🌱 Why are most Farmington Turquoise Alert requests being turned down?

What's up Farmington! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why are most Farmington Turquoise Alert requests being turned down?
• What Farmington’s city manager change means for local leadership in 2026
• Could Farmington really lose SunRay Park and 120 local jobs?

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 54 and low of 24 degrees.
• Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 58, low: 27.
• Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 59 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Turquoise Alert for missing Native people has been issued just six times (newsfromthestates.com) — Farmington police have requested seven Turquoise Alerts for missing Native people, but state police approved only two, leaving local families frustrated and confused. The dispute centers on how state law defines a “missing person,” and lawmakers say they’re open to revising the statute so alerts better serve border towns like Farmington and nearby Native communities.
   

2. Farmington city manager Rob Mayes announces retirement (tricityrecordnm.com) — Farmington’s longtime city manager Rob Mayes is retiring, and Deputy City Manager Shaña Reeves is set to be appointed as his replacement at the Jan. 20 City Council organizational meeting. Mayes will stay on through June 2026 to support a smooth transition, while Reeves, a 22-year city employee and former Parks and Recreation director, prepares to lead the city forward.
   

3. Racino in Clovis: Here's what we know (easternnewmexiconews.com) — Farmington’s SunRay Park and Casino could be relocated to Clovis, raising concerns about losing an estimated 120 local jobs and tax revenue. Regulators have delayed a key vote while other racinos, tribal casinos, and San Juan County officials weigh in, leaving Farmington’s racing and gaming future uncertain for at least several more months.
   

4. Tohatchi storms back on the road to stun Chinle 49-43 (tricityrecordnm.com) — Farmington High’s boys basketball team picked up a solid 71–55 win over Bloomfield in Tuesday’s regional action, highlighted in a roundup alongside other Four Corners scores. The main game story follows Tohatchi’s dramatic 19–2 closing run to upset Chinle on the road, with coaches breaking down how late defensive pressure flipped the result.
   

5. The Roundhouse Report: Committees, fairgrounds, lowriders (santafenewmexican.com) — Farmington residents are represented in Santa Fe by Sen. Bill Sharer, whose new proposal would replace New Mexico’s complex gross receipts system with a flat 2% tax. Lawmakers are also weighing education budget plans and a major bond for State Fairgrounds improvements, signaling broader state spending decisions that could indirectly affect local services and funding priorities.
   

📸 Around Farmington

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🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday December 20

• Fighter Practice
  Kiwanis Park , 3540 E 30th St , Farmington
  12:00 pm
• REGION 1 – NM FIESTA Project: Providing Emotional Comfort
  Rock N Roller Rink , 2125 Bloomfield Hwy , Farmington
  12:00 pm
• Holiday Stories Story Swap — Storytellers of New Mexico
  Bella Flora Cafe , 315 N Auburn Ave , Farmington
  1:00 pm
• 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 🎄
  Dino's Hideaway & Lounge , 405 County Rd 390 , Farmington
  5:00 pm
• 'Twas A Nightmare Before Christmas 3
  Dino's Hideaway & Lounge , 405 County Rd 390 , Farmington
  5:45 pm

Monday December 22

• Winter Solstice Observation
  Aztec Ruins National Park , 725 Ruins Road , Aztec
  4:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• FARMINGTON!
  THE GRINCH PLAY! THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY AT 6:30 PM 4200 COLLEGE BLVD, FARMINGTON, NM 87402 (Nextdoor Crouch Mesa)
• #TuesdayPreparednessTip:
  Update your vehicle emergency kit each season. What you need for extreme heat isn’t the same as winter travel. Summer: extra water, electrolytes,… (Nextdoor )

• City of Farmington New Mexico posted a job opening for Airport Manager in Farmington. Apply here.
• Kroger posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger in Farmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Farmington here.

Ok Farmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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