Durango Local News Archives

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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

eSports Catching on as Varsity Sport at Durango High

Competitive video gaming, known as eSports, is now an officially sanctioned varsity sport in Colorado. Durango High School has fielded three teams who are competing against other schools across the state. With a low barrier to entry, the activity is an easy lift from a budgetary standpoint. Proponents point to teamwork, communication and inclusion as benefits the activity can offer students. This story is sponsored by Pops Truck and RV Center and The Payroll Department

October 30, 2022

Spooky Season Is Here!

The City of Durango and the Hive are hosting family-friendly, safe, Halloween fun this year. A new Transit bus has joined the fleet thanks to a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration and Colorado Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Land Management has announced a plan for a prescribed burn on Animas City Mountain this week. This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barber and Kroegers Ace Hardware

October 30, 2022

DHS Brings Back Homecoming Parade

Community groups and school organizations shared the spotlight in a Homecoming parade on Main Ave. It was the first Homecoming parade in Durango in more than a decade. Groups like the Demons Marching Band, youth football and the DHS Black Students Alliance took part. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowen, and Foley

October 30, 2022

Bringing Food to the (School) Table

One of the ballot measures on this year’s November ballot, Proposition FF, seeks to address the issue of student hunger in schools across the state of Colorado by bring farm-fresh, healthy meals to the school table. The initiative, Healthy School Meals for All, intends to make school meals free regardless of economic income level, raise the wages for school cafeteria workers, and support local farmers by buying fresh produce directly from local farms. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Ute Mountain Casino Hotel

October 30, 2022

Go Slow, Go Fast, Just Go

Aztec Adventures, a start-up by Neil Hannum and Will Farmer, wants to help fill the gap with tourism cycling in San Juan County. With all the cycling trails in and around Aztec and Farmington, Hannum and Farmer hope to bring attention to some of the great and unique trails in San Juan County while promoting education and cultural awareness of the area. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Service Master Restore

October 30, 2022

Northern Navajo Fair Roars Back to Life

After a two-year hiatus, the Northern Navajo Fair came roaring back to life. Considered one of the nation’s oldest and most traditional fair gatherings, it celebrates 109 years. Most of the events were back, including a carnival, rodeo, Indian Market, and the traditional song and dance “roll call”. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and Traegers Bar

October 30, 2022

La Plata Month’s Supply of Homes Doubled

With a cooling of the air comes a cooling of the real estate market, but that’s not all bad as we’ll discuss more in depth in this episode. Interest rates reached the highest they've been in 20 years and the month’s supply of homes has more than doubled. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties LLC and the Local News Network

October 17, 2022

Durango Launches Workforce Rental Housing Incentive

Durango’s Housing Innovation Division is leading a pilot program addressing a shortage of affordable housing for local workers. The City Council has allocated $80,000, which will be paid to ten applicants who build or legalize an A.D.U. on their property and agree to rent it to a local worker for at least two years. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV and the Norm Phillips Team at Draper and Kramer

October 17, 2022

Chimney Rock 10th Anniversary

September 24th, 2022 marked 10 years since Chimney Rock received National Monument designation. To acknowledge the occasion, Chimney Rock offered free admission to the monument, offered games, activities, and guided hikes, and invited several different groups to dance and perform on Saturday. The monument, located just south of Pagosa Springs, is part of the Chacoan architectural group and is a sacred site today to tribes descended from the Ancestral Puebloans. This story is sponsored by StoneAge and Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado

October 14, 2022

Highway 550 Traffic Lane Changes

Paving of two new northbound lanes on US Highway 550 is completed, and from October 7th drivers will be directed onto the new traffic lanes for the rest of the project, slated to be finished in fall 2023. The Durango Community Recreation Center will be closed for its annual maintenance week from October 16-22, the Aquatics Center will be closed from October 9-31 to accommodate the replacement of pool equipment and resurfacing. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

October 12, 2022

The Stillwater Foundation Building Performance Venue

The Stillwater Foundation has been teaching music since 2005. Now the non-profit is fundraising to add a two-thousand square foot performance space for the community. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

October 12, 2022

Overcoming Adversity with Three Legs

After an accident when Dexter Dog Ouray was a puppy left him with three legs, the industrious pup decided he wanted to get back to moving as fast as he could, by teaching himself to walk on his back legs. Living in Ouray, he has amassed a large fan base across the world through social media, and took a little jaunt down to Durango during the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering to bring some light, laughter, and smiles to the town. This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

October 12, 2022

Wines of the San Juan Celebrates 20 Years

After ten tons of red and white grapes are picked, it’s time to party at Wines of the San Juan’s annual Harvest Festival. Visitors arrived by the thousands for the two-day event to enjoy wine, art, food, live music, and the celebrated Great Grape Stomp. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ

October 12, 2022

DHS Boys Soccer on a Roll

The Durango High School boys soccer team started this season undefeated, now prepares for stretch run as the region’s top team. The Colorado High School Activities Association has ranked DHS as one of Colorado’s top teams this season. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and 2180 Lighting & Design

October 12, 2022

Fall Clean-Up Begins!

The City of Durango has announced the schedule for the fall clean-up, make sure your lawn debris is set out for clean-up. Early Bird pass deals for the Durango Independent Film Festival end at the end of the month, and the City of Durango won a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health to increase the accessibility of secure bicycle parking around town. This story is sponsored by Kroeger Ace Hardware and TBK Bank

October 12, 2022

Taking Flight in the Big Blue Yonder

After over a decade, hot air balloons returned to the Farmington skies for the first annual Four Corners Balloon Rally, September 23rd - 25th. 18 balloons representing the Four Corners states managed mud and wind to jump-start what looks to be a yearly festival in Farmington. From candlestick balloon glows to actual flights, concerts and chilly mornings, the rally was deemed a success by organizers and participants alike. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

October 5, 2022

Building the Future

Bond Issue 4A provided a boost of funds for schools in Durango, including Mountain Middle School. Through funding provided in part by the bond, Mountain Middle School added an additional 12,000 square feet of classroom space - including an outdoor classroom, a digital Makerspace, and more. The new construction finished just in time to welcome the 300 students, staff, and teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and 2180 Lighting and Design

October 5, 2022

Making an Impact

Durango High School announced the start of construction for the new IMPACT Career Center with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 19th. The new center will provide new space for career and technical exploration at the high school. The building, funded by Bond 4A funds, will provide new spaces for CTE classes, breakout spaces, and more. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage

October 4, 2022

Dial-A-Ride Expands Service, Fall Balloon Glows

Dial-A-Ride, a part of RoadRunner transit, has announced expanded service areas to better serve rural La Plata Residents. Table to Farm Compost is offering three months of free compost service in exchange for filling out a short survey, and LPEA is looking for area builders to partner with. Watch this story again and more at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dial-a-ride-expands-service-fall-balloon-glows. This story is sponsored by Tafoya & Barrett & Associates and the Man Cave Barber

October 5, 2022

Spoketober: Celebrate Durango's Cycling Community in October

Get ready to celebrate all things bicycle with the inaugural Spoketober celebration, a month-long series of citizens tours, jump-jamming, and more that highlights Durango's reputation as a top cycling destination in the nation. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

October 5, 2022

Reinventing Oneself

The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit returns for its fourth year with a new theme: Reinventing Yourself. The Summit, a conference for and by women in the four corners region, is a unique opportunity for professional networking and relationship-building. The theme for this year is purposefully open - allowing every attendee to choose their own definition of what it means to reinvent themselves. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Boon's Family Thai Barbecue

October 5, 2022

Chimney Rock Celebrates 10 Years as National Monument

Chimney Rock National Monument will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a day of educational events and tours. Purgatory Resort announces its 2022-23 season opening date. And get your work done at the La Plata County Clerk and Reporter's Office before Fridays. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and TBK Bank

September 23, 2022

Rare Access to Unexcavated Ancient Pueblo Indian settlement

Fifteen lucky visitors recently toured what’s mostly unexcavated at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Aztec Ruins East normally is off limits because of its fragile archaeological resources. The great kiva is 16 feet high, and has nearly 300 rooms. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Three Rivers Brewing

September 22, 2022

Region 9 Applies for $87 Million Broadband Infrastructure Grant

The Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, along with municipal and county governments in the five-county area, hope to win an $87 million grant from the new federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act to build one of the largest regional fiber optics infrastructure projects in more than 20 years. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and the law firm of Downs McDonough Cowan and Foley

September 22, 2022

City to Pursue E-Bike Amendments for Horse Gulch

The City of Durango will pursue amendments to Horse Gulch open space easements to provide limited access to e-bikes, but the research required could take more than a year. In the meantime, lace up your hiking boots for guided tours to rarely visited sites in Canyons of the Ancients this fall. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and the Man Cave Barber

September 14, 2022

Navajo Nation Sells Produce to Whole Foods

Organic melons and green chili are just some of the many fresh products grown and sold by Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, better known as NAPI, located six miles south of Farmington on 100,000 irrigated acres. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park & Casino and the Big Idea Makerspace

September 14, 2022

Art Room a Delightful Surprise in Smiley Building

Walk into the main entrance at the old Smiley Middle School, and an auditorium that once hosted student performances and plays, now hosts a different kind of performance. Stop by and see the ArtRoom Collective. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and Pop's Truck and RV Center

September 8, 2022

Kiwanis Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary at Pancake Supper

Get your hunger on! The Kiwanis Club of Durango will celebrate its 75th anniversary during the 68th annual Pancake Supper on September 15th. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

September 8, 2022

Growing Community – and Veggies – on Rohwer Farm

The Rohwer Family was in the middle of planting season on their truck farm in Pleasantview when they were struck head-on in a tragic accident while on their way to their second week at the Durango Farmers Market. This year's crops could have died, but dozens of volunteers have rallied around the family to plant, harvest, and sell crops – and pull weeds, lots of weeds. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

September 6, 2022

Autumn Arts Festival Features More than a 100 Artists

As summer draws to a close, you can look forward to the Autumn Arts Festival, Hazardous Waste Collection, and the Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and The Payroll Department

September 8, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act Provides Incentives to Reduce Carbon Footprint

A local group of climate change activists is on a mission to educate Four Corners Area residents about the incentives now available to them to play a significant role as individuals in reducing climate change. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings and The Payroll Department

September 8, 2022

New School Year: New School Improvements

Durango School District 9-R spent the summer making improvements in several schools using money from the bond referendum passed in November 2020. The projects focused on everything from improving safety features to helping create cleaner school spaces. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by 2180 Lighting & Design Studio and Serious Texas Barbecue

September 8, 2022

Farmington Celebrates New Student Housing at San Juan College

Students will be living on campus at San Juan College for the first time this fall. A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by the San Juan College Foundation. The community had an opportunity to tour the three-level, state-of the art facility, featuring a Great Hall, fancy elevators, and pergola-covered courtyard with a fireplace and a grill. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Boons Family Thai Barbecue.

September 8, 2022

Voters to Decide on Lodgers Tax, Ursine Feeding Frenzy

The Durango City Council voted unanimously this month to ask voters to keep nearly $1.2 million in excess Lodgers Tax revenues, the majority of which will be used for affordable housing. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Norm Philips Team at Draper and Kramer Mortgage

September 8, 2022

The Power of “Just”

The Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, or WESST, was founded with the goals of helping women, people of color, and low-income New Mexicans learn about best business practices, to support new entrepreneurs with financial and business advice, and provide resources within their communities. Farmington’s WESST center in San Juan College’s Quality Center for Business assists local entrepreneurs at every step of their small-business journey. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and Service Master Restore

August 19, 2022

Safer Wildlife Crossing, Lodger's Tax Update

The Durango City Council has identified three priority areas that it has asked residents to rank as part of its proposal to ask voters to retain $1.3 million dollars in excess Lodgers Tax revenues; find out what they are. A new wildlife crossing on U.S. Highway 160 is expected to lower wildlife-vehicle collisions; and find out what's new at this year's San Juan Brewfest. This story is sponsored by the Man Cave Barber and Kroegers Ace Hardware

August 19, 2022

The Buzz Bus is Back!

The Buzz Bus has begun making its rounds once more in Durango, now operated by The Hive. Originally a service provided by the City of Durango, the Buzz Bus provides an alternative to driving impaired, picking up and dropping off people for free. Since it restarted in spring, the Buzz Bus has become a staple on the streets of town on the weekends. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

August 10, 2022

What’s the Big Idea?

A makerspace is what it sounds like, a space to create and make…well, just about anything! At the Big Idea, 3D printers, a fully-stocked woodshop, laser printers, and more combine to create a space to design, create, and develop any variety of projects and more! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck and RV Center and The Big Idea at San Juan College

August 8, 2022

Flying Golf Balls and Free Transit Services

Now this is a new take on birdies and eagles. Big Brothers Big Sisters will drop more than a hundred golf balls at Dalton Ranch for a fund-raiser in August. Adopt your ball now! This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

August 4, 2022

New School Year, New Building, New Ideas

Animas High School has a new building, finally. After starting in a strip mall and moving to modular trailers, the school, through funding from a BEST grant, will now have a permanent location for students. Construction began last spring, and while there is still more to be done, the building already more than shows the promise of a new space for students. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage and ServiceMaster Restore

August 2, 2022

Durango Considers Lodgers Tax Refund Ideas

The Durango City Council reviews Lodgers Tax refund ideas and mulls ballot language for a possible tax question on the November ballot. Fort Lewis College receives a substantial grant that will cover four scholarships every year for the next 10 years, and the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally returns. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

July 28, 2022

Interest Rates Up, Sales Down in Real Estate Market

How will mortgage rate increases affect real-estate sales in Durango and La Plata County? Well, that depends, says Alpenglow Properties' Dan Korman.

July 28, 2022

Education Plan Connects Learning to Making a Living

When students can't connect with why they're learning what they're learning, they become disengaged and perform poorly, but if they understand that their classes are a stepping stone to becoming what they want to be in life, they will be more successful. That's the idea behind Durango School District 9-R's new Portrait of a Graduate education plan. This story is sponsored by 2180 Lighting and Design and Kroegers Ace Hardware

July 28, 2022

City Looking at $1.2 Million in Excess Lodgers Revenues

The tourism industry rebound in the pandemic's wake last summer generated far more in Lodgers Tax revenues than TABOR allows. Voters may be asked to decide what to do with the money. Will the Camino del Rio underpass be delayed again? And you have only a few Fridays more to enjoy free movies in the park. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and TBK Bank

July 20, 2022

Tico Time Resort Tones Down Music; Neighbors' Ire Abated

We took a deep dive and looked at the naked truth behind the infamous Tico Time River RV Resort. What we discovered was that the noise and nudity complaints have abated—along with many changes. Now in its third season, the relaxed beach vibe is finally clicking for campers and neighbors alike. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace

July 20, 2022

Local Filmmaker Film Premiere: RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa

Laura Harper began writing the script for a film about Rambo, her once-wild mustang who came from the Carracas Mesa. As she learned more about Rambo’s past, she found parallels between the horses and the evolution of New Mexico’s history, as well as her own life in the Southwest. The resulting film, “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa,” ties together New Mexico history, wild horses, and everyday people to tell the story of the mustangs of San Juan County. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine Spirits and SunRay Park & Casino

July 19, 2022

Region 9 EDD Releases Latest Livable-Wage Study

Study finds that average annual wages in most employment sectors do not provide enough income to meet a family of four's basic needs. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings and the Man Cave Barber

July 14, 2022

Has DGOV TV Outlived Its Usefulness?

The City of Durango's over-the-air television broadcasts of city council meetings may soon come to an end, but live broadcasts and video archives will still be available on the Internet. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Barbecue, and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

July 12, 2022

Team Durango Derailers Rides for SWCO Kids

The Durango Derailers. What started out as a way to say thank you has turned into an invaluable service to defray travel costs for families with children who need out-of-town medical treatments. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

July 8, 2022

Building Freight Train Service in the Four Corners

San Juan County, the City of Farmington, and the Navajo Nation hope to bring a freight rail system to the Four Corners, and a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for a feasibility study, now in its early stages. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery

July 5, 2022

Animas Artisans Turn into Custom Treasures for Your Home

Dylan McClain and Dalton Bevill may have practical construction skills, but they wanted to do more to express their artistic side, so they joined forces to start Animas Artisans, a Design and Fabrication Studio. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage

July 19, 2022

City Moves to Next Phase of Downtown's New Design

No fireworks, but a drone show will light up the skies this Fourth of July weekend. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Museum reopens to the public, and take a gander at the latest conceptual drawings for a redesigned downtown. This story is sponsored by Pop's Truck and RV Center and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

July 19, 2022

Music For Life

The Southwest Civic Winds, founded in 2012, boasts a robust band of 40 members, give or take, playing a variety of instruments, music, and songs from across the world. While they can and do perform in concert halls and other similar venues, you can catch a glimpse of them at the Fourth of July Rotary Park Pancake Breakfast this year. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the Payroll Department

June 28, 2022

Fresh Food, Friends, and Local Fun

Bright and early every Saturday morning during the summer, come join local food and craft vendors at the Durango Farmers Market in TBK Bank. Pick up some fresh lettuce, radishes, mushroom, and perhaps a hat or cake, all the while enjoying live music, community fun, and support your local farmers while you’re at it. This story is sponsored by The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC

June 28, 2022

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