The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Heather J. Shotton as the college’s next president at its meeting on April 11. Shotton formerly served as the college’s Vice President of Diversity Affairs and the Acting Dean of Student Engagement. She will be FLC’s first-ever indigenous president. By Ryan Simonovich. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

On May 15, Park Elementary students showcased projects celebrating Better World Week. As part of the EL Education (Expeditionary Learning) curriculum, a nonprofit that partners with K–12 public and charter schools to boost student achievement through a holistic approach, they engaged in service-based learning projects demonstrating how they contributed to making the world a better place. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and M&R Plumbing.

The TABOR and Gallagher amendments to the Colorado Constitution, along with several recent legislative tweaks to property tax law, have plummeted property tax revenues in La Plata County. Outgoing County Manager Chuck Stevens warns that county residents may have some tough choices ahead about the quality and quantity of services they want. By Deborah Uroda & Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

In a small rural town like Ignacio, opportunities for creative expression are limited. Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts wants to fill that gap. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.

Cyclists are gearing up for the return of the Iron horse Bicycle Classic, and LPEA receives a $2 million grant to launch a new battery storage project. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.