Open enrollment for health insurance is quickly approaching. From November 1st to January 15th, individuals can secure 2025 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado Connect. La Plata County’s Public Health Department offers an Insurance Literacy Program to guide residents toward the best coverage options. This year brings important updates, including expanded eligibility for DACA recipients and new coverage options for undocumented residents. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Professional boxing is making its return to Durango with the Legends on the Animas event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Many of us recognize the mural of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey on the side of El Rancho Tavern, where he fought back in 1915. Durango’s wild western history is well-known, but this will be the first professional boxing event since Dempsey’s time. On October 12th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, professional boxers Hector 'Macho' Camacho Jr. and Andrew 'Hurricane' Hernandez will fight for the Legends Boxing Foundation world championship. The day will be packed with food, fights, and family-friendly entertainment. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC.

The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School. Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recognition. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Blondie’s Troph room.

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites you to come tour solar initiatives in the Durango area Saturday, Sept. 5! Learn about different sustainable energy initiatives throughout the tour, and wrap up the day with an evening soirée at the Smiley Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Keep your eyes out for the colorful balloons of the Animas Valley Balloon Rally Oct. 18-20. The annual event will feature two mass ascensions, several balloon glows, and free tethered balloon rides from the Animas Valley. The family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. San Juan Mountains Association is asking for donations of lightly used or new winter gear for it’s youth programs. All children’s sizes are accepted, to help keep the outdoors accessible to all regardless of background or economic status. Are you a book lover? Come join the Durango Public Library for the 12th Annual Literary Festival Oct. 5-19. The event will feature keynote speakers like Durango Poet Laureats Esther Belin and Zoe Golden, as well as signings with local authors, conversations, and writing workshops. All events are free, although some will require pre-registration. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and M&R Plumbing.

Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasizes the goal of Durango Devo remains fostering the love of riding bikes. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and San Juan Regional Medical Center.