Katie Terrell Ramos started Mesa Verde Lavender in 2021 after falling in love with lavender and finding inspiration to start farming in Montezuma County. In 2023, Mesa Verde Lavender received a Field Work grant from the LOR Foundation to expand their fields and add drip irrigation for water conservation. Find Mesa Verde Lavender around the region at coffee shops, bakeries, and apothecaries. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and TruWest Auto.

The USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships are being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico May 3rd-5th. The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Cycling Team returns to the National Championships with defending road race National Champion Kellen Caldwell. FLC Cycling Director Ian Burnett says the Skyhawks have multiple racers who can win in both the road race and criterium. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Lake Nighthorse will open for daily summer operations on May 10th. Prepare for delays around the entrance with planned construction improvements. Durango-La Plata County Airport will close part of the overflow parking lot for paving work this month, plan accordingly if looking to park for travel. The City of Durango E-bike rebate program is open for 2024 applications, and if you’ve ever wanted to be on the big screen, there is an open casting call for Kevin Costner’s latest movie Wednesday, May 15th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill in Colorado prioritizes funding for various areas, including a significant allocation towards universal preschool programs and early childhood services. While this allocation enhances access to early childhood education, there may be potential increased childcare costs for younger children due to rising labor expenses. However, the bill also includes positive implications, such as increased funding for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and a pay raise for early childhood professionals through the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program. Overall, the budget reflects a commitment to improving early childhood education and childcare services in the state. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings.

Colorado Humanities partnered with Museum on Main Street to bring the exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” to Ignacio starting April 29th. Explore the history of rural America in the 20th Century and how it relates to the community of Ignacio with the month-long exhibit. Free Ute Language classes are offered every Friday through the Southern Ute Education Department to tribal members and employees. The Ignacio Out and Equal Alliance will host the first QueerMunity conference this summer, and keep an eye out for its monthly book club. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and The Payroll Department.

Nominations are now open for the Durango Education Foundation Outstanding Employee - make sure to nominate a teacher or staff member who has made a difference this year. Work on the reconstruction of North College Drive has begun - the summer-long project will update water and sewage systems and resurface the road. And San Juan Symphony has a summer line-up full of opportunities, from concerts to workshops and more. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Freddy Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The six-episode series chronicles how the craft brewing industry navigated the pandemic shutdowns. It revisits a series of virtual get-togethers that industry tastemakers attended to discuss issues related to the uncertainty of the era. The podcast was produced locally and features two Southwest Colorado brewing institutions, Ska Brewing and Dolores River Brewery. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

Amidst the COVID-19 aftermath, Medicaid unwinding poses a critical healthcare challenge. La Plata County Public Health aids residents in navigating this transition, ensuring equitable access to healthcare options. Despite an extension, misconceptions persist, potentially impacting millions nationwide. Through collaboration with the Department of Human Services, smooth transitions to alternative coverage options are facilitated, offering personalized assistance and translation services to all residents. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Last year, the Durango Education Foundation funded STEM sets for all seven elementary schools in Durango School District 9-R Now every elementary student in the district can experience STEM through tasks such as coding, podcasts, digital novels, circuit building, and 3D print design. The modern curriculum helps students, collaborate, create and problem-solve. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Freddies Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

Downtown Durango is bustling with upcoming events, including the return of First Fridays in May, where local artists and businesses collaborate for community art showcases. Meanwhile, road improvements on 32nd Street will cause closures until late 2024, aiming to enhance safety and accommodate high traffic volumes. Fort Lewis College will host the inaugural Four Corners Climate Summit on April 27th, featuring presentations by environmental experts and policymakers discussing climate change impacts in the Southwest. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Davis joins Fort Lewis College after leading the Northwest College Trappers for three Seasons. Her Junior College squad improved during Davis’ tenure as Head Coach. A native of Loveland, Colorado, Davis played at Thompson Valley High School before starting her college playing career at Gillette College in Wyoming. She transferred to finish her playing career as team captain at Division II Wayne State College. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates.

The Durango Spring Rewards Program is back as of April 1st where shoppers can earn gift cards by spending money locally at participating stores. The 28th Annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is happening the weekend of April 19th through the 21st. Durango Sustainable Goods invites you to an Earth Day film screening of Fashion Reimagined on April 12th at 6 p.m. New presidents have been appointed for Fort Lewis College and Pueblo Community College. Fort Lewis College has appointed Steven Schwartz as interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Pueblo Community College has named Dr. Chato Hazelbaker as president. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Dunkin' Donuts

The Wildwood Dance Project, a collective of local dance artists, is hosting a free film screening at the Smiley Building on Friday, April 12th at 7 pm in the Move Studio. The original films showcase the company’s philosophy of engaging new audiences with dance through collaborative multimedia projects. The company will also be holding open auditions for new dancers on Saturday, April 20th from 1-2:30 pm at the Smiley Building. More information about the Wildwood Dance Project can be found online. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Sky Ute Casino Resort.

Aztec Adventures three-race gravel series runs from April through October featuring the unique terrain outside Farmington, Aztec, and Blanco. The Galactic Grinder opens the action on April 6th with three distance options for riders of all abilities. Reliant on the energy sector for decades, the sandy washes and windy ridges surrounding Aztec and Farmington offer a scenic and challenging cycling arena easily accessible from a large portion of the Four Corners region. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Northern Edge Casino.

Animas High School’s Osprey Theatre Company is staging a showcase of original student work at the Durango Arts Center on April 5th and 6th. The evening will feature two student-authored one-act plays and a guest appearance by the AHS improv troupe. The AHS theatre program follows the school’s project-based approach, fostering student creativity and collaboration in all aspects of production. Tickets can be purchased on the Durango Art Center’s website. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ.

Alpenglow Properties, a leading real estate brokerage in Durango, Colorado, provides an introduction into various financing options tailored for new home buyers in the Durango Area. By Logan Shreck. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties.

The Ignacio School District has relaunched its rodeo club, providing students a unique opportunity to train in various events. Unlike traditional teams, this club offers individualized coaching, preparing students for independent competition. With a focus on skill development and community involvement, the club aims to foster a love for rodeo across La Plata County. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The City of Durango has reached an agreement in principle with Durango School District 9-R for the purchase of Buckley Park. Celebrate Arbor Day this month with an exhibit of local artists at the Durango Recreation Center, and design your own at the Tree Coloring Contest with Durango Public Library. Small business owners can take a free Sales Tax Fundamentals course, designed by OEDIT and the Colorado Department of Revenue, and the El Pomar Foundation is looking for applicants for the 2024 Penrose Organizational and Professional Leadership Experience (PeOPLE) program. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Mancos Common Press sits at the intersection of art and historical preservation. Over the past decade, the organization has revived the old Mancos Times-Tribune building and supported a thriving artist community around letterpress and printing. Now, they are expanding into affordable housing, with the new Mancos Commons project which will be completed in May. The Mancos Commons includes three one-bedroom apartments and additional studio space for the Press. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Lor Foundation.

The City of Durango's annual spring clean-up, starting April 1st, encourages residents to prepare items like furniture and large appliances for collection, reminding them to separate yard waste from scrap metal and follow guidelines for placement. United Airlines is launching seasonal nonstop flights from George Bush International Airport in Houston to Durango-La Plata County Airport, providing more travel options for passengers from Southeast Texas. Colorado's fishing license sale for 2024-2025 introduces a new regulation for Hermosa Creek, while Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado invites everyone to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala on April 18th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Dunkin Donuts.