The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School. Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recognition. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Blondie’s Troph room.

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites you to come tour solar initiatives in the Durango area Saturday, Sept. 5! Learn about different sustainable energy initiatives throughout the tour, and wrap up the day with an evening soirée at the Smiley Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Keep your eyes out for the colorful balloons of the Animas Valley Balloon Rally Oct. 18-20. The annual event will feature two mass ascensions, several balloon glows, and free tethered balloon rides from the Animas Valley. The family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. San Juan Mountains Association is asking for donations of lightly used or new winter gear for it’s youth programs. All children’s sizes are accepted, to help keep the outdoors accessible to all regardless of background or economic status. Are you a book lover? Come join the Durango Public Library for the 12th Annual Literary Festival Oct. 5-19. The event will feature keynote speakers like Durango Poet Laureats Esther Belin and Zoe Golden, as well as signings with local authors, conversations, and writing workshops. All events are free, although some will require pre-registration. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and M&R Plumbing.

Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasizes the goal of Durango Devo remains fostering the love of riding bikes. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Rivers Edge Wellness Center is set to bring rest, relaxation and recovery services to a familiar location when it opens next month. New owners J.D. and Ashley Sutton bought the property two days after Woodhouse Day Spa owners terminated their lease with the building. Sutton says he will work with customers who have unused gift cards for The Woodhouse. Rivers Edge will offer massage, manicure & pedicure services, IV/IM therapy, a float pod and a Himalayan Salt room. Former Woodhouse customers will notice a revamped space when they enter. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing.

Pueblo Seed & Food Company has started roasting its 2024 chile crop. Owner Dan Hobbs has found an excited chile clientele since moving his company from Pueblo to Cortez in 2021. He’s also found Pueblo chile varieties thrive in Southwest Colorado. Hobbs will roast fresh bushells for customers on Friday and Saturday afternoons through the end of September. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/chile-season-returns This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big-o Tires.