Durango Local News Archives

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Sustainable Store & Cafe Open

Sustainable Goods and Omni Cafe are now in their permanent home at 1259 Main Avenue in Durango. After operating as wholesalers and pop-up specialists, owners believe the climate is right to showcase sustainable and local products. Sustainable Goods features everyday goods and gifts from local and environmentally conscious companies, while collaborator Omni Cafe offers baked goods and coffee from local producers. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

July 18, 2023

Ignacio Monthly Roundup: July

San Juan College is inviting Native American students to join a new program, in partnership with New Mexico State University’s American Indian Business Enterprise Center, to help jumpstart entrepreneurial careers. The Southern Ute Economic Development Department is hosting an online networking opportunity for members of the Southern Ute Tribe, and Ignacio School District announced the retirement of its Finance Director, Lucina Lounge. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

July 18, 2023

Search for Missing Hiker Updates

Organizers have announced they are closing the public search for missing hiker Ian O’Brian after two weeks of searching. The City of Durango has voted how best to distribute the $361,084 in excess 2022 Lodger’s Tax. Come celebrate 100 years of one of the iconic engines from the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at the Animas Museum, and voluntary water restrictions are in place as repairs progress on the pipeline under Goeglein Gulch. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

July 18, 2023

The Summer of Free Transportation

Durango Transit is halfway through its second summer of free transit, thanks to funding from Senate Bill 260 and the City of Durango. With an eye to reducing carbon usage over the summer, and removing barriers to transportation, the program so far has been an overwhelming success, with buses being full more often than not. By Hannah Robertson. The story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett, and Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

July 18, 2023

Non-Profit Brings Water to Navajo Reservation Homes

Fundamental Needs, a Cortez-based non-profit, began by helping out on the Navajo Reservation during the pandemic. Ultimately, the founder’s discovered water was one of the most desired resources on the reservation. It developed a program that installs water systems for individual dwellings that don't have access to clean water. In 2023, the non-profit will continue its expansion into the Farmington and Shiprock areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

July 18, 2023

Summer Parking Meter Rates Rise

The City of Durango has announced that parking meters in high-occupancy areas downtown will see a 25¢ price increase as of July 1st, in accordance with the comprehensive parking plan. Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites amateur sportswomen to apply for the Ladies Cast, Blast, and Fling event this August, and participate in a survey to determine the “livability” of Durango this July. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

July 18, 2023

Counting Birds for Preservation

The Grand Canyon Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau, initiated the Pinyon Jay project to involve volunteers in wildlife conservation. Pinyon Jays have a symbiotic relationship with pinyon trees, making them a key marker in forest preservation for the pinyon and juniper forests dotting the Colorado Plateau. The project aims to gather data and protect the ecosystem while engaging amateur birders and outdoor enthusiasts, making the project accessible to everyone. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery

July 18, 2023

Regenerating Our World

When some people see an issue, they go out of their way to find a solution. Mandy Magill realized that many places in Durango still used pesticides and other toxic products on landscaping and gardening, and decided through her organization - Project Dung Beetle - to create a speaker series designed to address all the different ways we can incorporate regenerative practices in our own backyard. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

July 18, 2023

Expanding Horizons at Durango-La Plata Airport

The end of April marked the beginning of a multi-year expansion project at the Durango La-Plata Airport with a groundbreaking ceremony. The project, currently in Phase 1A, plans to address the growing services at the airport while simultaneously enabling day-to-day operations to continue. Since its construction in 1988, the airport has seen over a 100% increase in use with no major renovations or additions. By Hannah Robertson and Andy Wingerd. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

July 18, 2023

Fourth of July Week Events

The City of Durango Municipal Court is now offering in-person, court-certified Spanish translation once a month to ensure equal access and aid in court decisions for cases requiring translation. The upcoming week is filled with Fourth of July celebrations across town, including events like pie-eating contests, ice cream socials, and the popular pancake breakfast. The week concludes with Elder Grown's Summer Camp, a one-night music festival showcasing diverse talents and music styles at Tico Time Resort, hosted by the Durango-based band Elder Grown. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

July 18, 2023

Officials Urge Homeowners and Recreationists to Prioritize Fire Safety

Ideal weather conditions have allowed local fire crews to do more mitigation work than in recent years, but they caution against letting your guard down heading into our warmest months. The Colorado State Forest Service, Live Wildfire Ready, teaches homeowners how to take simple measures to reduce the risk of losing a home to fire. The San Juan National Forest urges recreationists to know about current fire restrictions. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

July 18, 2023

Nutritional-Base Approach to Food Distribution

The Southern Ute Food Distribution Program aims to better the relationship between food and the people on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and beyond. The Ignacio Community Library wants to see your art grace its walls this summer, and come join the Books and Brews book club for fresh reads and roasts this July. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

June 26, 2023

Tamed Inflation Hopes to Help Real Estate Market

Dan Korman of Alpenglow Properties, LLC discusses commercial and residential real estate in this installment of The Durango Real Estate Update.

June 26, 2023

Students Join Board of Education

Four local students from Durango High School and Big Picture High School will join the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education to help provide a student perspective on meetings and the like. The Southwest Rural Philanthropy Conference proved a wide success with over 350 participating individuals brought together with the focus on improving funding to southwest nonprofit organizations, and Durango has made it on to yet another unique list - one of 175 “alternative” romantic destinations in the United States. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino

June 26, 2023

Summer Shines Light on Impaired Driving Problems

As temperatures rise, so too does the number of D.U.I. and impaired driving cases. The issue is particularly bad in Southwest Colorado. Local non-profit, School Community Youth Collaborative, is bringing awareness to Ride Responsible. A program highlighting the problem of impaired driving and making safer modes of transportation more widely available. The organization partners with rideshare alternatives and works with transportation departments for special events. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino Resort

June 26, 2023

Summer Garden Fun

Santa Rita Park is the location of a new demonstration garden and landscape program, showcasing sustainable landscaping techniques for the arid Southwest region. At next week’s City Council meeting, the allocation of an extra $361,084 in lodger's tax will be discussed, with proposed funding for electric vehicle chargers, transportation signage, and Visit Durango projects. Clean Commute Week, starting on June 24th, will feature various sustainable transportation activities and challenges, culminating in Bike to Work Day and the Love Your Commute celebration at Buckley Park. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

June 26, 2023

Lend Your Story to Ignacio’s Archive

The call is out to share your story with the Ignacio Community Library to help contribute to the preservation of Ignacio’s unique history. Voices of Ignacio aims to find, curate and preserve stories from and related to our residents and region. Organizers hope the project unifies and promotes the community. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Kroegers Ace Hardware

June 15, 2023

Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs

Nearly five hundred dogs strutted their stuff at the Durango Kennel Club’s Show at McGee Park in Farmington. Dozens of breeds and their handles traveled from across the country to compete in the four-day event. Categories included conformation shows, obedience trials, and rally trials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Northern Edge Casino and Ace Hardware in Farmington

June 26, 2023

Durango Air Tanker Base Ready for Wildfire Season

The Durango Airtanker base houses firefighting and support crews that serve as a shared national resource when wildfire breaks out. Firefighting efforts generally require collaborating with multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management along with state, city, and county offices. This season provided the opportunity for the base to host its first “fly-in” since the pandemic. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

June 12, 2023

Summer Fun and Food

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

June 14, 2023

Cool Cocktails for Summer Sipping

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

June 14, 2023

Proposed Federal Protection for Dolores River

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

June 14, 2023

Native Cactus No Longer Endangered

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

June 2, 2023

Humane Society Needs Your Help

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

June 2, 2023

Southern Utes Drum up Rich History at Cultural Center

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

June 2, 2023

Muscle and Sweat Defeats Coal and Steam

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

June 2, 2023

Kids Go To Summer Camp Free

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

June 2, 2023

Summer Events at the Library Underway

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

May 26, 2023

Community Matters: Highlight on BMX

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

May 26, 2023

New Agreement for former 9-R Administration Building

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

June 2, 2023

Beauty Hangs out at Bayfield Gardens

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

June 2, 2023

Escalante Students Off to Washington, D.C.

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

June 2, 2023

If You Don’t Like the Weather, Wait Five Minutes

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

June 2, 2023

Local NEWS Network Stands with the City of Farmington

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.

June 2, 2023

Non-profit Launches Grant for Brewers & Distillers

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

May 12, 2023

Celebrate the General Palmer’s 125 Years

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

June 2, 2023

Local Band Honored by Strater Hotel

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

May 9, 2023

Shimmy Mob Back for 12th Year

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

May 8, 2023

Durango Transit Announces Route Changes

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

May 8, 2023

Pony Races Kick Off at SunRay Park

SunRay Park & Casino has unveiled its 24th annual racing season with a national assembly of young, majestic horses. Ten races are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until May 21st. SunRay Park also offers year-round simulcast horse racing, and over modern 400 slots. Margaritas and Tex-Mex are popular, as are the large-hearted staff. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Distill beer Wine and Spirts

May 8, 2023

Dolores Bike Hostel Hopes for July Opening

Dolores Bike Hostel Owner Jacob Carloni hopes the hostel can help the local economy and add an unserved hospitality niche. Carloni believes the project also serves the county's economic development goal of increasing the length of stay in our county to promote local businesses. The Hostel will have a capacity of 25 people, with prices starting between $35 - $40 per bed, per night. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Keesee Motors

May 8, 2023

Community Matters: Highlight on DYSA

Durango Youth Soccer Association is the sports home of many local youths, from ages eight through high school seniors. The soccer club is a place for kids to learn how to be a team player, on and off the field, learn essential leadership skills, engage with the community, and above all else, learn to love the game. By Hannah Robertson. his story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

May 8, 2023

LPEA Announces $89,000 in Scholarships

La Plata Electric Company has announced seven local high school students as the recipients of its annual scholarships. Fort Lewis College announced the appointment of its new provost this April. McPhee Reservoir announces its summer hours, and come join downtown businesses in celebrating the first, “First Friday” May 5th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

May 8, 2023

New MTB Race Brings Stage Racing Back to Durango

Durango Derby is focused on bringing big-time mountain bike racing back to the four-corners region with a unique new race format. The race features four stages in one day, that showcase Durango’s premium in-town singletrack. Organizers promise a “fun-forward” event that caters to pro’s, amateurs and spectators alike. Riders will be able to enter solo, or as part of a two-person or four-person team. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

May 8, 2023

Wolfing Around for Education

Wolves, in their haunting beauty and untamed wildness, are both a source of adoration and fear among people. At WolfWood Refuge, Paula Woerner and her team of volunteers provide experiences and opportunities for people to get up close with the animals that call the sanctuary home - ranging from full wolves and coyotes to animals that had to be surrendered due to inhumane conditions. One such educational event takes place annually at Purgatory Mountain Resort. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

April 21, 2023

Adaptive Sports Association Preps for Summer Season

Staffers at the Durango-based Adaptive Sports Association are reflecting on a memorable winter as the organization readies for its summer season. The association, which provides outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, hosted about 600 lessons this winter, as it trends back to pre-pandemic demand. Upcoming summer programming includes river trips, cycling tours, camping trips and more. The Adaptive Sports Association also offers programming that caters to disabled military veterans such as Team River Runner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

April 19, 2023

City Council Election Results Announced

The City of Durango City Council election results were announced after a mandatory recount. A new energy contract might save the city $5.8 million over the next 20 years. San Juan Basin Public Health wants residents to be aware of animal-bourne illnesses and how to prevent them as the weather begins warming up, and come join Earth Day Durango on April 22nd for Earth Day-related activities in Buckley Park. The event is made possible by the City of Durango, Table to Farm Compost, the BringIt! Campaign, and the Durango High School Green Team. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Kroegers Ace Hardware

April 20, 2023

Sunshine, Balloons, Skiing, Snow

An employee thank-you turned event, the second annual Pagosa Triathlon organized by Pagosa Adventure advertised hot-air balloon rides, spring skiing competitions, and a rafting event. And then Mother Nature arrived, and the weekend event became a case study in changing plans. Although snowy fields and windy weather thwarted a few of the events, the triathlon teams still managed to find some fun, sun, and clear blue skies. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

April 20, 2023

Local Author Launches Baseball-Themed Novel

Author Mark Stevens makes his first foray into the world of baseball with his latest release: The Fireballer. The Fireballer is a novel about Frank Ryder, a tortured hero who grapples with talent, change and loneliness. Ultimately Ryder must come to terms with his circumstances to find peace off the diamond. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Big O Tires

April 20, 2023

The Average Sold Price in Q1 is DOWN!

Spring has sprung! It’s the end of the first quarter and I have some fantastic news! The average sold price of single-family homes in LPC, Durango, and Bayfield are all down in Q1 year over year. Find out more in this month’s episode of the Real Estate Update. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties

April 20, 2023

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