Families, educators, and community members gathered on Nov. 6 to get a first look at the designs for Durango’s future Three Springs Elementary School. The event showcased renderings, design boards, and interactive displays highlighting how the new school will blend innovation with nature — creating flexible, future-ready spaces that connect students to the outdoors. Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser shared that the design “represents where education is headed — and what’s possible when innovation meets nature.” The event built excitement and transparency around the district’s Investing in Our Schools Bond progress, as the community moves closer to breaking ground in 2026. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Dunkin' Donuts.

Durango’s 22nd Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths display opens Monday, Nov. 24. Start off the holiday season with song at the Durango Business Improvement District’s annual community Christmas celebration, Singing with Santa. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County hosted a forum at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4031 in Durango, giving community members experiencing homelessness a chance to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and put a human face on homelessness. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and FLC Center for Innovation.

La Plata County experienced a 47 percent voter turnout with about 21,000 ballots cast out of more than 47,000 active voters for the 2025 local elections. The majority of voters were in favor of tax increases, mill levy changes, and reduced refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in exchange for improved county and city services. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and FASTSIGNS Durango.

The City of Durango seeks applicants for the Affordable Housing Planning Focus Group. Calling all Christmas elves and merry-makers! The San Juan Mountains Association requests holiday volunteers for its biggest fundraiser of the year. And Fort Lewis College invites community members to learn how rural communities can use AI to their benefit. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.