Durango Local News Archives

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Not Your Aunt Mary’s Piano

After a family trip, Rosalyn Fry was inspired by public pianos out in the open for anyone to play. A donated piano and an artist friend later, and the first of what would become nine painted pianos was displayed in Aztec. Artists volunteer their time to paint a piano donated to Fry - upright pianos are surprisingly easy to come by - and the City of Aztec puts on events to highlight the pianos and local musicians. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino

January 31, 2023

Cycling Team Shifts Sponsorship Strategy

For nearly two decades, the Colavita Foods brand was synonymous with amateur bike racing. Recently the core group of members that make up the team, decided to get back into the local community for race team support. Now, with the help of Easy Coffee Roaster and a handful of Four Corners businesses, the team will target a slate of races throughout the region in 2023. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

January 27, 2023

Snow Day Readiness

What with all the snow this winter so far, how do you know if you’re parked on a snow route, or when your street will be plowed? The City of Durango prioritizes certain roads during heavy snowfall and has a handy snow route map to figure out where you can and can’t park during a snowstorm. The Redball Express returns to Durango’s Snowdown activities to help fundraise for Durango and Bayfield Rotary Clubs. And the City of Durango and Durango Fire Protection District have decided against moving forward with a joint facility for the Durango Police Department and fire station at River City Hall. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Pop's Truck & RV Center

January 27, 2023

La Plata County Humane Society Hopes for Banner Year

The La Plata County Humane Society completed a full shelter renovation that modernized and upgraded the 25-year-old building. Now on-par with the most modern facilities in the Four Corners area, the non-profit can more easily carry out its objective of enhancing and protecting the lives of companion animals. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barbers and Serious Texas BBQ

January 27, 2023

Making Night Skies Darker

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how to keep the stars so bright? The Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with the International Dark Skies Association to help communities get their Dark Sky Certificate, a way to celebrate and maintain the beauty of the night skies. Durango, Colorado, is participating in the Colorado Dark Sky Mentorship Program through OEDIT and the Colorado Tourism Office. The program will help Durango and other participating communities learn what they need to do to get their certification and help spread the word on the importance of darker night skies and brighter stars. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Pop's Truck and RV

January 20, 2023

Cuddly Kokopelli Cave is a Farmington B&B Staple

Initially a local geologist’s dream office located seventy feet below sandstone ground, Kokopelli Cave became a five-star bed and breakfast in Farmington. It’s located on a three-hundred-foot desert cliff overlooking the lovely La Plata River Valley. Seventeen hundred square feet of carpeted cave offers a full kitchen, and jet tub water flow. Open March first through December first, it accommodates up to eight people for a one-of-a-kind experience. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions

January 31, 2023

Durango and Parking: A Complicated Relationship

The City of Durango is set to adopt the Comprehensive Parking Plan presented to the city in December of 2022. The plan takes into account many of the issues for parking in Durango, especially in the downtown area, while making room for future improvements depending on tourism, city-wide growth, and more. San Juan Basin Public Health wants to hear from La Plata and Archuleta residents about local public and environmental health needs to develop its 5-year public health improvement plan. Local COVID-19 community testing sites are now closed, but that doesn’t mean tests aren’t available. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

January 27, 2023

Taking a New Approach to Educational Activities

One retired teacher in Pagosa Springs wants to help local students in southwest Colorado expand their horizons through unique experiences. Flowstone Education is the brainchild of Cheetah & Brad McClellan and aims to provide low-income students in Colorado with workshops and summer camps designed to expand their horizons and expose them to opportunities beyond their hometowns. Workshops are led by local experts in fields ranging from beauticians to screenwriters, YouTubers to cooks, and more. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Payroll Department

January 27, 2023

FLC All-American Sets Her Sights Even Higher

FLC Junior runner Katie Fankhouser enjoyed a celebrity welcome home to Durango after placing 26th in the NCAA Division Two Cross Country National Championships. After a short break, her focus for 2023 include school records and a National Championship. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and ServiceMaster Restore

January 17, 2023

Year End Real Estate Recap with Dan Korman

On this episode of the Durango Real Estate Update, Dan Korman delves into the year-end statistics focusing on average sales pricing in Durango, Bayfield, and north county resort area. The prices maintained record levels in 2022, but the number of units sold were down across the board year over year. Watch this month’s episode for the 2022 real estate market recap. By Dan Korman This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties, LLC

January 27, 2023

Crews Break Ground on Revolutionary Educational Space

Construction on the new Miller Middle School was projected to cost $45 million when voters passed the bond issue in 2020. A total of $90 million was part of the bond, which included the career/resource center. Miller Middle School will be built to foster the district's goal of preparing students for life after school. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by 2180 Lighting & Design Studio and The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley

January 10, 2023

2023 Snowdown Beer Available Now

The official beer of Snowdown ’23 is an horchata-spiced ale with vanilla, cinnamon and citrus notes coming in at six percent ABV created Ska Brewing. Hornblower Horchata is available in 12 oz. 4-packs now through the end of Snowdown Sunday February 5th. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

January 4, 2023

Durango Football Star Prepares for National Spotlight

Joshua Bates accepted the prestigious selection last season. Only 100 football players receive the honor of putting on the All-American Bowl jersey each year. Each player selected to participate will culminate their high school careers at the All-American Bowl. The game will be televised live on NBC at 11 AM MT. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by the Man Cave Barber and 2180 Lighting & Design Studio

January 2, 2023

New CDC Report on Camping at Bonita Peak

The Bonita Peak Mining District, designated a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2016, was evaluated by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to determine the safety of camping around the area. Miller Middle School invites you to join its groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new middle school, funded in part by Bond Issue 4A, and recycle your Christmas Trees at Santa Rita Park. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

January 17, 2023

Making the Outdoors Your Backyard

Over the last couple of years, camping has grown in popularity and accessibility, as more and more people are getting out and enjoying the outdoors. From tent camping to RV’s, many people are taking advantage of different ways to recreate, but even with more campsites available to campers, there are still some areas that are more restricted. Enter Sasquatch Campers, which, with their custom-built suspension system, enables the system to go further and see more. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

January 17, 2023

Emerging Artists in Durango

Durango is known for its natural beauty, inspiring people from all walks of life with various artistic endeavors, but how best to get started? The Creative District has started an incubator program designed to support local, emerging artists with mentorship, training and the opportunity to have a gallery show at Stillwater Music. In December, Ted Moore opened his exhibit, ‘natura fabricata’, featuring a variety of his pieces, supported by the incubator program. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by StoneAge and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

January 17, 2023

Giving Back to the Community

Alpine Bank has sponsored Community Matters, a regular segment highlighting various nonprofits in our community. Eric Eicher of Alpine Bank sat down to talk about the importance of supporting local nonprofits through volunteer work, donation drives, and financial support. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

January 17, 2023

State-wide Bag Fee to Begin

Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act phase one is set to begin January 1st, with the implementation of a $0.10 bag fee for disposal bags at certain retail locations across the state of Colorado. The Dolores River Brewery is featured in a charity coloring book produced by RadCraft and the James Beard Foundation, and LPEA’s scholarship applications have opened. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and The Payroll Department

January 17, 2023

Stay Safe and Healthy this Holiday Season

As the holiday season ramps up this year, news about the flu, RSV, and COVID is doing the same. San Juan Basin Public Health and other local healthcare providers are asking residents to stay safe this year and observe precautions as you head to family and work gatherings this holiday season. maybe add more here? By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Law Firms of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and Serious Texas BBQ

January 17, 2023

Officials Urge Outdoor Enthusiasts to Practice Ice Safety

Whether ice fishing, skating, sledding or snowshoeing, it is important to take the right precautions and bring the correct equipment to keep you and your family safe. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds people to stay safe on the ice this winter. While a great reason to get outdoors in the winter months, ice can be dangerous without proper preparation and an understanding of the dangers. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and The LOR Foundation

January 17, 2023

Iron Horse 2023 Registration Opens

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, coming off from last year’s celebrations, will open registration for the 2023 event. Durango Wine Experience Early Bird Tickets are available until December 31st, and Fort Lewis College will celebrate over 200 graduates at its Fall Commencement Ceremony. The Durango Police Department’s Drone Unit will celebrate a successful first year in January with over 100 flights. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

December 15, 2022

Home Inventory Up and Sold Units Cut in Half

Over the course of 2022, the real estate market has seen some of the starkest effects of change in our monetary policy. With interest rates up and prices maintaining at record levels, it seems that the local market may finally be beginning to see cracks in the surface of the fast paced free-wheeling buyer demand. Winter has come, and the seasonal slowdown coupled with uncertainty is leading some buyers to pause the search while others persistently search out the right deal. What’s to happen in 2023? Watch this month’s episode of The Durango Real Estate Update to make your predictions. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties, LLC

December 15, 2022

Hillcrest Golf Course to Launch Indoor Golf League

Hillcrest Head Golf Pro Brett Wolf is encouraging golfers to sign up for the indoor league. The first session begins December 20th. The league is played with two golfers comprising a team that competes over a variety of scoring styles. The 2022/23 season will mark the second year Hillcrest Golf Course has utilized its simulator for competitive golf. Golfers can also use the simulator for lessons. Hillcrest also rents the space for corporate and team-building events. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

December 14, 2022

Keeping Local First

Tailwind Nutrition initially began when co-founder Jeff Vierling wanted to find endurance fuel that worked for him, after running several ultra-marathons with less-than-preferable side effects from other formats. Today, Tailwind Nutrition sells its products across the United States and the world, mixed, packaged, and shipped from their new facility right next to the Durango La Plata Airport. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and The Man Cave Barber

December 14, 2022

A Community As A Family

The La Plata Family Centers Coalition, a nonprofit organization that provides direct services and assistance to families in La Plata County through grants, employment opportunities, and more. The organization, where volunteers, employees, and participants feel like family, offers a wide range of services, one of anything you might need. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

December 14, 2022

Dinosaur Eggs Unveiled at Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology

Some extra-large eggs—a nest of six dinosaurs eggs were revealed to crowds of locals and their children at the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at San Juan College. Unbroken, and perfectly preserved, they were purchased and donated by Sean Dugan, son of Sherman, and grandson of Tom Dugan, an oil and gas family known for their generosity to San Juan County. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and CMIT Solutions

December 14, 2022

New Kiosk at City Hall

The City of Durango has installed a new self-help kiosk at City Hall to better assist city residents when the cashier is otherwise unavailable. Durango Parks and Recreation with Durango Fire Protection District are planning prescribed burns in Dalla and Overend Mountain Parks this December, and it’s already time to start planning Snowdown activities. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Tafoya Barret & Associates

December 14, 2022

TBK Bank Holiday Family Drive

TBK Bank has partnered with Housing Solutions for the Southwest to help bring the holiday spirit a little closer to home for 15 families this holiday season. Until December 16th, check out angel trees at various TBK Bank locations in Durango and Bayfield to adopt a family or donate gifts (financial and otherwise) directly to your closest branch. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and 2180 Lighting and Design Studio

December 14, 2022

Community Garden on Pace for Spring Opening

SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab will replace the closed Ohana Kuleana community garden when it opens next spring at Riverside Elementary School. The project includes four phases and organizers are still looking for volunteers and donors. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

December 5, 2022

Local Author/Artist Duo to Debut Book

When Sarah Kautzman was looking for a new addition to her family, she had an idea of the type of dog she wanted. After going to the shelter, Kautzman found a sweet puppy the shelter said would be a labradoodle. After taking home their new family member, the family quickly realized that she was definitely not a labradoodle, but a loving addition to the family just the same. Kautzman decided to write the short story “Accidental Tiny Dog” about the experience, which will be hitting bookshelves near you this holiday season, with proceeds going to support local animal shelters and rescues, encouraging the message “Adopt, don’t Shop”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Service Master Restore

November 30, 2022

Making Playtime Accessible

All-Ability Parks address parts of the community that often have issues accessing more traditional playgrounds and parks. Spurred by community advocates, the City of Farmington plans to take the site of the former Tibbetts Middle School on Apache Street and transform the space from the dirt lot, track, and old building into a space reflecting the needs and wants of all individuals in the community - no matter how they get around or interact with their environment. The park, the first of its kind in San Juan County, is planned to break ground in the Fall of 2023. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ

November 30, 2022

The Impact of the Beaver

Ever wondered what that odd contraption behind the fish hatchery is? Give a Dam discusses what a beaver deceiver is, and how it helps. Between helping to direct water flow and the impact on natural wetlands, beavers are an important part of the ecosystem and Give A Dam wants to help spread the word. By Dustin Walker This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and the Man Cave Barbers

November 30, 2022

Mushroom Foraging, Medicinal & Culinary Uses

Wild Mushroom season can be rewarding in many ways. Not only can wild mushrooms be used as medicinal supplements, but you can also create delicious meals with them. By Dustin Walker. This story is sponsored by Kroegers ACE Hardware and the Law Firm of Downs McDonough, Cowan, and Foley

November 30, 2022

20 Years of Noel Night

Noel Night is back, this time for a whole day, as it celebrates 20 years of encouraging local holiday shopping. The Durango Business Improvement District is bringing back its Holiday Rewards Program, and San Juan Basin Public Health is recognized for its efforts in making medical care accessible to more women in the community. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and Serious Texas BBQ

November 30, 2022

Flight For Life Helps Lift DHS Students’ Career Aspirations

A helicopter landing on the DHS baseball field brought some buzz to the school’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) program and a new student-led medical club. Students looked inside the helicopter, met the crew and participated in a Q&A with an in-flight nurse and pilot. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

November 30, 2022

Hawks Aloft conducts education program at Farmington Museum

If you’ve never met a Swainson’s Hawk in person, this is your chance. Hawks Aloft, a New Mexico non-profit, traveled to Farmington Museum to conduct their education program to local children and their parents. Hawks A loft’s research provides valuable insight into the welfare of local raptor populations—through rescue, rehab and education. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by @BoonsFamilyThaiBBQ and Pop’s Truck and RV Center

November 30, 2022

Home Away From Home

On a windy Friday afternoon, Navajo Preparatory School hosted a dedication ceremony for the rebuilt hogan on the campus - a place that marries tradition with modernity and has already established itself as a home for the students who attend the Academy. With speeches from current and former students, state representatives, and community leaders, the celebration was a warm and welcoming as the crackling fire in the center of the hogan. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Service Master Restoration

November 30, 2022

Meeting People Where They Are

Manna Soup Kitchen was founded over 20 years ago with a mission to feed people experiencing homelessness. While the heart of their mission hasn’t changed, the way Manna has gone about it has. From feeding people in church parking lots to their newest renovation, complete with a community garden, a place to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables to cook at home, and places to make phone calls and meet with service providers, Manna Soup Kitchen is committed to meeting people in the community where they are to get them back on their feet. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

November 30, 2022

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The City of Durango has launched a new webpage to encourage community engagement with local issues. Durango School District 9R wants to hear from you about how you use their websites, Santa Claus is returning to Buckley Park for Singing with Santa, with a slight change from years before. And Southwest Colorado Gives wants to encourage local donations for this year’s Colorado Gives Day. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and 2180 Lighting and Design Studio

November 30, 2022

Escalante Middle Schoolers Outfitted with New Mountain Bikes

It’s a simple idea: Get more kids on bikes. But first, you need the bikes. Through a national grant and a local-business partnership with Mountain Bike Specialists, Escalante Middle School made it happen. Thirty-five shiny new bikes have arrived at the school, and students are eagerly waiting for the first ride. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Pops Truck & RV Center and Serious Texas BBQ

November 30, 2022

Demons Earn Home Field Advantage for State Football Playoffs

The Durango Demons Football Team is heading into the postseason with just one loss on its resume. That 9-1 record earned the team a #2 seed in the Colorado High School Activities Association 3A playoff bracket. Durango can earn a trip to the Colorado State Championship game with three home wins. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa and TBK Bank

November 30, 2022

Flying in a Swimming Pool

D’DAT, a local music trio, were invited to the WOMAD World Festival experience in South Africa. Members collaborated with local artists, indigenous musicians, and more, learning and exchanging personal experiences and cultural perspectives. With a new album on the way inspired and produced during their trip, D’DAT wants to continue to explore themes and ideas they learned along the way. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and Pop’s Truck & RV Center

November 30, 2022

Skyhawks Prepare for Milestone Basketball Season

Fort Lewis College Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Pietrack will coach his 200th game as the Skyhawks Head Coach this season. Expectations are for the team to make another push for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title. Pietrack is 19 wins away from notching 150 wins as Head Coach. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by StoneAge and The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

November 30, 2022

The San Juan Symphony Begins its Season with “Bolero!”

San Juan Symphony opened their 37th season with a program devoted to French composers. Big and bold, it was the symphony’s largest assemblage in years, featuring Lili Boulanger, Erik Satie, Claude Debussy, Arthur Honegger, and the concert’s center piece: Maurice Ravel’s Bolermo! By Donna K. Hewett.

November 30, 2022

Energy Awareness, EDIE Awards Announced

EnergySmart Colorado is offering free energy assessments to residents as the weather turns colder, LPEA has opened applications for high school juniors to represent the Coop at the National Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this summer. A new website is launched for the River City Hall project, and the 2022 EDIE Awards are announced. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan, and Foley and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

November 30, 2022

Local Recognized by Red Cross

Karin Romero, the Aquatics Coordinator at the Community Recreation Center, was recently awarded the National Lifesaving Award by the Red Cross, one of the highest awards from the organization. The award recognized Romero’s lifesaving work when a 5-year-old boy was drowning at the Recreation Center pool this summer. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by 2180 Lighting and Design Studio and Pop’s Truck and RV Center

November 30, 2022

Fort Lewis College Mountain Bike Team Wins National Titles

Fort Lewis College placed second overall at the 2022 Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships at Purgatory Resort, while winning gold medals in the Women’s Downhill and Team Relay disciplines. USA Cycling sanctioned the racing. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by StoneAge and Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado

October 30, 2022

Needham Teacher Receives Esteemed Award

Tiffany Miera, a fifth-grade math teacher at Needham Elementary School, is one of this year’s Milken Educator Award recipients, an award given to teachers who show exemplary teaching, leadership, and a drive for excellence in education. The award, which includes a $25,000 cash prize, was presented to Miera during an assembly in front of the entire school so that everyone could celebrate her success. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

November 30, 2022

Nominations and Awards Across Durango

Durango Transit Director Sarah Hill has been recognized as a Colorado Transit Champion of the Year. Durango Rocks nominations are due by October 31st, so make sure to nominate your favorite local business by then. And new traffic calming measures are in place at West Park Avenue as part of a pilot project to address speeding by motorists in the area. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger's Ace Hardware and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel

October 30, 2022

Rising Bear Encounters Prompt New Warnings

Bears are using the next few weeks to eat as many calories as possible before hibernation. That leads to more bear encounters in residential areas during the fall months. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says residents can reduce the risk of attracting bears by being cautious about how they dispose of trash and being aware of food sources that attract bears. This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barber and The Payroll Department

October 25, 2022

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