Durango’s High Noon Rotary has announced its 2024 scholarship application is now open, with scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 available for both academic and vocational pathways. A new platform has launched to connect students with work placement opportunities. Sponsored by the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, the new Career Launch Southwest platform is looking for businesses and organizations to add to its postings! And join in with the conversations for events for the sesquisemiquincentennial commemoration - yes, that is a real word - with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino.

Durango, along with Purgatory Resort, is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain locations, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

In Towaoc, a recently built greenhouse known as the Growdome, built by Growing Spaces, is now growing fresh food for the Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center. Funded by the San Juan Basin Area Agency for Aging, additional indoor growing spaces are being built at Senior Centers across the region to engage the community and provide fresh produce for the elderly. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and FASTSIGNS Durango.

A grant from the Colorado Energy Office will allow the City of Durango to double the number of e-bike rebates for 2024. Speaking of bikes, make sure yours is ready to go, or try out the Way to Go Durango app for the annual Winter Bike-to-Work Day this February. And make sure your peace signs are polished and your headbands are tightened for Peace, Love, and Snowdown this weekend! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas BBQ.

Longtime Ignacio High School Basketball Coach Lee Larson is recognized for his successful career at the helm of the I.H.S. basketball team. The Bobcats’ retired coach is now a member of the Ignacio High School Coaches Wall of Fame. Larson took the Bobcats to back-to-back State Championships, winning the 1988 state title. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.