Durango School District 9-R’s summer food program began this week for all children and young adults to ensure there’s lunch for everyone. Pueblo Community College has announced a new accreditation for it’s Nursing Program, and tickets for this year’s Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit opens this July. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

As temperatures rise, menus are changing to cater to the summer season. That includes drink offerings, which are attempting to serve refreshing rebuttals to the summer heat. Derailed Pour House General Managers Morgan Kirkpatrick and Grant Gibson join us to talk about creating the perfect summer cocktail. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

A bill aiming to protect 76 miles of the Dolores River appears poised for passage. The measure was reintroduced this spring by Senator Michael Bennet after it ran out of time in the 2022 session. The legislation has bi-partisan support, including an identical companion bill in the House introduced by Representative Lauren Boebert. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room

Sclerocactus Glaucus, a rare barrel cactus native to mountain plateau regions of Western Colorado is scheduled to be taken off the Federal threatened and endangered species list in June. Through data collected and analyzed by Denver Botanic Gardens’ scientists led by Michelle DePrenger-Levin, M.S., it is projected that populations are stable and resilient. The findings could indicate something about how we’re interacting with the Cacti’s natural habitat. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

The La Plata County Humane Society is in need of your help - it has reached capacity and is on the lookout for people to foster, adopt, and donate to ensure it can continue to serve the animals of La Plata County. The Powerhouse Science Center invites you to soar the skies alongside pterosaurs this summer. Westside and Triangle Mobile Home Parks are the proud recipients of an Eagle Award from Housing Colorado, and Durango Transit is free this summer. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

The Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum is an iconic, state-of-the-art museum that gives voice to the Southern Ute tribe, preserving their story so that future generations will know what it meant to be Ute, and educating visitors about their vibrant culture. It’s presented through photographic curtains, audio/visual presentations, and life-sized replicas, including an awesome buffalo-hide teepee. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates

This year’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was full of high spirits and sportsmanship. Racers shared their experience pedaling over Molas Pass, hard fought victories, and wipe-outs. Ian Burnett shared his inside knowledge as a former racer and current Race Director and applauded this year’s contestants. By Zach Marqua. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Sky Ute Casino

Team UP, a collective impact initiative of United Way Southwest Colorado, brings together other organizations to create positive change for youth in Montezuma, Dolores, and La Plata counties. Their newest projects include a scholarship program for summer camps, mental health vouchers for youth, and an app that acts as a hub for early childhood resources. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Keesee Motors

The Ignacio Community Library invites you to join them for donuts, books, and summer reading and music programs. The Ignacio School District, Southern Ute Tribe and other community partners have released planned summer enrichment programs for children and youth in Ignacio, and the Tribal Planning Department and Road Runner Transit have partnered to create more accessible public transit options, and for that they need your help. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates

Durango BMX boasts competitors of all ages and skills, reaching high levels of competition and renown, but the program stays true to its roots: that of a group of volunteers wanting to create a space for biking fun. From its humble beginnings as a vacant lot and some piles of dirt, the Durango BMX track is now a vibrant program offering coaching, camps, and education to anyone who wants to learn how to race the course. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

The City of Durango and Durango Fire Protection District have reached a proposed deal for the sale of the former Durango School District 9-R Administration Building. Before school’s out for the summer, make sure to get a Summer Bridge Program Workbook for your elementary- and middle-school-aged students to keep them engaged with learning over the summer. Come join the La Plata County Humane Society for its 19th annual Adopt-a-Thon event, helping find fur-ever homes for the animals at the shelter, and mark your calendars - ticket sales for San Juan Brewfest go on sale June 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino

Locally owned Bayfield Gardens is the preeminent place to buy the ginormous hanging baskets you see gracing finer establishments along Main Street in Durango, Farmington and as far away as Santa Fe. But there’s a catch: you must reserve the flower baskets one year in advance. For walk-ins, there’s still plenty to choose from: first-rate veggies, annuals, and perennials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Five Escalante students who participated in the National History Day competition qualified to compete with students from all over the country this summer. Durango city council members are offering “office hours” to increase accessibility for community engagement, and mark your calendars for public comment sessions for the addition of workforce housing along Florida Road and County Road 250. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino

Lots of changes are coming to the Durango-La Plata County Airport, including a new radar project that brings more targeted forecasting to the Four Corners area. The airport is working with Baron Weather to install the new radar system, filling a gap in weather forecasting systems in the southwest. Previously, the closest weather station to the county was based out of Grand Junction, and the new radar will provide more accurate and up-to-date weather information for the Four Corners region. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

The Local NEWS Network stands in solidarity with the community of the City of Farmington and the families of those impacted as a result of the shooting on May 15th. Desert View Family Counseling, Totah Behavioral Health and Farmington Community Health have offered their services if you or someone you know are in need of help.

The Colorado Grain Chain is awarding four grants statewide to brewers or distillers who craft a beverage using exclusively Colorado grown grain. One grant will be awarded to businesses in each of Colorado’s major watersheds. The non-profit hopes the microgrant improves awareness for Colorado’s grain community. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The General Palmer Hotel invites you to come celebrate 125 years of providing hospitality and history to Durango. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the City of Durango for its 2023 budget, and registration for the Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days is now open. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and The Payroll Department

The Strater Hotel has recognized the Blue Moon Ramblers for working as the hotel's Sunday house band for over thirty years. Room 223 is now dedicated to the band. The suite includes a plaque on the door with the band's name, and portraits of the band and its founding members inside the room. The Blue Moon Ramblers are the first musical act to join more than 40 individuals or entities who have rooms dedicated at the Strater. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

Durango’s Shimmy Mob belly dance troupe is ready to showcase its new choreography for National Belly Dance Day. On Saturday May 13th, the group will dance at multiple stops in downtown Durango. The team's mission is to raise awareness and money for Alternative Horizons, a local non-profit that provides resources for domestic violence victims. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

The Durango Transit has announced changes to the Highway 160 and Mercy/Three Springs routes to better service its riders. Construction at the Durango Mesa Park has begun, and bump outs are back downtown - but look a bit different than they have the last few years. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings