Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado provides youth in the county with mentorship, community, and opportunities that they might not otherwise have.And it’s not just the kids who benefit - the mentors do too! After the very successful Big Swing Tournament fundraiser at the end of August, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with First Tee Four Corners and the Fort Lewis College golf team for a day at Hillcrest Golf Course where the Bigs and Littles got to try their hands at golf. With ple...
Oct 17, 2024•2 min
Vampires, mystery, and theater, oh my! Ignacio Community Library invites you to the Halloween Mystery Dinner Saturday, Oct. 27. Can you sleuth out the answer to the mystery before time is up? Restock your TBR at the Ignacio Friends Bookstore. A constant revolving door of new books, there’s sure to be something that will keep you company whether you’re in the mood for some romantasy, a chilling thriller, or something else! Refresh your bookshelves by donating old books to make room for your new r...
Oct 15, 2024•4 min
Time to get your Ticket to Ride for Snowdown: The Board Game Edition: It’s Your Move! The kick-off party Wednesday, Oct. 9 marks the start of the festivities for the 2025 event, including the unveiling of this year’s poster. Don’t pass Go! and collect your $200 until you’ve marked key dates in your calendar, or you’ll be Sorry you missed it! For one day only, the Super Amazing Extraordinary Art Show is back in Durango! Started in 2009 by a group of local artists, make sure to stop by the Newman ...
Oct 10, 2024•5 min
Fenceline Cider’s Community Pick Program returns after a successful 2023 harvest season, in which it gathered more than forty thousand pounds of apples from the local community. The initiative invites area residents with apple trees to donate their harvests to be used as part of the company's ciders. Fenceline says it helps reduce the amount of local fruit that might go unused after ripening. In exchange for three or more bushels of acceptable apples, Fenceline will offer cider, a bar tab, or ca...
Oct 08, 2024•3 min
Open enrollment for health insurance is quickly approaching. From November 1st to January 15th, individuals can secure 2025 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado Connect. La Plata County’s Public Health Department offers an Insurance Literacy Program to guide residents toward the best coverage options. This year brings important updates, including expanded eligibility for DACA recipients and new coverage options for undocumented residents. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at w...
Oct 07, 2024•5 min
Professional boxing is making its return to Durango with the Legends on the Animas event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Many of us recognize the mural of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey on the side of El Rancho Tavern, where he fought back in 1915. Durango’s wild western history is well-known, but this will be the first professional boxing event since Dempsey’s time. On October 12th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds , professional boxers Hector 'Macho' Camacho Jr. and Andrew 'Hurricane' Hernandez will fi...
Oct 04, 2024•3 min
The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School . Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recognition. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/local-teacher-honored Th...
Oct 03, 2024•3 min
The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites you to come tour solar initiatives in the Durango area Saturday, Sept. 5! Learn about different sustainable energy initiatives throughout the tour, and wrap up the day with an evening soirée at the Smiley Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Keep your eyes out for the colorful balloons of the Animas Valley Balloon Rally Oct. 18-20. The annual event will feature two mass ascensions, several balloon glows, and free tethered balloon rides from the ...
Oct 02, 2024•4 min
Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasizes the goal of Durango Devo remains fostering the love of riding bikes. By Connor Shreve. Watch this...
Sep 27, 2024•3 min
Rivers Edge Wellness Center is set to bring rest, relaxation and recovery services to a familiar location when it opens next month. New owners J.D. and Ashley Sutton bought the property two days after Woodhouse Day Spa owners terminated their lease with the building. Sutton says he will work with customers who have unused gift cards for The Woodhouse. Rivers Edge will offer massage, manicure & pedicure services, IV/IM therapy, a float pod and a Himalayan Salt room. Former Woodhouse customers...
Sep 25, 2024•3 min
Pueblo Seed & Food Company has started roasting its 2024 chile crop. Owner Dan Hobbs has found an excited chile clientele since moving his company from Pueblo to Cortez in 2021. He’s also found Pueblo chile varieties thrive in Southwest Colorado. Hobbs will roast fresh bushells for customers on Friday and Saturday afternoons through the end of September. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/chile-season-returns This story is sponsored by Choice Building Sup...
Sep 24, 2024•3 min
Up, up, and away! The Durango-La Plata County Airport is one of eight regional and municipal airports in Colorado that received part of a $100 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration . The funding will directly cover Phase 1B of the Terminal Expansion Project. Durango School District 9-R received a grant from the Carton Council , part of ongoing efforts across the district to reduce food waste. All school cafeterias will now be equipped with the tools to divert food waste and recy...
Sep 18, 2024•4 min
Do you ever find yourself thinking “river thoughts” like Edward Abbey? A new mural along the River Trail encourages just that. Located just south of Santa Rita Park, local artist Mariah Kaminsky painted a tribute to the late author, incorporating the Desert Solitaire quote, “I chose to listen to the river for a while, thinking river thoughts, before joining the night and stars.” The mural serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Southwest. By Sadie Smith. Watch this sto...
Sep 17, 2024•4 min
The 2024 Aztec Indigenous Arts Festival features local Indigenous artists, performers and culture on Saturday, September 14. This version of the festival features the largest variety of entertainment in its history. With headlining acts scheduled throughout the day, the 2024 Aztec Ruins Cultural Indigenous Arts Festival plans to move attendees in all manner of motif. Featured performers include renowned hoop dancer JaiP’o Harvier, musician Levi Platero and Diné storyteller Sunny Dooley, among ot...
Sep 16, 2024•3 min
The Ignacio Community Library and Ignacio High School Science are co-hosting an International Observe the Moon Night event on September 14th at Shoshone Park, offering a variety of activities including rocket launching and moon observation. Southern Ute Shared Services announced that the broadband project, which aims to improve digital infrastructure in the area, is progressing with Phase Two, offering no-cost installation for residents. Ignacio School District has compiled various resources for...
Sep 12, 2024•3 min
Miller Middle School students and staff will transition to their new campus on September 24th, after starting the school year at Durango High School . The Durango Kennel Club is offering a rattlesnake avoidance clinic for dogs on September 14th, teaching them to avoid snakes through scent, sound, and sight training. Our Own Lives is hosting open houses this month to help local businesses create inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on...
Sep 11, 2024•3 min
School is officially back in session! On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Durango Education Foundation held its annual Back to School Fair at the La Plata County Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Office . The event, sponsored by Central Bank , offered families a chance to explore resources for a successful school year, with interpretation services available for non-English speakers. The fair features school representatives ready to discuss registration, upcoming events, and other school-related updates directly with...
Sep 10, 2024•4 min
Fort Lewis College has partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish a new nursing training facility on its campus. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper toured the facility on Aug. 29, highlighting the importance of local educational opportunities in retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. $1.3 million in federal funding will support the CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative , which aims to train students in community-based, rural, and Indigenous healthca...
Sep 09, 2024•3 min
The 5th annual Men in Heels Fundraiser will take place on September 10th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds , supporting the Women’s Resource Center with a fun, competitive event. The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun safety improvements on Cascade Curve on U.S. Highway 550, involving the installation of a permanent concrete barrier to reduce accidents. Durango Parks and Recreation seeks community feedback on two proposed design concepts for Ryler Park, with plans to begin construc...
Sep 04, 2024•4 min
Wildfires are an increasing threat, but with the right precautions, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk. Through the Firewise program, local communities are learning to create defensible spaces around their homes, which can be the difference between survival and disaster. By clearing flammable debris and following expert guidelines, residents can not only protect their properties but also assist firefighters in their efforts. Small actions, such as maintaining a 6 to 10-foot safety zo...
Sep 03, 2024•3 min
The second annual Bike Prom celebrates cycling subculture at The Powerhouse on September 14th. The event features a bike-parade, bike games, music and more. Participants are encouraged to find silly, funky costumes harkening back to high school prom. The event is billed as “the low budget prom you always loved and never knew you needed.” By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/bike-bash-brewing This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and FLC Ce...
Aug 30, 2024•3 min
The Colorado Secretary of State is hosting a contest for a new “I Voted” sticker for this year’s elections, open to all enrolled high school and homeschooled students between ages 13-18. The La Plata Economic Development Alliance has announced the awards for the third round of the Catalyst Housing Funds , with two awardees from Durango and one from Bayfield. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles encourages Colorado residents to participate in the KOSI 101.1 Teddy Bear Patrol by donating new st...
Aug 29, 2024•4 min
Christopher Blevins, Riley Amos and Savilia Blunk returned to Durango following their Olympic mountain bike races. Durango’s Team USA members enjoyed a competitive respite following the Paris Games. Amos and Blevins joined group rides hosted by Durango Devo , a development program they participated in as kids. A formal celebration of all three Durango Olympians is likely to be held later in the year, after the cyclists’ competitive seasons end. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolo...
Aug 26, 2024•4 sec
Durango School District 9-R has released a new plan to keep traffic congestion at Durango High School down during pick-up and drop-off. Durango High School and Miller Middle School students will have a staggered start, and separate zones for families to drop off. San Juan Mountain Association is offering an after-school program on Thursdays in September, October, and November. The Durango Education Foundation will host its Back to School Resource Fair on August 27th to help connect parents and s...
Aug 21, 2024•2 min
The Northwest New Mexico Arts Council is one of 100 nonprofits nationwide to earn a grant from Lowe’s Hometowns to invest in the community. The money is being used to develop the outdoor space at the newly opened historic Leanor Hotel . The space will be used to teach underserved teens service industry skills. The Leanor Hotel aims to be a safe gathering space for teens across the county. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/aztec-development-gets-grant-funding...
Aug 20, 2024•4 min
The Durango Public Library has revised its materials review policy in response to new state guidelines that allow residents to challenge library materials. The policy mandates that challengers' names remain public and limits challenges to once every two years. This change comes amid a nationwide increase in challenges to library materials, with Colorado seeing 142 attempts to restrict access in 2023 alone. Library officials emphasize that the updates aim to enhance transparency and maintain acce...
Aug 16, 2024•4 min
Durango School District 9-R heads back August 20th - make sure that your student(s) are ready with the “ Back to School Hub ,” with registration, bus, and after-school program information. August is chock-full of events for the La Plata County Humane Society , from the Woofs and Whiskers photo contest to the Buds and Brews fundraising event. And the City of Durango ’s Turf Grass Replacement Program has expanded to offer rebates to residents and commercial accounts interested in exchanging water-...
Aug 14, 2024•4 min
The Ignacio Community Library serves as a welcoming public space for the Town of Ignacio , focused on connecting people through learning and personal growth. With a diverse range of programs, including sewing workshops, book clubs, and a Repair Cafe, there is something for everyone. Exciting upcoming events feature a hands-on green chili sauce class and a virtual reality experience that will transport participants on a tour of Italy. Additionally, the library plays a crucial role in supporting r...
Aug 13, 2024•3 min
There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park . "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into Holmes' world and discover the mysteries for themselves. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news...
Aug 09, 2024•3 min
Ignacio School District returns to school on August 19th, with school sports starting August 12th. Take advantage of back-to-school events and resources at the Ignacio Community Library , including online resources for teachers and homeschooling parents. This fall will also see a return of after-school events at the library. The Ignacio Chile Fest returns for the eighth year at the end of the month, and the La Plata County Humane Society is offering free spay/neuter for pets from select zip code...
Aug 08, 2024•3 min
