It’ll be a year before any dirt-moving occurs, but behind-the-scenes work on the U.S, 550-160 connection at Three Springs is now underway with rights-of-way negotions and archaeological surveys. The $98 million project could be the first of many depending upon the election next week.

More and more colleges offer test-optional admission applications. We visit with the college counselor at Animas High School to learn about changing trends in requirements for college applications, and why students who don’t test well can still get into selective and highly selective schools.

The Southern Ute Museum is now open seven days a week. It’s permanent exhibit tells the story of the Ute people, but it also will offer rotating exhibits to entice you back. See what’s on display now, and stop by the gift shop, where works by Navajo, Pueblo and Ute artists are for sale.

La Plata Electric’s Mike Dreyspring explains the mission of the new Power Supply Committee and why it’s exploring alternative energy sources. Find the committee’s meeting agendas at lpea.coop.

The La Plata County Humane Society will host its annual ‘Bark-n-Wine’ fund-raiser on Nov. 10. Find out what the event supports, and where you can buy tickets.