructure, improving holistic healthcare, and focusing on the well-being of children, elders and veterans.Crystalyne Curley speaks to attendees at the campaign's watch party on Tuesday, July 21, in Window Rock, Arizona, as unofficial results confirm her for the general election for president. (Courtesy Crystalyne Curley for Navajo Nation President)Curley focused on love, humbleness and integrity in her campaign as she spoke to attendees at her watch party.“We’re not going to waste no time when we go into the office of the president or vice president,” Curley said of her campaign. “We’re going to hit that ground running on that first day.”Her vision includes addressing housing shortages, strengthening Diné families, building a self-sustaining Navajo economy, and investing existing resources within the Executive Branch and leveraging external ones for infrastructure needs.“One commitment that I have made to the team and my Navajo people is that I’m not scared of hard work,” she said. “I don’t think it’s above me at all. This team brings something different – because we’re only striving for positivity.”In a statement, Nygren said he wishes both candidates continued wisdom and strength in their campaign that has required perseverance with the dedication of hours spent listening to communities across Navajo Nation.“Your victories reflect the trust that the Navajo people have placed in your leadership, your vision, and your commitment to serving our Nation,” Nygren said in a statement. “As leaders, we all share the same purpose – to improve the lives of our people, strengthen our government, and create greater opportunities for future generations. While we may approach challenges from different perspectives, our shared commitment to the Navajo Nation must always come first.”alee@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/muddy-mess-in-downtown-aztec-reminiscent-of-2014/</link>
        <title>Muddy mess in downtown Aztec reminiscent of 2014</title>
        <description>Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village hit hard by water and mud</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:15:11 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">D9EB1A96-5B49-4909-A09E-072177766344</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=AA2E74D9-EB61-50B7-AC3E-89A026FD5CF8&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=AA2E74D9-EB61-50B7-AC3E-89A026FD5CF8&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village hit hard by water and mudBranches from trees on the roof of Kathleen Holmes' home following a severe windstorm. Holmes was looking out an upstairs window when she saw the storm approach and the trees suddenly crash onto her house. Courtesy Kathleen HolmesAn intense lighting storm and heavy rain that began with high winds struck Aztec and surrounding areas on Monday evening, turning the skies a yellowish-orange. The result was downed trees, debris, damaged roofs and fences, and a muddy mess on Main Avenue and at the Aztec Museum and Pioneer Village.More heavy rain was predicted for Tuesday evening, a repeat of what Aztec experienced in 2014. One Aztec resident shared her frightening, stormy experience.One moment, Kathleen Holmes was feeding her horses under a sunny sky. Minutes later, she retreated inside her Knickerbocker Hill home along Road 173 as a violent, fast-moving storm approached. By the time she reached her upstairs window, the wind was shaking the house so hard an elk antler crashed from the fireplace onto the floor. Outside, a 100-pound metal arbor was tossed into a tree.San Juan County Public Relations Manager Devin Neeley said areas including Aztec, Road 3000 and Flora Vista saw the worst of the sudden storm. While Farmington was largely spared, the county received multiple reports of downed power lines and tree limbs blocking public roads.Holmes, who has lived in the area for 35 years, said the storm approached rapidly from the east around 6 p.m., with lightning strikes growing closer until her house felt like it was “sitting kind of at a bull’s-eye”“We have windows facing the east, and I was upstairs looking at some big picture – through some big picture windows – and I saw the storm coming, and suddenly trees were landing on my roof, and on the roof of the porch right below me,” Holmes said.Wade Torres, an apprentice lineman with the city of Aztec, was shoveling mud in front of the Museum. He said in some areas it was curb high. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordAccording to Holmes an aspen and a cottonwood tree were pulled up by the roots, and sheet metal from a hay barn flew five acres away. The heavy metal arbor, which Holmes made herself as a blacksmith artist, was ripped from the ground.“I saw the wind pick it up and just shoot it off,” she said. “I saw it just traveling through the air, and it’s all wrapped and bent around a tree like a piece of wire.”While emergency services reported winds around 25 to 30 mph, Holmes believes they were much stronger, comparing it to her past experience surviving a tornado in Virginia.“This was a lot closer to 70 mph,” she said. “I just don't see how a 35 mph can do that kind of damage.”The rear entrance to the Pioneer Village was covered with mud on Tuesday morning. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordAn uprooted cottonwood tree lies in the yard of Kathleen Holmes' property with its roots exposed following a severe windstorm. Holmes estimated the winds reached 70 mph when the 60-foot-tall trees were pulled straight from the ground. Courtesy Kathleen HolmesThough there is a massive cleanup ahead for her property, Holmes remained positive.“You know, it could have been a lot worse, and the horses are OK, and we’re OK, so that’s all that really matters in the long run, right?” Holmes said.Aztec officials speakAztec Police Chief and Co-Interim City Manager Troy Morris described the mud damage caused by the storm Monday night in Aztec as overwhelming. “It came all the way down from Blanco, got the museum, and you can see where it even passed the museum, all into the parking lots here and everywhere,” he said.Morris said electricity was off on the south side of town and crews were out cleaning up the mud both Monday night and Tuesday morning, beginning at 8 a.m.A front loader tractor was busy loading mud into a truck on Tuesday morning. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordDescribing some of the damage, Morris said the First Baptist Church had part of its roof blown off, the fence across the street at Park Avenue School was knocked down, the fence at Hartman Park was damaged, High Country Chevrolet suffered mud damage as did the Aztec Museum, the Splash Pad near City Hall and Pioneer Village.Co-Interim City Manager Ed Kotyk said the splash park would be closed indefinitely.Angela Watkins, Aztec Library director, said the power went out for awhile and she woke up this morning to something that looked like “Louisiana’s hurricane … broken tree branches, the debris all over the roads.”Kotyk said the power was out for about an hour in a part of Aztec and was still out at 10:30 p.m. on the south side. He confirmed that a lightning strike took out a transformer.Morris said city employees were being assisted by a private company because another storm was expected on Tuesday afternoon or evening. Clearing the drains under Main Avenue was their priority, he said.The mud damage was worse than in 2014, Kotyk said.Former Aztec City Commissioner and Museum board treasurer Jack Scott described the event as a “continuing saga,” because the drains have needed cleaning for years.Flooding on Main Ave. in downtown Aztec on Monday night. (Photo/Courtesy Jack Scott)In 2014, the city spent $50,000 to clean up mud and debris from heavy rains on consecutive days, he said.Aztec Museum Executive Director Joan Monninger said there was “a little bit” of water damage in the front upstairs entryway, but it’s fixable.“The Pioneer Village grounds are a mess,” she said, adding that “fortunately, no water or mud got into the storage areas or the lower level of the main museum building.She said Scott was a “real hero with all of this beginning last night when he got me out of the building once the mud had subsided.”Monninger said there will be plenty of work to do in the coming days.A 100-pound metal arbor, handcrafted by blacksmith artist Kathleen Holmes, sits wrapped around a tree on her Knickerbocker Hill property after a severe windstorm Holmes saw the storm rip the piece from her front walkway and toss it through the air “like a piece of wire” Courtesy Kathleen Holmes]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/suspect-pleads-guilty-to-2024-double-homicide-in-bloomfield/</link>
        <title>Suspect pleads guilty to 2024 double homicide in Bloomfield</title>
        <description>Victim’s mother rushes killer, threatens death</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:51:34 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">CF4BF6D5-9713-4A48-9262-A25AA29A5904</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=39E00FC7-B056-5B24-96D0-2E8A56D7B6CE&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.88875&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=39E00FC7-B056-5B24-96D0-2E8A56D7B6CE&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.88875&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Victim’s mother rushes killer, threatens deathFamilies of Stoney Torres and Jessica Aragon interact with drivers July 7 at the intersection of Highway 516 and Oliver Avenue near the San Juan County 11th District Court in Aztec, as they protest the plea agreement given to Torres’ and Aragon’s killer Isaiah Brown. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)A change of plea hearing in connection with an August 2024 double homicide ended with an emotional outburst Tuesday from the murder victim’s mother.“You’re dead! You’re dead, Isaiah! You’re not going to come out of prison,” Laurie Aragon shouted as she rushed toward Isaiah Brown, who was being guided out of the courtroom.Her husband, Benjamin Salazar shouted, “Street justice!”Brown, 23, admitted Tuesday to the Aug. 28, 2024, murders of Stoney Torres, 25, and Jessica Aragon, 28, at a home on County Road 4909 in Bloomfield, where Brown and Torres were in the middle of a drug deal.Brown also admitted that on Aug. 29, 2024, he shot at two police officers while attempting to evade arrest. That happened at a mobile home in Waterflow in the area of County Road 6693.In addition, Brown admitted that in October 2025, while being held in the San Juan County Detention Center he coerced a preteen girl to access and view pornographic material with him during video calls via FaceTime on a detention center tablet.Under the plea deal, Brown admitted to two reduced counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempt to commit second-degree murder and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The charges were enhanced by the fact that Brown admitted to using a gun during his crimes.Laurie Aragon, mother of Jessica Aragon, and her grandson Emiliano Jacquez protest July 6 outside the San Juan County District Attorney's Office in Farmington. They are against the plea deal given to Aragon's killer Isaiah Brown. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)Aragon was unhappy with the plea and said she wanted Brown to go to trial and face two first-degree murder charges.“To allow Isaiah who committed this double murder to escape a jury trial and receive a reduced sentence is very unfair. It undermines the value of my daughter and my nephew’s lives,” Aragon told the court. “I respectfully ask that you reject this plea. Allow this case to proceed to trial. Let the people decide.”Aragon organized a July 6 protest at the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office, 335 South Miller Drive in Farmington. She also started a change.org petition, asking the public to weigh in on the plea being offered to Brown.The online petition received 281 signatures as of July 7.Protesters also stood Tuesday outside the 11th Judicial District Court in Aztec, demanding “No plea deals for murder.” They waved signs and shouted to passersby prior to the change of plea hearing.Deputy District Attorney Christopher Spinner told the court the plea deal was “the right decision, even if it isn’t easy.”Spinner expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, saying they lost their children even through it was “a drug deal that went wrong” with confusion over who drew their weapon first.“Even if Stoney pulled his gun first, did he deserve to get shot eight times?” asked Jody Gardner, the mother of Stoney Torres. “Stoney was there to make money, that was it.”Joey, left, and Emiliano Jacquez, sons of slain Jessica Aragon, protest July 7 at the intersection of Highway 516 and Oliver Avenue near the San Juan County 11th District Court in Aztec, as they protest the plea agreement given to their mother’s killer Isaiah Brown. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)The affidavit for arrest warrant stated that the shooting was the result of an argument over $80 and fentanyl. Brown told investigators that Torres drew his weapon first.“Of course, a murderer is gonna say he pulled his gun first,” Gardner said.“Jessica was an innocent bystander,” Aragon said. “Stoney was a good respectful young man. He did not deserve to be shot so many times.”Brown reportedly fired multiple shots emptying his clip into both Torres and Aragon.“My son’s life was stolen,” Gardner said. “My family has received a lifetime sentence of grief. I somewhat understand the reasoning, but I don’t think it’s fair.”Aragon told the court she used to be an optimistic person, but that changed in August 2024, when Brown introduced hate into her life. “I hate August. I hate Wednesdays. My daughter and Stoney were murdered in cold blood that day. I hate the 28th of every month. I aspire to forgive, but I am not there.”Families of Stoney Torres and Jessica Aragon interact with drivers July 7 at the intersection of Highway 516 and Oliver Avenue near the San Juan County 11th District Court in Aztec, as they protest the plea agreement given to Torres’ and Aragon’s killer Isaiah Brown. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)District Judge Bradley Keeler thanked the woman for speaking.“I appreciate the strength and courage it takes to come up and address the court today,” Judge Keeler said, adding that he has thought about this case every day since it was added to his docket on March 25, when District Judge Stephen Wayne realized he knew Brown’s family and recused himself.Judge Keeler said he has been “thinking about the consequences, the trial, the defendant and the attorneys involved,” and that included “when the prospect of a plea arises. It can be very difficult to consider a plea. It can be difficult to accept considering the circumstance.”As a judge, the only way for Keeler to reject a plea would be “if the plea appears illegal or unlawful. I can also step in when the plea seems disproportionate – too harsh or too lenient,” he said.He also pointed out that the plea provided a “guarantee” of conviction that would not be available should the case go to trial.“I can sympathize with the victims’ families. I don’t see that there is a reason under the law to reject it,” he said, accepting the plea.The agreement capped Brown’s sentence at 30 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 16 years of parole.However, Keeler did not proceed to sentencing and set an Oct. 6 sentencing hearing at the Aztec courthouse.dmayeux@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/fentanyl-powder-sickens-jail-guards-detainees/</link>
        <title>Fentanyl powder sickens jail guards, detainees</title>
        <description>New report shows first responders at high risk from highly potent drug</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 19:36:55 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">0C274579-6E46-41D0-B4A8-7183B55BC44B</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=5AA96A40-4C85-5F08-8B1E-97CD694CB02A&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.89375&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=5AA96A40-4C85-5F08-8B1E-97CD694CB02A&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.89375&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[New report shows first responders at high risk from highly potent drugA San Juan County Detention Center guard oversee the facility through surveillance videos and through the windows. (Brad Ryan/Special to Tri-City Record file)Fentanyl powder – so potent that an addict can smuggle a gram into the jail and get a whole pod high – is leading to detainees and guards overdosing.That’s what happened at 9:45 a.m. May 6 in the San Juan County Detention Center. A detainee smuggled the powder into the facility and removed it “from inside her pants,” according to an incident report obtained by the Tri-City Record through an Inspection of Public Records Act request.The report stated that five detainees in the C4 pod overdosed in less than an hour.When Detention Center Officers Mike, Atcitty, Wagner and Soto conducted a search of the pod, three of them became ill and exhibited signs of overdose after finding “a piece of paper with a white powdery substance” located on a bunk, the report stated.One of the officers who was “experiencing symptoms” had to be taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to the report.Fentanyl poses a “significant operational and occupational hazard” to correction officers, according to a May 21 report prepared by the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, NMHIDTA, Investigative Support Center.“New Mexico first responders and correctional officers have recently been involved in several incidents where they were exposed to suspected illicit synthetic opioids related to fentanyl, resulting in adverse reactions to the exposures requiring medical attention,” the report said.Law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, fire fighters and crime scene investigators also are at risk.“We’re seeing fentanyl continue to rise in our county,” San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari said, adding there has been an “increase in seizures.”There’s also been changes to the types of fentanyl being produced by the Mexican Cartel, which Ferrari said is responsible for 90% of the drug being trafficked in the United States.The cartel works to “continuously modify chemical structures to create new fentanyl,” according to the NMHIDTA report.What were once blue pills have now become white powder.“Now what’s scary is what they call powder fentanyl – that’s what we seen in the jail,” Ferrari said, adding it is easy to smuggle into the facility.“You’re seeing all these addicts inside the jail going down,” he said. “You can smuggle in a gram of powdered fentanyl and get a whole pod high.”The highly potent powder is incredibly dangerous, with exposure coming from acts as simple as opening envelopes to handling contaminated currency, according to the NMHIDTA report.When the powder is “disturbed,” there also is a potential threat of airborne hazard, the report stated.Jail booking and intake was listed as a high-risk activity when it comes to potential fentanyl exposure, and the report warns individuals to “treat unknown powders as hazardous.”The three detention center officers, who were exposed to fentanyl powder, were back at work May 7, according to the detention center report, but the risk remains.“The proliferation of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues has transformed routine enforcement encounters into potential hazardous-material incidents. First responders must shift from a traditional narcotics mindset to a drug-threat/hazmat hybrid response posture,” according to the NMHIDTA report.And the drug is not going away, according to Ferrari, who said “fentanyl is just climbing.”“Everyday people are becoming fentanyl addicts,” he said, noting it stemmed from the opioid crisis. “Now your soccer mom is into heroin. She started out on Lortab for a toothache and is now a heroin addict.”“The cartel already had addicts sitting, waiting on them,” he said.dmayeux@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/new-book-celebrates-geology-of-navajo-nation/</link>
        <title>New book celebrates geology of Navajo Nation</title>
        <description>Story engages students in STEM education</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 21:37:14 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">97182D7E-AB32-45D7-A9D6-5170B3AF434D</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=31D75EF4-C6E8-52F7-B03C-DDC6C1181FCD&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.03448276&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.73891626" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=31D75EF4-C6E8-52F7-B03C-DDC6C1181FCD&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.03448276&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.73891626" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Story engages students in STEM educationNavajo Technical University Press has collaborated with author Daniel Vandever to publish a children's picture book, “High Desert Treasure,” that highlights the unique geology of the Navajo Nation. (Courtesy South of Sunrise Creative)Navajo Technical University Press has collaborated with author Daniel Vandever to publish a children’s picture book, “High Desert Treasure,” that highlights the unique geology of the Navajo Nation.The story was commissioned by NTU under NASA’s MAIANSE program to further engage students in STEM education.“High Desert Treasure” is a story about a grandmother and her twin grandsons, who have grown restless without phone service in a remote corner of the Navajo Nation. To keep the boys occupied, the grandmother sends them on a treasure hunt where they discover the beauty of the high desert and what matters most in life.Under the grant, 3,000 copies of High Desert Treasure are being distributed to students across the Navajo Nation.The goal is to get students interested in the fields of geology and environmental science by exploring the unique landscape of the Navajo Nation, which includes petrified wood, pictographs and dinosaur tracks.Vandever took the lead in developing the storyline while co-writing it with the principal investigator of the MAIANSE grant, Abhishek RoyChowdhury.Other co-authors of the book include Perry James of the University of New Mexico-Gallup, Sean Kinney of Rutgers University and Paul Olsen of Columbia University.Vandever’s company South of Sunrise Creative provided design and layout for the book and worked with Flagstaff-based artist Corey Begay on the illustrations.It is the first book Vandever and Begay collaborated on since their picture book, “Herizon,” was named the American Indian Youth Literature Award’s Best Picture Book in 2022.Navajo Technical University Press is selling paperback copies of “High Desert Treasure” to the general public on Amazon and IngramSpark in addition to the free copies being distributed through the grant. NTU Press was established in 2024 and released its first book, “The Miracle of Navajo Technical University,” last June.alee@tricityrecordnm.com]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/at-least-seven-women-reportedly-overdose-in-san-juan-county-detention-center/</link>
        <title>At least seven women reportedly overdose in San Juan County Detention Center</title>
        <description>Farmington woman accused of smuggling fentanyl into jail</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">7F9BE277-0B20-4452-9C45-2024A747825E</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CB981A6B-6633-541B-8030-9A8AB9109C4E&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.0075&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.985&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CB981A6B-6633-541B-8030-9A8AB9109C4E&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.0075&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.985&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Farmington woman accused of smuggling fentanyl into jailSarah Giles, 35, of Farmington is accused of bringing fentanyl into the San Juan County Detention Center on March 3, causing seven overdoses.A woman who had been sober since January reportedly overdosed when fentanyl was smuggled into the San Juan County Detention Center, according to court records.Angela Wilson was a detainee March 3 in the women’s pod, when Sarah Giles, 35, allegedly brought the drugs in through booking. Wilson was the first of seven women to overdose that evening on the fentanyl, according to an arrest affidavit.There are unconfirmed reports of additional overdoses in the facility, and the Tri-City Record through a May 15 Inspection of Public Records Act request has attempted to confirm those reports. The request has sought memorandums, letters and correspondence dated March 2 to May 15 in connection with the overdoses in the San Juan County Detention Center.The Tri-City Record also made a May 11 request to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office seeking the case report for the sheriff’s investigation into Wilson’s overdose.Sheriff’s Records Clerk Jennifer Coponiti responded May 13 that additional time was needed to process the request.“We need additional time to search for, collect, and process any responsive records,” Coponiti wrote, adding that a response would be received by May 20.The Tri-City Record was able to access the affidavit for arrest warrant for Giles through records filed in the 11th Judicial District Court. Those records include the affidavit for arrest warrant, which details the investigation and subsequent charges of trafficking a controlled substance and bringing contraband into the jail brought against Giles.According to the investigation, Giles was arrested and booked March 3 into the detention center. Giles has a history of bringing contraband into the facility with a conviction for that crime from 2021, according to court records.At the time of booking, “a body image scan was conducted to confirm Detainee Giles was not trying to bring contraband into the facility through a body cavity,” the affidavit stated.An “abnormality” was found on the image, but Giles reportedly told the jail sergeant that it was “‘tissue,’ due to being denied a tampon in booking,” according to the affidavit.The sergeant, who was not identified in the document, “failed to move Giles into dry-cell protocol.” Instead she was placed in the general population of C4 in the women’s pod, where there were six other detainees, all of whom reportedly overdosed on the drugs allegedly provided by Giles, the affidavit said.Wilson was the first to lose consciousness and later told investigators that she saw Giles using drugs and she wanted too as well. She allegedly admitted to taking a “snort” of fentanyl powder, which led to the overdose, the affidavit said.Detention officers conducted a search of the C5 Pod later that same day and reportedly found 0.22 grams of fentanyl powder on a detainee, who had been with Giles and Wilson.The affidavit says it is believed this is the same substance reportedly smuggled in by Giles, who entered a plea of not guilty, when she was arraigned April 20 in front of District Judge Curtis Gurley.Giles remains in the San Juan County Detention Center after Judge Gurley denied her conditions of release during an April 24 motions hearing.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/lowrider-culture-takes-center-stage-at-gateway-park-in-farmington/</link>
        <title>Lowrider culture takes center stage at Gateway Park in Farmington</title>
        <description>U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez calls for the creation of a National Lowrider Day</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:44:25 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">84AD9CB3-CA09-4F73-9994-8B9AF8A320EB</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CA50B9AD-301D-5E13-AA52-5B4F79A16ED1&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CA50B9AD-301D-5E13-AA52-5B4F79A16ED1&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez calls for the creation of a National Lowrider DayInside the Farnington Museum and Visitor Center, Timothy Gurule provided a rundown of the fully customized “Golden Ram,” a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordInside the Farnington Museum and Visitor Center, a spectacular lowrider was on exhibit. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordThousands poured into midtown Farmington Saturday as chrome gleamed, engines hummed and woofers bumped in a gathering that blended artistry, community pride and the pulse of New Mexico’s lowrider cruising tradition.Organized by a volunteer committee led by Dion Montoya and sparked by the vision of Cultural Affairs Assistant Director Christa Chapman, the event drew more than 5,000 visitors to view the crafted lowriders, enjoy live music and Fiesta dancers and hear an uplifting message from U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-Santa Fe.“We were able to build a committee in order to bring all of the events today,” Montoya said. Committee members include Monicalynn Begay, Felicia Begay, Drew Ericson, Karla Wheeler, Michelle Zupan, Montoya, Chapman and Nathan Augustine, director of the Farmington Museum and Visitors Center.Montoya arrived around 8 a.m. to set up the sound system for the noon kickoff and said he cranked up the music early to set the vibe.“Music heals the soul. Music will take you to the next level,” Montoya said. “If you’re feeling down, music will bring you out of it.”Don Montoya, a key event organizer, served as the DJ. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordMarisol Medina of Chimayo took the stage about 1:20 p.m., singing a variety of styles including Spanish, Christian, country and disco.Medina had a top-five hit on KNMX radio this month with “Linda Chicana,” recorded with Pepe G. The duo was nominated for vocal duo of the year at the New Mexico Hispano Awards announced in January.“This event is very, very beautiful,” Medina said. “This is my first time coming to Farmington, and man, this community is just beautiful … everybody’s so respectful and nice here.”Marisol Medina of Chimayo entertained the crowd at the Lowrider Culture Car Show Saturday. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordMontoya said he was inspired by the turnout, which showed people could come together in peace.“Farmington is alive. Farmington is beautiful and celebrating it,” he said.The lowriders, spectatorsAs crowds moved through the park and museum, spectators and car owners alike shared stories, admiration and pride in the vehicles and culture on display.“I think it’s great for Farmington. I think we need more of it,” said attendee Jy Jasmine. “It’s fantastic, see the turnout is perfect.”“Oh, it’s awesome, yeah, and the biggest we’ve had in Farmington,” said Gerry Stuckum.Timothy Gurule of Aztec has been involved in lowriders for about 40 years. His 1994 Lincoln Town Car, powered by a stock 4.6-liter engine, features a custom paint job he completed himself and specialized hydraulics that move up and down and side to side, lifting the front off the ground and posing the car on three wheels.A member of Dreamz Car Club, Gurule has attended hundreds of car shows over the years, including the One Crazy Weekend lowrider show in Las Vegas, Nevada, which he described as the Holy Grail of car shows.Local lowrider car clubs include Dreamz, Goodtimes and LowClassics.Timothy Gurule (left) with son Damian. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordMoses Ruiz of Bloomfield owns a 2013 Hyundai with a stock engine enhanced by a spoiler and custom wheels. The trunk houses an elaborate sound system with a 215 Redline Series Digital Designs amplifier, 15-inch woofers, an M-4000 Pioneer amplifier and 21 capacitors.Jeremy Vigil of Farmington and a member of LowClassics Car Club, said the turnout was amazing. His lowrider, “Senor Atros,” which in slang means “Bad Boy,” is a 1947 Oldsmobile Series 78 Deluxe with extensive modifications.Vigil bought the car about five years ago. It has undergone a full restoration and has been featured in Lowrider magazine, earning Best of Show and first place honors in Las Vegas.Jeremy Vigil stands left of his lowrider, “Senor Atros.” David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordThe car is powered by a Chevy 350 engine with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, a 1996 Caprice rear end and a full air-ride system. It features an iPad displaying the build process, a stereo with a video screen and a television in the trunk that showcases the car’s transformation.“I designed everything, every single thing on this car,” Vigil said, adding that all of the engraving was handcrafted.Inside the Farmington Museum and Visitors Center, Gurule showcased the fully customized “Golden Ram,” a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 with full hydraulics, suicide doors, a suicide hood, a tilt bed, a tilt front end and a chrome undercarriage.The truck, built around 2000, has been featured in Lowrider magazine and has won top honors at the Lowrider Super Show, Gurule said.U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernande, D-Santa Fe, addresses the crowd Saturday at the Lowrider Culture Car Show in Farmington. David Edward Albright/Tri-City RecordU.S. Rep Teresa Leger FernandezLeger Fernandez highlighted the cultural significance of lowriders, tying their history and artistry to broader themes of community, identity and recognition.“And you know what I love is that Chicano culture, core culture, and American culture all come together with lowriders,” she said.Recalling a time when cruising was outlawed, she said the practice was discriminatory and “anti-Chicano.” She noted those laws are no longer in place and that the Smithsonian is now honoring lowrider culture in Farmington.“Art, culture and our highways connect people and communities,” Leger Fernandez said, asking the crowd whether they would support a National Lowrider Day. “Oh da ley,” which means “Wow, OK, come on,” she shouted.Leger Fernandez said she introduced legislation to establish a National Lowrider Day to mark the culture’s path from discrimination to celebration.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/jacks-plastic-welding-of-aztec-built-recovery-raft-for-artemis-ii-mission/</link>
        <title>Jack’s Plastic Welding of Aztec built recovery raft for Artemis II mission</title>
        <description>CEO-designer said learning, improving products is big reward</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:38:54 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">D65D0354-49BE-4844-93A5-84334B787EED</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=6EB051F0-9F76-58D9-BE82-5806E3A5F9E6&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=6EB051F0-9F76-58D9-BE82-5806E3A5F9E6&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[CEO-designer said learning, improving products is big rewardT.J. Garcia and a few of his team of 12 employees. (Courtesy T.J. Garcia)The orange rafts that fished four astronauts out of the Pacific after the Artemis II splashdown April 10 didn’t come from a NASA lab or a big defense contractor.They were built by hand in a small shop on Main Avenue in Aztec, New Mexico, where Jack’s Plastic Welding has quietly engineered specialized recovery gear for modern spaceflight.For CEO and designer T.J. Garcia, the project marks the culmination of two decades of hands-on work and ingenuity culminating in a historic moment in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.NASA tapped Jack’s Plastic Welding to design and build the inflatable recovery platforms used by U.S. Navy teams to extract astronauts from the Orion capsule, a contract that pushed the crew to invent new welding techniques that are now being used across their full line of products.According to NASA, the Artemis II mission was the first crewed test of the Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts to confirm that the capsule’s systems functioned well in space.“Finally come together. We've been working on it for years,” Garcia said. “Real life mission – pretty rewarding.”Garcia’s journey goes back about 20 years, starting with what he called “grunt work” at age 15, high school summer breaks. After graduating, he built rafts and other products full time. When business slowed and he was laid off, he and decided on instrumentation training at San Juan College.A family-oriented man, Garcia chose not to work in the oil field, which required travel. Instead, he worked locally in fire suppression before returning to Jack’s Plastic Welding.Garcia said most of his career was built through hands-on work, and when JPW co-founder Erol Baake decided to retire in 2019, he didn’t want the company he had invested so much time and effort in to pass to people he couldn’t work with.“So I threw my hat in the ring, and they selected me for CEO,” he said.Working with NASAAccording to Garcia, the “word on the street” is about nine years ago that Jack Kloepfer had a plan and won the contract because he had a contact who alerted him that NASA was asking for bids.“And just because of that foresight, they really jumped on it that we had some of the software that we can easily share models,” Garcia said regarding the computer-aided design programs they were using.Garcia said they could move quickly because the company had the foresight to use computer-assisted design programs and could easily share design models.Garcia said he believes NASA found out about Jack’s from their work with Boeing, building “inflatable ladders and that type of equipment.” The company also made stabilization collars for the SpaceX Dragon 2 capsule as a subcontractor.Regarding their most recent work, Garcia said “some parts are pretty straightforward, but some welding techniques were done in a unique way where we were able to meld a drop stitch, like paddleboard material, with a normal inflatable, and we combine them together.”“Never seen it done the way we did it, to pull off that flat top yet having a full inflatable bottom,” he said.Their innovative process resulted from a focused period of building about one raft a month for roughly two years.“And had we patented it, who knows where we would be now,” Garcia said.A Jack’s Plastic Welding raft similar to numerous others built for NASA. (Courtesy T.J. Garcia)Key rewards“I would say the best thing that has come from is not just like the publicity or, extra contracts,” said Garcia. “The really cool thing is they really stress tested all of our stuff, our gearing, out attachment points.”Watching NASA videos in which they burst the inflatable when overpressurized was amazing, Garcia said.“They did slow motion capture of where the rip started, how it propagated, and kind of helped identify any weak spots that were in there,” he said.The learning and validation has carried over to their products.“And so we’ve taken the knowledge learned from there and apply it to our outdoor recreation our industrial products,” he said, adding that it has been applied in subcomponents, such as the way D-rings are mounted and grommet strips are attached.The knowledge gained from the whole experience has been the biggest reward, he said.“This just kind of brought all of those years of hard work and, you know, sacrifice into one celebration,” he said.Garcia prefers to stay out of the spotlight, emphasizing that the achievement belongs to the entire team. Still, he said, it is “pretty surreal to know that we’re kind of getting put into the history books along with this momentous occasion.”]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/fruitland-chef-wins-food-networks-chopped-championship/</link>
        <title>Fruitland chef wins Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ championship</title>
        <description>Justin Pioche wins $10,000 in Indigenous-themed episode</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:11:53 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">CC901491-4DFD-4ED5-977F-FD0ADBD2FD40</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=177B21A3-2491-5CBC-BE85-85E88673377F&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.04079933&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.49958368" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=177B21A3-2491-5CBC-BE85-85E88673377F&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.04079933&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.49958368" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Justin Pioche wins $10,000 in Indigenous-themed episodeFarmington-area chef’s appearance in “Indigenous Inspirations,” aired Tuesday on the Food Network. It was the first time the show featured Indigenous food as the main ingredient across an entire competition. (Courtesy Food Network)More than a year after filming, Farmington-area chef Justin Pioche finally watched himself win $10,000 and the title of “Chopped” champion on the national Food Network.The episode, titled “Indigenous Inspirations,” aired Tuesday marking the first time the show featured Indigenous food as the main ingredient across an entire competition.In an interview with the Tri-City Record on Wednesday, Pioche described the experience as surreal and filled with mixed emotions.“I’m just super-proud of my competitors and my friends who competed with me. We still talk to this day and none of us have any bad blood against each other and we still promote each other, which is pretty awesome.”Pioche competed against chefs Mariah Gladstone, Ray Naranjo and Jessica Walks First. The judges were Eric Adjepong, Pyet DeSpain and Sean Sherman, with Ted Allen serving as host. The final round came down to Pioche and Gladstone.From left to right, chefs Justin Pioche, Mariah Gladstone, Ray Naranjo and Jessica Walks First as seen on “Chopped.” (Courtesy Food Network)Going into the final moments, Pioche said he was not confident he had won.“Mariah is a really good chef, and she’s an amazing teacher. She has so much knowledge in her head, and so she really made me nervous when it got down to the nitty-gritty,” he said. “When I seen her make that cake, I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m done.’”His first-round dish featured sautéed whitefish with pawpaw salsa and sumac tea. In the second round, he prepared an Anaheim chile-rubbed bison with sweet corn grits and charred lima beans. For the final round, he created a pemmican bread pudding with candied sweet potatoes.Pioche faced several challenges during the competition, including a time-costing finger cut and a plating decision he later regretted. He said he wished he had either fried the fish skin into a chip or left it off entirely.Chef Justin Pioche plates his dishes in Round 1. (Courtesy Food Network)In the final dessert round against Gladstone, Pioche’s pemmican bread pudding ran into equipment issues, but he adapted and still plated a successful dish.Beyond the competition, Pioche emphasized representing Navajo culture on a national stage.“It was very humbling and I was honored to share the experience among peers and to try to be that voice and also the example that you can do whatever you want to as long as you put your mind to it,” he said.Before filming began, contestants shared a moment of unity.“We still gotta be a big voice for our people and the youth going forward,” Pioche said. “And we all agreed and hugged each other, and that was really, really powerful.”Judges Eric Adjepong, Pyet DeSpain and Sean Sherman and host Ted Allen face competitors Justin Pioche, Mariah Gladstone, Ray Naranjo and Jessica Walks First on Chopped. (Courtesy Food Network)Since the episode aired, Pioche has received widespread support and celebrated with a watch party in Farmington.The “Indigenous Inspirations” episode of “Chopped” is available to stream online.Looking ahead, Pioche said the win could help expand his family-run business, Pioche Food Group, while continuing to share Indigenous food and stories.He plans to use part of the prize money to support Pioche Food Group and share it with his sister, Tia Pioche, and their mother, Janice E. Brown, crediting their role in his success.“I just want to give God the glory, and thank him for my family who’s always at my back, and remind Turtle Island that Native people are still here, we’re not going anywhere. I look forward to the next challenge that’s coming up,” Pioche said.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/fruitland-chef-to-feature-on-food-networks-chopped/</link>
        <title>Fruitland chef to feature on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’</title>
        <description>Chef Justin Pioche brings Navajo cuisine to national television on &apos;Chopped&apos;</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:57:30 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">57DC3F9A-4D77-401C-AE38-22E4C80E0327</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=D3CF17D5-A77A-5CFB-AD8F-F93083A9AA07&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=D3CF17D5-A77A-5CFB-AD8F-F93083A9AA07&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Chef Justin Pioche brings Navajo cuisine to national television on 'Chopped'Tia Pioche, left, and Chef Justin Pioche The two work together as part of Pioche Food Group. (Courtesy Pioche Food Group)A Fruitland chef will be featured on national television later this month as part of a Food Network special series highlighting Indigenous cuisine.Chef Justin Pioche, a Farmington-area chef and co-founder of a family-run food business, will appear on Food Network’s “Chopped” in an episode titled “Indigenous Inspirations,” airing at 10 p.m. MDT Tuesday, April 21. Pioche will compete alongside other chefs, including Albuquerque chef Ray Naranjo. The episode is part of a themed series spotlighting Indigenous chefs and culinary traditions.Justin Pioche is the executive chef and co-owner of Pioche Food Group, a Fruitland-based food service business he operates with his sister, sous chef Tia Pioche, and their mother, manager Janice E. Brown. The family business specializes in catering, private dining and a nine-course dining experience called LorAmy, which focuses on elevating traditional Navajo foods in a modern, upscale setting.Tia Pioche said the simplicity of traditional Navajo ingredients allows for creative reinterpretation in presentation.“The ingredients are very simple,” Tia Pioche said. “So it’s a lot easier to play around with it presentation wise.”She said the team experiments with different forms and textures, transforming items like blue mush into popsicles and sauces, and reworking steamed corn stew by separating its components into elements such as jellies and purees.Cuisine by Pioche Food Group reflects Indigenous and Navajo culinary influences, incorporating traditional ingredients and techniques with a modern presentation. (Courtesy Pioche Food Group)Beyond cooking, the brother-and-sister duo works at an educational farm, Navajo Ethno-Agriculture, in Nenahnezad, New Mexico. There, Justin Pioche teaches local youths and visiting students about agriculture, food rights, water rights and Native American heritage. They focus on teaching students how to cook food directly after it comes out of the ground to spark an interest in agriculture.“He reads so much, and he knows so much about our native people, our Navajo people,” Tia Pioche said. “And he’s just very proud to be presenting being in Navajo, cooking the Navajo food, telling the stories behind it.”The opportunity to compete on “Chopped” arose after Justin Pioche was named a finalist for a James Beard Award in 2023 for Best Chef: Southwest. While initially hesitant to appear on the high-pressure competition show, his family encouraged him to accept the challenge. His sister said his organized and steadfast nature makes him well suited for the fast-paced television kitchen.Members of the Pioche Food Group. Chef Justin Pioche, center, is joined by family as the group showcases its food and culinary work. (Courtesy Pioche Food Group)“He just brings calmness to chaos,” Tia Pioche said. “Everybody will be panicking around him. And he’s just like, hey, let’s breathe, reorganize. And let’s communicate and refocus.”Local response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong support pouring in from across the area. Tia Pioche said her brother takes pride in representing Navajo culture, cuisine and storytelling on a national stage.The upcoming episode also reflects the growing recognition of Indigenous cuisine nationwide.“I think it’s evolving. You know, it’s really coming out,” she said. “There’s so many native chefs coming about in this native community.”If you goWhat: “Chopped” watch partyWhen: 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, 2700 E. Main St., FarmingtonDetails: Public viewing with prize giveaways; limited spaceMore info: RSVP at piochefoodgroup@gmail.comTia Pioche said their mother’s support encouraged Justin Pioche’s path into the culinary world and shaped the mindset he carries today.“She’s always done everything in love and love and has always encouraged us to dream big and that it is OK to dream,” she said, adding that his passion for cooking ultimately became clear.“‘I have a talent for it,’” she recalled him saying. “So that’s really what he encourages young people to do if they want to go into food service, because it really isn’t easy and it is hard. But, you know, if you’ve got that passion, just keep going.”Tia Pioche, co-owner and sous chef of Pioche Food Group grew up around food and family-centered cooking, an experience that continues to influence her approach to Indigenous and Navajo cuisine. (Courtesy Pioche Food Group)To celebrate the episode’s premiere, Pioche Food Group will host a public watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings in Farmington. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Space is limited, and attendees are asked to RSVP by contacting piochefoodgroup@gmail.com. The gathering will feature a designated area for family and friends, screens to watch the broadcast and prize giveaways.Reflecting on her brother’s journey from a 20-year-old caterer to a James Beard-recognized chef competing on national television, Tia Pioche emphasized the impact his success has on the Navajo community.“He’s a really good example for our youth in the community, because he’s really proven that this little rez boy from New Mexico can do anything,” she said.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/fatal-dwi-crash-leads-to-homicide-charge-for-farmington-woman/</link>
        <title>Fatal DWI crash leads to homicide charge for Farmington woman</title>
        <description>Court records show defendant was on probation and lacked a valid driver’s license</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:44:10 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">CD04F0D4-9FB7-42B8-8DA1-8CD7666F2C47</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=9868437D-4D42-51B6-A03C-11A45EFBCED6&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=9868437D-4D42-51B6-A03C-11A45EFBCED6&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Court records show defendant was on probation and lacked a valid driver’s licenseGraciela Vasquez, 53, is charged with vehicular homicide in connection to a fatal DWI crash Feb. 1 in West Hammond.A Farmington woman on probation for aggravated battery has been charged after investigators say she drove drunk without a license and caused a fatal crash.Graciela Vasquez, 53, was booked April 13 into the San Juan County Detention Center on a second-degree felony charge of homicide by vehicle caused by DWI. She also faces charges of open container, driving without a license and no insurance.The charges stem from a single-vehicle crash at 4 p.m. Feb. 1 near the intersection of County Road 5190 and County Road 5500 in West Hammond.Vasquez was driving a yellow Jeep Wrangler that witnesses said “jumped backward across the road” and went down a hill on the south side of the roadway, according to the arrest affidavit.The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office found the Jeep with heavy damage to the roof, the affidavit said.Vasquez was in the driver’s seat and Raelena Neal was in the passenger seat. Both women were taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center.Neal was later flown to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, where she died, according to the affidavit.Investigators found a half-full 24-ounce can of Twisted Tea outside the Jeep. A 375-milliliter bottle of Importers Vodka, about three-quarters full, was found on the floorboard “covered in blood,” the affidavit said.When questioned, Vasquez allegedly admitted she and Neal had been drinking that day and said she drank “half the Importers Vodka,” according to the affidavit.An analysis of a blood draw showed Vasquez’s blood alcohol content two hours after the crash was 0.14, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08, according to the affidavit.The San Juan County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion seeking pretrial detention, requesting that Vasquez remain in custody pending trial.The motion, filed April 14, outlines a lengthy criminal history that includes three DWI charges in Arizona, as well as burglary, theft and assault cases in that state.Vasquez has a 2024 conviction in San Juan County for aggravated battery and concealing identity and is serving 233 days of probation, according to court records.“The State believes no viable conditions of release exist to ensure the safety of the community at this time,” the motion stated.A detention and preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 27 in District Judge Curtis Gurley’s courtroom in Aztec.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/update-police-identify-man-killed-in-police-involved-crash-in-farmington/</link>
        <title>Update: Police identify man killed in police-involved crash in Farmington</title>
        <description>San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigates</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:04:13 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">2BFCA4C8-8FB1-4630-A20C-7B64F2B4D21A</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=FC549B5D-A2EA-5289-8DF6-D5202DD87C49&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=FC549B5D-A2EA-5289-8DF6-D5202DD87C49&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigatesFarmington Police DepartmentFarmington Police have identified the man killed early Tuesday in a police-involved crash.Ernest Begay, 46, was struck about 12:15 a.m. April 14 by a police car while lying in the roadway near East Broadway and North Butler Avenue, according to a news release from Farmington Police Department spokeswoman Shanice Gonzales.Officer Jasmine Hernandez was driving a patrol car while searching for a suspect who “fled the area on a bicycle. She did not see Mr. Begay in the roadway and struck him,” Gonzales said in a prepared statement.A second officer arrived at the scene and nearly struck Begay, but according to Gonzales, the investigation shows Hernandez’s vehicle was the only one involved in the crash.Begay was pronounced dead at the scene.The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, and the Tri-City Record on April 15 submitted an Inspection of Public Records Act request for the case report, officer interviews, and videos and photographs from the crash.The Farmington Police Department also released security camera footage from a nearby business. The footage showed Begay lying in the roadway across from Pancake Alley on Broadway.The police cruiser is visible in the video approaching and striking the man, moving his body on impact. A second cruiser swerves to avoid hitting him.“The Farmington Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ernest during this difficult time,” Gonzales said.Farmington Police closed this area of Broadway shortly after 12:15 a.m. April 14, 2026, to investigate a crash. It remained closed until 7:09 a.m., after which Farmington Police issued a news release that two Farmington officers were involved in a fatal crash.This story was updated at 4 p.m. April 15, 2026, to include the name and age of the man, who was killed.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/charges-against-ignacio-man-accused-of-assault-in-2024-are-dismissed/</link>
        <title>Charges against Ignacio man accused of assault in 2024 are dismissed</title>
        <description>Accuser did not cooperate with prosecutors, records say</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:30:52 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">601D08F7-5FAF-43BE-885F-FA18E519EDA2</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=37749075-575F-5C91-9B5F-24F0FAE0E380&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=37749075-575F-5C91-9B5F-24F0FAE0E380&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Accuser did not cooperate with prosecutors, records sayJordan Nunez-McClanahanThe San Juan County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed all charges against an Ignacio man who had been accused of aggravated assault and harassment in 2024.The DA’s Office on Sept. 27, 2024, filed a nolle prosequi order dismissing the charges against Jordan Nunez-McClanahan, now 40, after the alleged victim did not cooperate with prosecutors, according to court records.Angela McClanahan, the wife of Nunez-McClanahan, sent a letter to the Tri-City Record on March 31 stating that the charges were dropped and claiming that the allegations stemmed from a dispute over residency and use of the property.Angela McClanahan hand-delivered a 30-day notice to terminate the rental agreement to James Morrow on May 25, 2024, according to court records. That was 22 days after the alleged aggravated assault was reported.Nunez-McClanahan was accused on May 3, 2024, of threatening Morrow “with a pitchfork,” according to court records.Morrow told police he had been “having issues” with Nunez-McClanahan. He also claimed Nunez-McClanahan made threats “to kill” him. Two witnesses reportedly said they also heard the alleged threats, according to the probable cause statement.The claims were dismissed, according to the nolle prosequi, because “the victim in this case has not cooperated with the prosecution” and “failed to appear for the scheduled witness interview held in this matter,” court records state.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/san-juan-college-breaks-ground-on-sherman-dugan-museum-of-geology-expansion/</link>
        <title>San Juan College breaks ground on Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology expansion</title>
        <description>$4 million Dugan gift expands exhibits and hands-on learning at School of Energy</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:36:35 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">F973953E-0F1A-4C01-A1DD-06FACE347EF2</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CAA298F7-5EDB-5FAB-9531-AD29CC0D2A8A&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CAA298F7-5EDB-5FAB-9531-AD29CC0D2A8A&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[$4 million Dugan gift expands exhibits and hands-on learning at School of EnergySan Juan College leadership, Board of Trustees, SJC Foundation and Dugan family and friends break ground on April 8 on the expansion project that will add new mineral and fossil displays, along with energy industry equipment. (Courtesy San Juan College)San Juan College marked a milestone in the growth of its educational and community resources Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at the School of Energy.The San Juan College Foundation received a $4 million donation from the Dugan family for the expansion, said Gayle Dean, executive director of the foundation. The Dugan family also helped support the launch of the project.“There are no words to express our heartfelt gratitude. Together, these contributions reflect a shared commitment to advancing education, preserving geological history and strengthening opportunities for hands-on learning,” Dean said.The college is partnering with Dekker Design and Sabatini and Jaynes Corp. on the project, which will add 3,734 square feet of new interior space.The existing museum lobby will be extended to create a space that integrates with the School of Energy. The design maintains continuity in floor and ceiling levels, creating a cohesive learning environment.“This groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward for San Juan College and the communities we serve,” said San Juan College President Toni Hopper Pendergrass. “The expansion of the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology will create new opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning while also welcoming the broader community to explore and connect with the region’s rich geological history.”In addition to the indoor expansion, the project includes enhanced exterior exhibit areas, including a large terrace extending from the north and east sides of the building.Movable window walls will allow the interior and exterior spaces to merge, providing flexibility for larger events and community gatherings.“This expansion will transform how we experience geology,” said John Burris, a San Juan College professor of geology. “Having more space for interactive exhibits and real-world equipment allows the community to engage with science in a meaningful way.”Sean Dugan, president of Dugan Production, said the most meaningful aspect of the museum is seeing how it resonates with young people and sparks curiosity.Dugan said the museum began as a personal project for his family, inspired by his father’s curiosity about the earth and a desire to share that passion with others.“It’s an honor for our family to support the expansion and help give more students across the Four Corners a chance to discover earth sciences and find something that sticks with them for life,” he said. “I think my dad would be really proud of what it’s become.”The expanded museum will provide more opportunities for students, educators and the community to explore geology and energy. School field trips and student visits are welcome, offering hands-on experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.Visitors can explore mineral and fossil displays along with energy industry equipment that supports learning and research. The space is designed to spark curiosity, build scientific understanding and encourage exploration.“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Merrion family for providing vital startup funding that helped launch this project and to the Dugan family for their remarkable generosity and longstanding support of San Juan College,” Dean said.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bloomfield-woman-accused-of-firing-gun-at-aztec-worksite/</link>
        <title>Bloomfield woman accused of firing gun at Aztec worksite</title>
        <description>Four felony assault charges filed in April 9 incident</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:42:53 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">BFC90462-F770-4C4E-B3DB-4FE091CEB080</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=9EAAE95B-CA55-5996-B9E2-647574AD4336&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.00981997&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.98199673" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=9EAAE95B-CA55-5996-B9E2-647574AD4336&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=1.0E-5&#038;y=0.00981997&#038;crop_w=0.99999&#038;crop_h=0.98199673" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Jasmil Guadalupe Arroyo and Aldren HotFour felony assault charges filed in April 9 incidentA Bloomfield woman is accused of firing a gun at workers after she and her boyfriend drove to an Aztec job site where he had been told not to report for work, according to court records.Jasmil Guadalupe Arroyo, 35, is charged with four counts of aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony, and one count of negligent use of a deadly weapon, a petty misdemeanor.Her boyfriend, Aldren Hot, 38, of Flora Vista, is charged with aggravated DWI, driving without a license and open container, all misdemeanors. He also was wanted on a warrant for failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge of driving without a license.Arroyo’s charges stem from an incident reported at 8:41 a.m. April 9 on County Road 3403 in Aztec, where San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shooting.Five people were working at the location, cleaning up a job site. Hot had also been hired to work there but had been told not to show up that day, according to the statement of probable cause.Hot reportedly drove Arroyo’s Chevrolet Tahoe to the site despite having a suspended license, according to court records.Once there, Arroyo allegedly exited the vehicle, pulled out a firearm and fired shots in the direction of the workers, according to the statement of probable cause.Investigators said she fired at least one shot toward the workers and one shot into the air. Two shell casings were found at the scene. No one was injured, and one individual declined to press charges, court records state.A neighbor provided sheriff’s investigators with video of the alleged assault. Det. Avery Washburn said in the probable cause statement that Arroyo, with her right arm, “pointed straight out toward the victims,” who all “quickly ran and scattered.”When questioned, Arroyo allegedly told investigators she fired a gun into the ground and said she had fired at least two shots before the incident, according to the statement of probable cause.Both Arroyo and Hot were booked into the San Juan County Detention Center. A preliminary hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. April 23 in Aztec Magistrate Court.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/chokecherry-scramble-draws-139-racers-as-motocross-returns-to-san-juan-county/</link>
        <title>Chokecherry Scramble draws 139 racers as Motocross returns to San Juan County</title>
        <description>One of eight races in New Mexico Race Collective series</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:21:19 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">461A308E-5989-4346-B802-676BB32AEFB3</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=0371F71F-C6AD-5A35-B390-8AB261385BB1&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=0371F71F-C6AD-5A35-B390-8AB261385BB1&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[One of eight races in New Mexico Race Collective seriesMax Preslar, Pro overall winner. (Photo/Leslie Alsheimer)Leslie AlsheimerParticipation surged at this year’s Chokecherry Scramble, which saw about 40 more riders as the off-road motorcycle race returned to Farmington for its second year.The growth reflects a broader push by organizer Avery Hightower and the newly formed Gladerunners Motorcycle Club to bring structure, advocacy and visibility to the region’s large but previously unorganized off-road community.As part of the New Mexico Race Collective’s eight-event series, the Scramble highlights both the demand for sanctioned riding opportunities and the club’s efforts to secure designated trails, expand youth programs and build a sustainable future for the sport in the Four Corners.In its second year, the Chokecherry Scramble increased by about 40 riders across various classes and age categories. Organizer Avery Hightower called it an “amazing event” with lessons learned for future races.Avery & Jericka Hightower. (Photo/Courtesy Avery Hightower)“We are a passionate community of cross-country and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts based in the Four Corners region of New Mexico. Our mission is to unite riders, advocate for the needs of our community, and enhance both recreational and competitive off-road opportunities in the Farmington area,” according to gladerunnersmc.com.Hightower, who relocated to Farmington from Clovis two years ago, has been riding dirt bikes since age four. He grew up in Joshua Tree, California, with a father who was a dirt bike enthusiast. Hightower’s sons, ages 12 and 8-year-old twins, are also avid riders.The Chokecherry Scramble, the second in a series of eight race events, ranges across venues from Alamogordo in mid-February to Carlsbad in November under the auspices of the New Mexico Race Collective.Hightower raced in the entire series last year, winning a championship while riding a Husqvarna 350.Gladerunners MC“So when I got up here, I was like, I want to get involved in a club, right,” Hightower related in a phone call on Wednesday. “And there's just nothing, you know.”He said he was surprised that, despite the number of riders and quality trails, no organization existed for that user group.When it comes to motorcycles, Hightower said very few trails are “designated, legitimate and protected.”In 2024, Hightower started Gladerunners MC (Motorcycle Club) as an LLC, chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association. Steadily gaining momentum and support in recent months, the club now has a core group of about 18 members and 24 members overall.Monthly meetings are held at the Fun Center in Farmington, which opens its doors after hours. Hightower said the group is becoming more organized and formal, with improved note-taking and planning.Hightower’s work in renewable energy brought him to the area, which he said he “loves.”Justin Herman, 2025 series overall winner. (Photo/Leslie Alsheimer)Leslie AlsheimerThe courseThe course, located off Glade Road, is accessed by traveling north on Piñon Hills Road to Glade Road, then continuing about 3 miles northeast.The 30-mile course, which included about 7 miles of deep, sandy washes, was set up by Hightower. Working with the Bureau of Land Management, he acquired a special recreation permit.In February, the group’s work included removing some T-posts, placing boulders and putting up road-crossing signs along the trail.On Saturday, the kids races were held, with the youngest riders on minibikes.“That was pretty cool … and that's one of the things we're trying to do, is improve our kids program,” Hightower said.Hightower said motorcycle racing requires the rider to be fully present.“It's like, you can't really be anywhere else. There’s no distractions,” he said. “There’s just something freeing about it, especially in today's fast-paced, technology-driven, you know, constant influx of information.”Chokescherry Scramble volunteers. (Photo/Leslie Alsheimer)Leslie AlsheimerRace results Abbreviations: Kawasaki (KAW), Betamotor (BET), Yamaha (YAM), Husquevarna (HUS), Honda (HON), GG (Grüter + Gut Motorradtechnik)Pro / Expert (AA)Max Preslar (KAW); 2. Jose Moya (KTM); 3. Elijah Lamb (YAM); 4. Klayton Preece (BET); 5. Isaiah Lamb (YAM);Open ABilly Lewis (YAM); 2. Brandon Trennepohl (KTM); 3. Joel Stribling (HUS); 4. Raymond Fain (HON); 5. Ryan Ward (YAM);30-and-over Veteran ATyler Kadlec (YAM); 2. Ian Houseman (YAM); 3. Jose Guillen (KTM);40-and-over Senior AJacob Wilkes (HUS); 2. Jimmy Graham (HUS);50-and-over Super Senior AChris Stevenson (BET); 2. Jared Renner (HUS); 3. William Powell (GG); 4. Starley Stevens Jr (KTM); 5. Gregory Sceiford (KTM);Pro-AmateurAntonio Maestas (BET); 2. Cory Emery (HUS); 3. Peter Garcia (KTM); 4. Travys Armitage (YAM);Open BQuestin Maurer (YAM); 2. Peyton Hickey (KAW); 3. Chandler White (KTM); 4. Donald Martinez (KTM); 5. Killian Webb (YAM);30-and-over Veteran BDenver Robbins (HUS); 2. Jimmie Levine (KTM); 3. Daniel Hermanns (KTM); 4. Alex Voges (HUS); 5. Jack Standing (KTM);40-and-over Senior BKris Dunlap (YAM); 2. Gary Chavarria (KTM); 3. Chris Ryan (YAM); 4. Aaron Renner (HUS); 5. Manny Polaco (KTM);50-and-over Super Senior BJude Vigil (YAM); 2. Joe Washburn (KTM); 3. John Cash (HUS); 4. Joseph Chacon (KTM); 5. Willie Lopez (YAM);60-and-over Masters BLouis Pouliot (YAM);Women’s BJessie Jones (YAM); 2. Lynsey Danielsen (KTM);Open CKyle Usnick (GG); 2. Ryan Gideon (YAM); 3. Andrew Standley (HUS); 4. Daxton Allison (HON); 5. Dylan Carlson (YAM);0–250cc CWade Rodriguez (KTM); 2. Ezra Mintz (HON); 3. Zachary Young (YAM); 4. Justin Hinkle (HON); 5. Timothy Stribling (YAM);30-and-over Veteran CHayden Roy (YAM); 2. Jacob Castillo (KTM); 3. Quentin Bentley (HUS); 4. Erik Chase (YAM);40-and-over Senior CMatthew Maurer (YAM); 2. Daryl Bear (KTM); 3. James Snell (BET); 4. Derrick Hoover (KTM); 5. Drew Waterfall (HUS);50-and-over Super Senior CSteven Kelly (KTM); 2. Chad Boognl (HUS); 3. William Arthur (KTM); 4. Kurt Van Sant (YAM); 5. James Lopez (KTM);60-and-over Masters CDoug Brown (GG); 2. Greg Kaufman (KTM); 3. Scott Bayles (KTM);Women’s CBodi Bitton (KTM); 2. Anne Kaphengst (KAW); 3. Kayla Cacciatore (HUS); 4. Laura Landon (BET);BeginnerAsa Moffitt (HON); 2. Rylee Carns (YAM); 3. Nathan Davis (KTM);Super Mini CJoseph Benavidez (HUS); 2. Memphis Dorame (KAW);85cc OpenDerek Grain (YAM); 2. Nathan Dirmeyer (YAM); 3. Izaiah Mintz (KAW); 4. Abel Hightower (HON);Women’s BeginnerLeighton Ryan (KTM); 2. Aila Bitton (KTM); 3. Kai Worrell (HON); 4. Jacquelynn Davis (HON); 5. Katelynn Davis (HON);65cc OpenNathan Dirmeyer (HUS); 2. Brody Chavarria (HUS); 3. Cooper Robbins (KTM); 4. Emmit Ryan (KTM); 5. Ryker Powell (GG);50cc OpenLeighton Ryan (KTM); 2. Jaxon Powell (KTM); 3. Jackson Castillo (KTM); 4. Lacey Bitton (KTM); 5. Eleanor Marble (YAM);]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/san-juan-college-and-youth-conservation-corps-to-offer-summer-employment/</link>
        <title>San Juan College and Youth Conservation Corps to offer summer employment</title>
        <description>Program will include skill-building, training and certifications</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:27:10 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">BC2918AE-27FD-47FE-97A3-DD3FD2EE8A35</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=2C93A1B8-4198-53B0-A149-6A72345463F6&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.1575&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.7&#038;crop_h=0.99999" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=2C93A1B8-4198-53B0-A149-6A72345463F6&#038;function=cropresize&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;q=75&#038;width=1200&#038;x=0.1575&#038;y=1.0E-5&#038;crop_w=0.7&#038;crop_h=0.99999" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Program will include skill-building, training and certificationsSan Juan College in partnership with the Youth Conservation Corps will be offering a summer employment opportunity for individuals ages 18 to 25. (Courtesy San Juan College)San Juan College, partnering with the Youth Conservation Corps, will offer a summer employment opportunity for people ages 18 to 25 from June 1 through July 31.The hands-on program includes paid positions offering skill-building, training and certifications.Participants will work on conservation, campus beautification and trail maintenance projects while training in areas such as first aid and CPR/AED, belay and lead climbing, Leave No Trace, financial literacy, forklift and skid-steer operation, defensive driving and chain saw basics.Employees will work eight-hour days, with YCC team leaders earning $16.44 per hour and crew members earning $15.50 per hour.For details, contact the San Juan College Center for Student Careers and Employment at 505-566-3423 or careercenter@sanjuancollege.edu.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/farmington-woman-pleads-guilty-to-child-sex-crimes/</link>
        <title>Farmington woman pleads guilty to child sex crimes</title>
        <description>Lopez gets to 5 years in prison</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:49:56 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">7F5F8E47-2C04-4B4F-95CB-531748C58AB0</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CF60CBB2-B701-5077-BE61-9A64658FC080&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=CF60CBB2-B701-5077-BE61-9A64658FC080&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Lopez gets to 5 years in prisonCrystal Lopez, 36, of Farmington, was arrested March 21, 2025, for alleged sexual relations with a 13-year-old boy.A Farmington woman pleaded guilty Thursday to child sex crimes involving a 13-year-old boy and was sentenced to five years in prison.Crystal Lopez, 37, pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-degree sexual penetration and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.Eleventh Judicial District Judge Curtis Gurley sentenced Lopez to 7½ years in the Department of Corrections but suspended all but five years. He also ordered one year of parole followed by 2½ years of supervised probation.During a 13-minute change-of-plea hearing before Gurley, defense attorney Evan Ferguson asked the court to impose probation and a conditional discharge.“The defendant has a low risk of recidivism,” Ferguson said, adding that Lopez is a mother of five children who “lost custody … lost her home and previous job.”Ferguson also said there was “no evidence of deviant sexual arousal or grooming patterns.”However, the arrest affidavit states that the boy went to Lopez’s home in the 2700 block of Cliffside Drive to “hang out” with her five children and that she provided him with marijuana.The boy told authorities that he and Lopez “would smoke weed in bed together” and had “sex on several occasions” from December 2024 to January 2025, according to the affidavit.Farmington police also found “naked pictures” of Lopez on the 13-year-old boy’s phone, the affidavit states.Lopez claimed the boy “would force himself on her.” During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Terry Walker said Lopez was “shifting blame to the victim” and that although she “eventually admitted,” she never “fully acknowledged her role” in the abuse.Gurley repeatedly asked Lopez whether she understood the charges because she would not say what she did wrong. Instead, Ferguson questioned her about the allegations, and she responded, “yes.”Before sentencing, Lopez told the judge she was “trying to get help.”“It’s just the trauma I’ve been going through, and it won’t happen again,” Lopez said.In addition to the prison sentence, Gurley ordered Lopez to register immediately as a sex offender. She was taken into custody following the hearing.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/man-reportedly-threatens-neighbor-with-pitchfork-san-juan-sheriffs-office-says/</link>
        <title>Man reportedly threatens neighbor with pitchfork, San Juan Sheriff’s Office says</title>
        <description>Nunez-McClanahan arrested on new charge during arraignment</description>
        <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:31:15 -0600</pubDate>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">EABEB8C6-E641-4486-8005-800064771D0F</guid>
        <media:content url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=37749075-575F-5C91-9B5F-24F0FAE0E380&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" />
        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=37749075-575F-5C91-9B5F-24F0FAE0E380&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Nunez-McClanahan arrested on new charge during arraignmentJordan Nunez-McClanahanEditor’s Note: Nunez-McClanahan was clear of all charges in this case, as it was dismissed by the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office on Sept. 27, 2024.A San Juan County man was taken into custody when he showed up for arraignment on aggravated assault charges.Deputy District Attorney Michael Sanchez informed the court that Jordan Nunez-McClanahan, 38, had picked up an additional charge of harassment and had an outstanding warrant.“The state moves for the conditions of release to be revoked having committed a new criminal offense,” Sanchez said to District Judge Daylene Marsh, who ordered Nunez-McClanahan to check in with the bailiff and not leave the courtroom.Nunez-McClanahan’s charges involved altercations he had with his neighbor, according to court records.The first charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was connected to a May 3 incident at 1:36 p.m. on County Road 4018 in Middle Mesa, in Nunez-McClanahan was reportedly chasing another man “with a pitchfork,” according to the statement of probable cause.Nunez-McClanahan and he and neighbor James Morrow reportedly were “having issues with each other regarding Morrow reportedly receiving an “eviction” notice from Nunez-McClanahan, court records state.Morrow told San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigators that he was outside working, when Nunez-McClanahan reportedly approached him “screaming at him” and carrying “a pitchfork, shovel and chain saw,” according to the statement of probable cause.Morrow stated that he asked Nunez-McClanahan “if he had a gun,” and the man stated that he did. He also reportedly told Morrow “I got a pitchfork; I’m gonna kill you,” according to the probable cause statement.Two witnesses reported hearing Nunez-McClanahan say he was going “to kill” Morrow, and one witness stated she saw Nunez-McClanahan holding the pitchfork and “walked aggressively toward” Morrow, who told authorities he “became fearful for his safety and felt threatened” by both Nunez-McClanahan’s “words and actions,” according to the probable cause statement.Nunez-McClanahan was arrested and transported to the San Juan County Detention Center.Nunez-McClanahan was released from the detention center on May 6, and Magistrate Stacey Biel signed a no-contact order, telling the man to not contact the alleged victim in any way and to not harass Morrow.Then, on May 26, Morrow contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report that Nunez-McClanahan “had been terrorizing him” and “he was in fear for his life,” according to an affidavit for arrest warrant dated May 29.Morrow provided video evidence of Nunez-McClanahan, reportedly blocking the exit to his property by parking at the end of Morrow’s driveway. Then, the truck “slowly pulls away and continues down the roadway,” the affidavit states.On May 27, sheriff’s investigators were called to the property again. This time, Morrow and several witnesses reported seeing Nunez-McClanahan drive by the property “slowly and was yelling at him to ‘get out of here,’” the affidavit states.Nunez-McClanahan was charged with harassment and the arrest warrant was issued on May 29. The warrant was served June 3, when Nunez-McClanahan showed up for court on the previous charge of aggravated assault. He was booked into the San Juan County Detention Center.]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
</channel>
</rss>
