Ever wondered about the impactful work behind the scenes at La Plata County? Explore the heart of our community with Ted Holteen, the Public and Governmental Affairs Manager. La Plata County, spanning unincorporated areas outside Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango, and the Southern Ute Tribe Reservation, is actively engaged in diverse projects. From funding initiatives for affordable housing to enhancing road infrastructure, the county is dedicated to fostering a thriving community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Merely Players invites audiences to a unique and profound theatrical experience at the regional premiere of Bess Wohl’s critically acclaimed play Small Mouth Sounds. Set at a silent retreat, six individuals confront their suffering as they search for meaning and spiritual growth. Small Mouth Sounds runs from February 9th to February 18th at Merely Underground in the Durango Tech Center. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Celebrate the exceptional contributions of your favorite teachers through the inaugural Golden Apple of La Plata County Award! If your child is eligible for early access to kindergarten or first grade for Ignacio School District 11-JT, make sure your application is in by April 1st. Ignacio Youth Services offers a variety of programs designed to connect middle and high school students with their community and the outdoors. And we have your back for last-minute Super Bowl snacks. By Hannah. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The Payroll Department.

Purgatory Mountain Resort is hosting an early Valentine's celebration as part of its Elevation Series. The City of Durango's reporting tool, See Click Fix, received 660 requests in its first year, with top requests ranging from abandoned vehicles to snow removal, and the city's code enforcement team responds to requests within an hour. The Durango La Plata County Airport reported a record year in passenger traffic, with an 8.7 percent increase over the previous record set in 2021, indicating growth in leisure travel, and construction on the terminal development program is underway. And we have your back for Super Bowl snacks this weekend. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery, where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.