The Colorado Secretary of State is hosting a contest for a new “I Voted” sticker for this year’s elections, open to all enrolled high school and homeschooled students between ages 13-18. The La Plata Economic Development Alliance has announced the awards for the third round of the Catalyst Housing Funds, with two awardees from Durango and one from Bayfield. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles encourages Colorado residents to participate in the KOSI 101.1 Teddy Bear Patrol by donating new stuffed animals at participating DMV offices through Wednesday, September 4th, and the Wibit Aqua Park will close for the season on September 2nd. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and FASTSIGNS Durango.

Christopher Blevins, Riley Amos and Savilia Blunk returned to Durango following their Olympic mountain bike races. Durango’s Team USA members enjoyed a competitive respite following the Paris Games. Amos and Blevins joined group rides hosted by Durango Devo, a development program they participated in as kids. A formal celebration of all three Durango Olympians is likely to be held later in the year, after the cyclists’ competitive seasons end. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Freddies Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Durango School District 9-R has released a new plan to keep traffic congestion at Durango High School down during pick-up and drop-off. Durango High School and Miller Middle School students will have a staggered start, and separate zones for families to drop off. San Juan Mountain Association is offering an after-school program on Thursdays in September, October, and November. The Durango Education Foundation will host its Back to School Resource Fair on August 27th to help connect parents and students, and the Durango Derby announced the return of a cash prize and a new race for the 2nd annual Labor Day event. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing.

The Northwest New Mexico Arts Council is one of 100 nonprofits nationwide to earn a grant from Lowe’s Hometowns to invest in the community. The money is being used to develop the outdoor space at the newly opened historic Leanor Hotel. The space will be used to teach underserved teens service industry skills. The Leanor Hotel aims to be a safe gathering space for teens across the county. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Traegers bar.

The Durango Public Library has revised its materials review policy in response to new state guidelines that allow residents to challenge library materials. The policy mandates that challengers' names remain public and limits challenges to once every two years. This change comes amid a nationwide increase in challenges to library materials, with Colorado seeing 142 attempts to restrict access in 2023 alone. Library officials emphasize that the updates aim to enhance transparency and maintain access to diverse resources for the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Dunkin’ Donuts.