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

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

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

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

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