WATTS UP: Increase Comfort, Save Costs

Durango resident Michelle Lachner suffered 40 years from nightmares, anxiety, depression, panic attacks and anorexia after a friend's brother sexually assaulted her when she was 16. Telling her secret was the first step on a journey to healing. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and FASTSIGNS

Topics in this week's Roundup include a COVID update, LPEA's Round-Up grants, and new license plates. Sponsored by Service Master Restore, Closets Plus, Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings, and the law firm of Downs McDonough Cowan and Foley, LLC

The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado offers support and understanding to survivors who've lost a loved one so that they once again can find hope and joy in their lives. Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals and The Payroll Department

With all the craziness of the holiday season, sometimes Fido and Fluffy may get themselves in trouble. La Plata County Humane Society Director Chris Nelson shares some of his top tips for ensuring that everyone has a safe and happy holiday. By Hannah Robertson. Sponsored by Closets Plus and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

The 6th Judicial District is one of only three areas in Colorado that does NOT have a place where child sexual assault victims can receive help and support in one location. A local non-profit, 4 the Children, wants to change that. Sponsored by Kroeger's Ace Hardware and Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Early plans are in the works for a proposed traffic-calming design along 32nd Street, with the goal of improving traffic conditions and reducing traffic infractions. Sponsored by Closets Plus and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

Express Employment Professionals of Durango presented the Durango Food Bank with a check for $10,000 as part of its mission to be active within the local community. Sponsored Express Employment Professionals and Serious Texas BBQ

San Juan Basin Public Health reports that area ICUs are near capacity. Sunnyside Gold Corporation agreed to a settlement with Colorado on the Gold King Mine Spill. And more. Sponsored by Service Master Restore and Closets Plus

A unique relationship between the 1st Southwest Bank and a sister community fund provides loans to entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to obtain a loan to start a business. Sponsored by Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley, LLC and TruWest Auto

During the early days of the pandemic, Karla Sluis, a local Zumba instructor, began teaching classes around Durango’s outdoor spaces. The classes encourage students to keep moving and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, in all seasons. Sponsored by Service Master Restore and Express Employment Professionals

The Four Corners Fencing Club has a GoFundMe project underway to raise money for new foils and to keep membership free. The club is open to people of all ages. By Hannah Robertson.

What would you plant first if you wanted to start a farm? The Bryant family planted 4,000 lavendar bushes on Los Miramontes Lavender Farm. Sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and TruWest Auto Outlet

We touch on a new CDOT mobile app, plans to stabilize Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde, how to earn cash rewards by shopping local, and more. Sponsored by Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

The San Juan Mountain Association harvests white firs from local forests to thin overgrowth, reduce wildfire fuels, and raise revenues during its annual Christmas Tree sale. Sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley, LLC

The City of Durango is taking some of the most aggressive action to date to address the need for affordable and workforce housing. Learn about the initiatives under way. Sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Payroll Department

Durango Transit received the 2021 Outstanding Innovation Award from the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies for their work adding the Three Springs route during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals and Closets Plus

In this edition of #LPEAwire, learn more about LPEA’s 2022 scholarships, help your neighbors keep the lights on this holiday season with LPEA’s Giving Tree program, and catch up on the latest with LPEA’s future power supply options. Sponsored by La Plata Electric Association

Visit the Festival of Trees to get into the holiday spirit and marvel at the inventiveness of this year's sponsors and the decoration themes they've created. The festival benefits Community Connections Inc. Sponsored by Alpine Bank

The Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation is one of the recipients of the Build to Scale Grant Program funded by the EDA. The grant will allow the Center to expand its current opportunities to include mentorship, more coworking spaces, and more partnerships with local and aspiring entrepreneurs. Sponsored by Service Master and Closets Plus

Farmington evolved from a rural farming community to a national energy hub when New Mexico’s first commercial gas well was drilled one mile south of Aztec on October 21, 1921. Sponsored by Traegers Bar and Three Rivers Brewing