Watts UP: Employee Generosity

The Colorado Department of Transportation has three upcoming projects occurring in La Plata County this coming summer. Projects range from chip seal operations on US Highway 160, safety improvements along Main Avenue including single replacement and traffic flow enhancements, and completing the US Highway 160 and 550 connection project. The connection project at Grand View will improve safety and accessibility and will include wildlife underpasses and a planned extension to a four-lane highway. Julie Constan from the Colorado Department of Transportation provides insights into these crucial infrastructure developments, underlining safety precautions for travelers navigating construction zones. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango's The Women’s Resource Center is celebrating Women's History Month with a series of events emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The month kicked off with a chocolate and wine tasting on March 7th, followed by a photo exhibit at the Durango Public Library on March 12th. Additional events include a diversity panel on March 18th, a WomenAid fundraiser on March 20th, and the culminating Extraordinary Women Award Dinner on March 27th at the DoubleTree hotel, honoring women who exemplify the theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Soil Outdoor Learning Lab has reached its fundraising goal of $75,000 and plans to begin construction on a new Grow Dome, a geodesic greenhouse for year-round gardening, before the end of the school year. The City of Durango is seeking artists and creative teams to contribute art installations along three stretches of the Animas River Trail, with applications due by March 29th. Durango Hot Springs is reintroducing live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March, featuring various artists. Additionally, the Durango La Plata County Airport is recruiting up to 75 volunteers aged 18 and older for an emergency exercise training on April 17th, simulating a mock plane crash scenario. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Sky Ute Casino.

Ignite Reading emerges as a force against declining literacy, delivering personalized virtual tutoring for significant student advancement. With a focus on individual needs, Ignite closes reading proficiency gaps and revolutionizes educational outcomes. Ignite Reading recently held a showcase at Sunnyside Elementary School to offer 9R School District leaders the chance to learn more about the program. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings.

La Plata County Public Health Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community's well-being. Beyond behavioral health and communicable disease prevention, the department oversees on-site water testing, waste management, and rigorous restaurant inspections. Megan Graham highlights these vital responsibilities, emphasizing the department's commitment to the overall health and safety of the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango High School Troupe 1096 presents the satirical comedy musical Urinetown from February 29th through March 9th at Durango High School. Urinetown envisions a dystopic future where water shortages have led to government regulation and corporate control of bathroom use, and the divide between the rich and the poor comes down to the right to pee freely. The critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning musical is known for its clever storytelling and impressive musical score. Troupe 1096’s production will be sure to entertain audiences and make them think. For ticket sales and information on how to donate, visit Troup 1096’s website. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

The Fort Lewis College Theatre Department presents the award-winning one-act play The Wolves, written by Sarah Delappe and directed by Associate Professor Felicia Lansbury Meyer. The play features an all-female cast and centers on the conversations of a high school girls’ soccer team. The Wolves runs from February 29th through March 3rd at the Gallery Theatre in the Fort Lewis College Theatre Building. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

32 students from Ignacio Middle and High Schools attended the San Juan Basin Regional Science Fair at Fort Lewis College. A handful of students joined the competitive portion of the event, like Sophomores Evan Perkins and Max Montoya. Judges awarded Montoya and Perkins third place for their A.I.-based voice recognition project. The fair is a collaborative effort to encourage learning and exploration through the scientific process. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders from Olympians to big mountain film icons all competing on the world’s most iconic locations. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain venues from around the world, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Beverage businesses can lose as much as ten percent of revenue during January. But “dry-January” represents a trend that goes beyond one month. Drinking less, or not at all is becoming accepted culturally, and businesses are taking note. Tesstastic Mixers opened in October, with an equal focus on alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas BBQ.

The City of Durango plans to contribute $250,000 to the Housing Catalyst Fund to support housing projects in La Plata County, building on previous grants. The 2024 DurangoScape Conference theme centers on native plants and climate adaptation, with featured speakers including Ross Shrigley and John Wickman. Additionally, the Powerhouse received a $100,000 nonprofit grant to enhance its services, while the Colorado Department of Revenue announced the start of tax season for 2023 income tax returns. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino.

There’s something exciting about seeing a movie or a tv show and recognizing the landmarks. With the opening of a film backlot - a place created to provide a backdrop for a scene - in San Juan County, Four Corners residents may soon be able to see the place we call home featured on-screen. With growing interest in the film industry and tax breaks for New Mexico, San Juan County hopes to draw in both the shows themselves, but also the people who make the movie magic happen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Home2Suites.

Dan Korman, owner/broker of Alpenglow Properties in downtown Durango, CO, highlights a data packed episode outlining real estate numbers of 2023. Some of the stats include average price, number of sales, as well as some commercial real estate insights and predictions for the future. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties.

Durango School District 9-R has partnered with energy solutions provider Veregy for solar power and energy improvements across ten district schools and sites, reducing carbon emissions by 1,836 metric tons annually. Fort Lewis College will host a screening and discussion of the film "making of buffalo soldiers: reVision," exploring the complex history of the Buffalo Soldier regiments, followed by a panel discussion with artists involved in the creation of the exhibition. Amidst ongoing winter storms, viewers are advised to take precautions when planning winter travel, ensuring preparedness for snowy mountain passes and staying updated on road conditions and closures. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Experience MakerLab, a vibrant community fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation with shared tools and boundless imagination. Operated entirely by volunteers, MakerLab is a community-driven haven equipped with diverse tools for metalworking, woodworking, textiles, 3D printing, and more. From industrial sewing to cutting-edge 3D printers, MakerLab empowers members to bring their ideas to life. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Sky Ute Casino.

Ever wondered about the impactful work behind the scenes at La Plata County? Explore the heart of our community with Ted Holteen, the Public and Governmental Affairs Manager. La Plata County, spanning unincorporated areas outside Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango, and the Southern Ute Tribe Reservation, is actively engaged in diverse projects. From funding initiatives for affordable housing to enhancing road infrastructure, the county is dedicated to fostering a thriving community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Merely Players invites audiences to a unique and profound theatrical experience at the regional premiere of Bess Wohl’s critically acclaimed play Small Mouth Sounds. Set at a silent retreat, six individuals confront their suffering as they search for meaning and spiritual growth. Small Mouth Sounds runs from February 9th to February 18th at Merely Underground in the Durango Tech Center. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Celebrate the exceptional contributions of your favorite teachers through the inaugural Golden Apple of La Plata County Award! If your child is eligible for early access to kindergarten or first grade for Ignacio School District 11-JT, make sure your application is in by April 1st. Ignacio Youth Services offers a variety of programs designed to connect middle and high school students with their community and the outdoors. And we have your back for last-minute Super Bowl snacks. By Hannah. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The Payroll Department.

Purgatory Mountain Resort is hosting an early Valentine's celebration as part of its Elevation Series. The City of Durango's reporting tool, See Click Fix, received 660 requests in its first year, with top requests ranging from abandoned vehicles to snow removal, and the city's code enforcement team responds to requests within an hour. The Durango La Plata County Airport reported a record year in passenger traffic, with an 8.7 percent increase over the previous record set in 2021, indicating growth in leisure travel, and construction on the terminal development program is underway. And we have your back for Super Bowl snacks this weekend. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery, where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.