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Articles by David Albright
Dumpster Days this weekend in San Juan County
San Juan County logo San Juan County is conducting their annual Dumpster Days, October 17-18 at 12 county locations. There will be free dumping at all county transfer stations, which are usually open on Saturday and Sunday. This does not include the landfill.
Aztec’s library director reports program progress
Aztec Public Library Director presents at Aztec City Commission meeting, Oct. 13, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The Aztec Public Library Director Angela Watkins shared with the Aztec City Commission the events of the past summer program, “Unearth a Story,” during Tuesday’s meeting.
Farmington Electric Utility selected for project to strengthen grid
The Farmington Electric Utility System serves approximately 46,000 metered customers across a 1,718-square-mile service area. Farmington Electric Utility System and Pitch Aeornautics Inc. were selected by the U.S. Department of Energy and awarded under its Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program, an October 6 news release stated.
Preliminary plans for county’s Crisis Triage Center presented
Carlyn Rodahl, architect with Rodahl & Hummell Architecture presented the layout, site plans and overall preliminary design of the Crisis Triage Center to the San Juan County Commission on Tues., Oct. 6, 2026. The San Juan County Commission heard about the architectural plans for a Crisis Triage Center from Carlyn Rodahl, architect with Rodahl & Hummell Architecture, during the Oct. 6 regular meeting.
Business briefs
Kerri Langoni Carpenter San Juan College’s Vice President of Human Resources and Legal Activities Kerri Langoni Carpenter recently was recognized with the Outstanding Business Officer Award from the Community College Business Officers.
Early Voting began Tuesday at clerk’s office
Alyssa Kuhn, San Juan County Clerk. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) Early voting started Tuesday, which also was the last day to register to vote in the general election. Voting is available in San Juan County from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Clerk’s Office, 100 S. Oliver Drive, in Aztec. It ends the Saturday before the general election in November. There are five additional sites that will open on Oct. 17.
New Mexico Congresswoman tours NAPI, who’s seeking additional funding
New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez tours the NAPI potato processing plant on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) U.S. Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez visited NAPI on Friday afternoon to tour the facility and gather information for their expansion funding efforts. Presentations from NAPI officials were followed by a tour of the control room and the potato processing plant.
San Juan County shares about County Road 5500 traffic study during community meeting
San Juan County Public Works Director Nick Porrell speaks to a large crowd Tuesday at a San Juan County meeting about County Road 5500 in West Hammond. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) San Juan County hosted a meeting on Tuesday at McGee Park regarding safety concerns brought up by residents, who live along County Road 5500 in West Hammond. More than 80 West Hammond residents attended the meeting to hear about what the county is doing to address the issues with the road.
Aztec Mayor proposes initiatives to partner with county on water issues
Aztec Mayor Brett Lanier holds his son & daughter at a recent Public Lands Cleanup Day. (Courtesy Brett Lanier) Aztec Mayor Brett Lanier has introduced three initiatives in which he hopes the city can partner with San Juan County. The move came after a moratorium was placed on the First Divide water and electricity users. He also has concerns about other county issued moratoriums.
County Road 7900 closed due to wash out
San Juan County logo As of early Wednesday afternoon, County Road 7900 was closed due to a wash out from heavy rains, San Juan County spokesman Devin Neeley, said in an email on Wednesday afternoon. “We have crews heading that way to assess the road, but the wash is running again, and it may cause erosion of our temporary fix from Tuesday,” Neeley said. Five miles further down from the wash erosion around the south abutment of a bridge over Escavada Wash, which is also flowing.
Perfect weather for Fishing Derby at Tiger Pond
Wyatt Warman, 13, caught a rainbow trout, about 8 inches long, using a spinner at the Tiger Pond Fishing Derby on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) Anglers of all ages relished the ideal weather on Saturday for the Tiger Pond Fishing Derby near Aztec. The turnout doubled from last year with about 80 participants seeking to win prizes for the largest fish caught. You couldn’t ask for a better day,“ said Daniel Burns, who brought his three boys, ages 10, 8 and 5.
Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village to host Farmington UFO Armada presentation
Michael Mongeau’s interest in UFO’s began with an investigation of the Aztec UFO Crash incident. (Courtesy of Michael Mongeau) More than 75 years after hundreds of mysterious silver objects reportedly filled the skies above Farmington, a local historian and archivist will revisit one of the region’s most enduring mysteries during a presentation at the Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village.
San Juan College president presents to Aztec City Commission Tuesday evening
San Juan College President Toni Pendergrass presented to the Aztec City Commission at their meeting on Tues., Sept. 22, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The Tuesday evening Aztec City Commission meeting got underway with a presentation regarding the Nov. 3 bond election by San Juan College President Toni Pendergrass.
Grant will broaden outdoor recreation opportunities
San Juan County Deputy County Manager Steven Saavedra presented the first business item, a grant application to the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division at the San Juan County Commission meeting Sept. 15, in Aztec. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The San Juan County Commission unanimously approved an outdoor recreation grant for FY2027 during the Sept. 15 meeting.
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s set for Oct. 3 in Berg Park
Participants gather under umbrellas and ponchos during the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Berg Park Pavilion in Farmington. (File/Tri-City Record) The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association has organized these fundraising walks since 1989, originally under the name Memory Walk before transitioning to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The event is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct.
Aztec’s outdoor markets seeks to boost business in the city
The second Something Nifty On 550 was held in Aztec, Sat., Sept. 19, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The Something Nifty on 550 Vintage, Antique and Resale market took place Saturday even though a rain shower hit early. The event on the North Main Extension drew about 30 vendors, doubling the number from the opening one in May.
Residents unite to protest dangerous truck traffic
A truck loaded with vehicles crossed the bridge at Lee Acres on County Road 5500 on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) Residents of the West Hammond area have expressed concerns about the safety of County Road 5500, which has turned into a bypass since the 2021 opening of a replacement bridge over the San Juan River at Lee Acres. The residents took their concerns to the San Juan County Commission, which in turn has planned an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Sept.
Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity helps under-served
Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity has built 16 homes since 1991. (Courtesy Cindi Haws) Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity is marking its 35th year of serving San Juan County by expanding its community‑build efforts in Fruitland and closing its ReStore.
The Delbert Anderson Quartet to perform at Brooks Isham Performing Arts Center
Delbert Anderson Quartet. Courtesy Trumpeter Delbert Anderson returns to his roots with his quartet when they perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Brooks Isham Performing Arts Center, 540 CR 6100, in Kirtland. “Oh man, it’s really I don’t know how to explain it, but like very heartwarming,” Anderson said in an interview with Tri-City Record regarding his return to perform where his musical journey began.
Ribbon cutting marks Totah Subdivision’s connection to city water and sewer services
San Juan County and city of Farmington officials participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Totah Vista Water project on Tues., Sept. 15, 2026 in Farmington. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) A long-awaited water project for homes in the Totah Subdivision was officially completed Tuesday, when officials came out for a ribbon cutting at 1501 S. Miller Ave., in Farmington, near the San Juan River.
‘Never Forget’
San Juan County had a 911 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11, 2026 in front of the County Administration building in Aztec. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) San Juan County unveiled a piece of World Trade Center steel during a solemn ceremony on Friday marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. The steel will be on permanent display in the San Juan County Administrative Building. This was the first of three events that marked the day many will never forget.
Housing Summit draws about 150 to San Juan College
Suzanne Anarde-Devenport, Rural Community Assistance Corporation chief executive officer (left) and Kathy Price, 100% San Juan executive director, addressed the Housing Summit attendees on Thur., Sept. 10, 2026, at San Juan College in Farmington. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) About 150 county and community leaders met at 8:30 a.m., in the Henderson Fine Arts Center at San Juan College to discuss the dilemma of affordable housing in San Juan County.
Water moratorium set for First Divide community and surrounding area
Rusty Sharp, First Divide community resident, spoke with the Tri-City Record following the Aztec City Commission meeting Tues., Sept. 8, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) Residents of the First Divide subdivision have been dealing with very low water pressure for about four years and has asked for help from the city of Aztec, which provides their water. First Divide subdivision, located off NM 173, northeast of Aztec, behind the CenterPoint Fire Station, is in the county.
Full-scale drill planned for Sept. 16 at McGee Park
The entrance to McGee Park/San Juan County Fairgrounds off U.S. Highway 64, Lee Acres, New Mexico. (Scott Michlin/Special to the Tri-City Record) The San Juan County Office of Emergency Management will conduct a full-scale drill from 7 a.m. to noon. Sept. 16, at McGee Park, 41 Rd. 5568. The San Juan County Office of Emergency Management has been conducting a full-scale drill every year since 2008, San Juan County spokesman Devin Neeley stated in an email.
Aztec delayed report of raw sewage leak for over 6 hours
New Mexico Environment Department says timely reporting is best practice City of Aztec personnel repair a sewage pipe on Aug. 24, 2026. (Photo Courtesy of the city of Aztec) When 18,900 gallons of raw sewage leaked into the Animas River at 7 a.m. Aug. 24, the city of Aztec responded by 8:30 a.m. but did not notify downstream water users of potential contaminants until more than 6 hours later. “If raw sewage reaches a river, some impact to water quality is expected.
San Juan County Commission proclaims Constitution week
San Juan County Commissioner Terri Fortner reads the Constitution Week 2026 Proclamation at the San Juan County Commission meeting, Tue., Sept. 1, 2026, in Aztec. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The San Juan County Commission on Tuesday proclaimed the week of Sept 17-23 as Constitution Week 2026. San Juan County Commissioner Terri Fortner, who said she is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, asked the commission to approve the proclamation before she read it.
Rainfall cools temperatures, drought conditions persist
Navajo Lake and marina on Aug. 9, during a smoky sky sunrise. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) Much-needed rainfall in San Juan County alleviated the hot temperatures, but the extreme drought conditions plaguing the southwest continue. San Juan County would “need a lot more rain to affect the drought,” said Michael Anand, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Aztec approved purchase of transformer to alleviate outages
Aztec Electric Director John Wheeler discussed the need to purchase a transformer at the Aztec City Commission meeting, August 25. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The Aztec City Commission unanimously voted to approve the purchase of a used transformer, as a measure to alleviate further power outages. “What brought this about is the the fact that we’ve had four total community outages over the past two years,” said John Wheeler, electric director.
Farmington Area Single Track teaches youths and adults the thrills of mountain biking
A Farmington Area Single Track crew goes out for a ride. (Courtesy Brad Chipman) Farmington Area Single Track, a nonprofit organization operating since 2019, offers mountain biking lessons and experience for all ages. Brad Chipman, FAST president and one of the founding members, said their focus right now is spring and fall programs for youngsters from age 4 who initially learn to ride by pushing their bike – on up to the more skilled riders, age 18.
San Juan County Alternative Sentencing touts successes
Program seeks $1.8 billion to return to optimal levels San Juan County Manager Mike Stark and Jenniver Mitchell, director of Alternative Sentencing Program gave a presentation to the Legislative Finance Committee Wednesday at the Farmington Civic Center. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) San Juan County’s Alternative Sentencing program has been a “tremendous success in solving behavioral health challenges,” County Manager Mike Stark told the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee.
Farmington mixed martial arts fighter wins first amateur match
Rear naked choke in second round stopped the fight Isaac Foutz celebrates his debut victory with his trainer Cecilia Hathcock (on his right), Nicco Montaño (on his right) and Mike Marquez at the Revel Entertainment Center in Albuquerque, Saturday, August 15, 2026. (Photo/Courtesy Melissa Evans) ALBUQUERQUE – Farmington’s Isaac Foutz made his amateur mixed‑martial‑arts debut Aug.
San Juan County promotes combating loneliness with volunteering
25th Anniversary memorial for Sept. 11 planned Megan Cullip, San Juan County community health & social services director addressed the San Juan County Commission on combating loneliness and the volunteer platform, at the meeting held Aug. 18, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) The San Juan County Commission heard about efforts to combat loneliness through volunteering from Community Health Director Megan Cullip during the meeting on Aug. 18.
San Juan County Commission gets truancy update
Tax delinquency update also given San Juan County Partnership Executive Director Anna Krutsky updated the San Juan County Commission on the truancy program at the Aug. 18 meeting. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record A wide‑ranging San Juan County Commission meeting on Aug. 18 stretched from delinquent tax collections to truancy reform. San Juan County Partnership Director Anna Krutsky delivered an extensive truancy update outlining systemic barriers to attendance for all schools in the county.
Storm drain leak spills 18,000 gallons of raw sewage into Animas River near Aztec
Aztec crews work the morning of Aug. 24 to stop a sewage leak that dumped 18,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Animas River. (Courtesy of Andrew DiCamillo) A storm drain leak Monday morning led to 18,000 gallons of raw sewage entering the Animas River on the southwest side of Aztec.
San Juan County Manager honored by United Way
Excellence in Government Service Award was a big surprise San Juan County Manager Mike Stark was honored with the Excellence in Government Service Award by United Way on Tuesday at the San Juan County Commission meeting in Aztec.
Eddie Chavez fills Aztec Commission seat vacated by former Mayor Padilla
DiCamillo appointed as interim Public Works director Eddie Chavez was confirmed as a new Aztec City Commissioner at the commission meeting, Aug. 11, 2026. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) Aztec city commissioners last Tuesday appointed Eddie Chavez to fill the commission seat vacated by former Mayor Mike Padilla, selecting him from a crowded field of applicants in what leaders described as a transparent, first‑of‑its‑kind process for the city.
Dr. David Albright: The difference between small and weak
We say we want small government, and in Alabama we mean it. A government should do a few things, do them well, and leave the rest alone. But size alone will not tell you what you have. Two governments can look equally small and be nothing alike. One has chosen to do little. The other cannot do what it took on. The first is restraint. The second is failure. From the outside they match: a lean budget, a short list of finished work. Size cannot tell them apart. Something else must.
Former Farmington wrestler and football star working toward mixed martial arts career
Isaac Foutz has first amateur fight Saturday Isaac Foutz, former Farmington High School athlete, has turned his sights on an mixed martial arts fighting career. Foutz trains at Zia Fitness & Jiu Jitsu in Farmington.
Skip Ewing lives ‘one moment after another,’ breathing the same air as his audiences
Hit country song writer brings top-notch band to San Juan County Fair on Friday Skip Ewing, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at the Open Air Pavilion, McGee Park, at the 2026 San Juan County Fair. (Photo courtesy Heather Conley) Skip Ewing, the hit country songwriter behind “Rebecca Lynn,” says he performs by living entirely in the present – “one moment after another” – a mindset he’ll bring to McGee Park on Aug.
Dream Flights relished by veterans, enthusiasts Monday in Farmington
Darryl Fischer, founder, explains origin and joys of providing flights David McNally said he felt like a bird on his Dream Flight tour Monday, Aug. 3, at the Four Corners Regional Airport in Farmington.
Opinion | Where the road stops
In Geneva County, in Alabama’s southeast corner, there are more miles of dirt road than paved. After a hard rain the school buses bog down and must be towed out, and the children miss school, along with anyone bound for a job, a buyer or a doctor. Across much of the countryside the nearest ambulance is half an hour off, when there is one to send, so a family drives its own emergency, sometimes an hour to a hospital. Out here the road is not a convenience.
San Juan College President guides campus tour for Capital Outlay committee
Funding for student housing, phase 2, is next priority The Higher Education Tour committee posed at the Commons area at San Juan College on July 28, 2026 prior to the tour. (Brad Ryan/Special to the Tri-City Record) San Juan College President Toni Hopper Pendergrass led state higher‑education officials on a brisk, 90‑minute campus tour Tuesday, showcasing student services, academic facilities and major capital projects as the college prepares a future funding requests.
Nuclear weapons, Nuclear proliferation, U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal
MIDDLE EAST NUCLEAR RISKSWhat to Make of the New Proposed U.S./Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Published 29 July 2026 When the full details come out, we should watch closely for adequate guardrails, loopholes, any indications that enrichment technology may be transferred to Saudi Arabia, to be able to answer the key question about whether, on balance, this agreement prevents nuclear proliferation or encourages it.
Nuclear weapons, Nuclear proliferation, U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal
MIDDLE EAST NUCLEAR RISKSWhat to Make of the New Proposed U.S./Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Published 28 July 2026 When the full details come out, we should watch closely for adequate guardrails, loopholes, any indications that enrichment technology may be transferred to Saudi Arabia, to be able to answer the key question about whether, on balance, this agreement prevents nuclear proliferation or encourages it.
The Desert Oasis Market copartners seek to ‘glorify God’ through business
Word-of-mouth thrusts venture to steady growth Jonas Zimmerman, co-owner of The Desert Oasis Market. (Brad Ryan/Special to the Tri-City Record) Ben Baer, co-owner of The Desert Oasis Market. (Brad Ryan/Special to the Tri-City Record) The Desert Oasis Market has grown steadily since opening in 2023, driven by word‑of‑mouth and a mission its copartners say is simple: to “glorify God” through honest business, quality baked goods and a welcoming atmosphere.
Farmington trumpeter, radio host and organizer shares his musical journey
Mick Hesse credits many great local musicians for his success Mick Hesse with his Schilke coronet at Artifacts 302. (David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record) At age 78, trumpeter and radio host Mick Hesse remains a driving force in Farmington’s music scene, blending decades of performance, teaching and organizing into a career he says reached its peak in the Four Corners. “It’s interesting to me that the apex of my musical career happened in Farmington,” he said.
Fired employee of 23 years sues city of Aztec and five others
Former IT director claims discrimination, numerous other allegations A former city of Aztec employee has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city in the 10th U.S. District Court in Albuquerque. Wallace Begay, a 23-year employee, names the city, former city manager Jeff Blackburn, former employees Denver DeWees and Charles Dobey, current employee Edward Kotyk and former city commissioner Colby Lane King in the lawsuit.
Iran, nuclear weapons, Pickaxe Mountain
IRAN NUKESWhat to Know About Pickaxe Mountain Published 22 July 2026 Construction of the Pickaxe mountain facility started in the fall of 2020, and at the time Iran announced that the underground halls were intended to replace the destroyed above-ground advanced centrifuge assembly facility at the main Natanz site.
Kazma Dağı İddiası: Trump Hedef Göstermişti
İran’ın Kazma Dağı’ndaki nükleer tesisine binlerce uranyum zenginleştirme santrifüjü taşıdığı iddia ediliyor. Amerikan Wall Street Journal gazetesi, bu istihbaratı İsrail’in ABD’ye ilettiğini yazdı. Taşınma işleminin Haziran 2025’te yaşanan 12 gün savaşının ardından gerçekleştiği belirtiliyor. ABD Başkanı Donald Trump, 13 Temmuz’da Kazma Dağı’nı hedef alabileceğini söylemişti. İran’da Kolang Dağı olarak da bilinen tesis, yıllardır izleniyor.
Brett Lanier, 31, named new mayor of Aztec
Father of two – with one on the way – is optimistic about his ‘unique’ hometown Brett Lanier with wife Mariah, daughter Remedy and son Bodhi. Lanier has been named Aztec’s new mayor. (Courtesy of Brett Lanier) Aztec’s new mayor, 37‑year‑old Brett Lanier, brings a youthful, optimistic outlook to City Hall after commissioners unanimously selected him to fill the seat vacated by longtime Mayor Mike Padilla.
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