WATTS UP: Increase Comfort, Save Costs

Five Escalante students who participated in the National History Day competition qualified to compete with students from all over the country this summer. Durango city council members are offering “office hours” to increase accessibility for community engagement, and mark your calendars for public comment sessions for the addition of workforce housing along Florida Road and County Road 250. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino

Lots of changes are coming to the Durango-La Plata County Airport, including a new radar project that brings more targeted forecasting to the Four Corners area. The airport is working with Baron Weather to install the new radar system, filling a gap in weather forecasting systems in the southwest. Previously, the closest weather station to the county was based out of Grand Junction, and the new radar will provide more accurate and up-to-date weather information for the Four Corners region. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

The Local NEWS Network stands in solidarity with the community of the City of Farmington and the families of those impacted as a result of the shooting on May 15th. Desert View Family Counseling, Totah Behavioral Health and Farmington Community Health have offered their services if you or someone you know are in need of help.

The Colorado Grain Chain is awarding four grants statewide to brewers or distillers who craft a beverage using exclusively Colorado grown grain. One grant will be awarded to businesses in each of Colorado’s major watersheds. The non-profit hopes the microgrant improves awareness for Colorado’s grain community. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The General Palmer Hotel invites you to come celebrate 125 years of providing hospitality and history to Durango. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the City of Durango for its 2023 budget, and registration for the Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days is now open. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and The Payroll Department

The Strater Hotel has recognized the Blue Moon Ramblers for working as the hotel's Sunday house band for over thirty years. Room 223 is now dedicated to the band. The suite includes a plaque on the door with the band's name, and portraits of the band and its founding members inside the room. The Blue Moon Ramblers are the first musical act to join more than 40 individuals or entities who have rooms dedicated at the Strater. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

Durango’s Shimmy Mob belly dance troupe is ready to showcase its new choreography for National Belly Dance Day. On Saturday May 13th, the group will dance at multiple stops in downtown Durango. The team's mission is to raise awareness and money for Alternative Horizons, a local non-profit that provides resources for domestic violence victims. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

The Durango Transit has announced changes to the Highway 160 and Mercy/Three Springs routes to better service its riders. Construction at the Durango Mesa Park has begun, and bump outs are back downtown - but look a bit different than they have the last few years. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

SunRay Park & Casino has unveiled its 24th annual racing season with a national assembly of young, majestic horses. Ten races are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until May 21st. SunRay Park also offers year-round simulcast horse racing, and over modern 400 slots. Margaritas and Tex-Mex are popular, as are the large-hearted staff. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Distill beer Wine and Spirts

Dolores Bike Hostel Owner Jacob Carloni hopes the hostel can help the local economy and add an unserved hospitality niche. Carloni believes the project also serves the county's economic development goal of increasing the length of stay in our county to promote local businesses. The Hostel will have a capacity of 25 people, with prices starting between $35 - $40 per bed, per night. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Keesee Motors

Durango Youth Soccer Association is the sports home of many local youths, from ages eight through high school seniors. The soccer club is a place for kids to learn how to be a team player, on and off the field, learn essential leadership skills, engage with the community, and above all else, learn to love the game. By Hannah Robertson. his story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

La Plata Electric Company has announced seven local high school students as the recipients of its annual scholarships. Fort Lewis College announced the appointment of its new provost this April. McPhee Reservoir announces its summer hours, and come join downtown businesses in celebrating the first, “First Friday” May 5th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

Durango Derby is focused on bringing big-time mountain bike racing back to the four-corners region with a unique new race format. The race features four stages in one day, that showcase Durango’s premium in-town singletrack. Organizers promise a “fun-forward” event that caters to pro’s, amateurs and spectators alike. Riders will be able to enter solo, or as part of a two-person or four-person team. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Wolves, in their haunting beauty and untamed wildness, are both a source of adoration and fear among people. At WolfWood Refuge, Paula Woerner and her team of volunteers provide experiences and opportunities for people to get up close with the animals that call the sanctuary home - ranging from full wolves and coyotes to animals that had to be surrendered due to inhumane conditions. One such educational event takes place annually at Purgatory Mountain Resort. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

Staffers at the Durango-based Adaptive Sports Association are reflecting on a memorable winter as the organization readies for its summer season. The association, which provides outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, hosted about 600 lessons this winter, as it trends back to pre-pandemic demand. Upcoming summer programming includes river trips, cycling tours, camping trips and more. The Adaptive Sports Association also offers programming that caters to disabled military veterans such as Team River Runner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

The City of Durango City Council election results were announced after a mandatory recount. A new energy contract might save the city $5.8 million over the next 20 years. San Juan Basin Public Health wants residents to be aware of animal-bourne illnesses and how to prevent them as the weather begins warming up, and come join Earth Day Durango on April 22nd for Earth Day-related activities in Buckley Park. The event is made possible by the City of Durango, Table to Farm Compost, the BringIt! Campaign, and the Durango High School Green Team. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Kroegers Ace Hardware

An employee thank-you turned event, the second annual Pagosa Triathlon organized by Pagosa Adventure advertised hot-air balloon rides, spring skiing competitions, and a rafting event. And then Mother Nature arrived, and the weekend event became a case study in changing plans. Although snowy fields and windy weather thwarted a few of the events, the triathlon teams still managed to find some fun, sun, and clear blue skies. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Author Mark Stevens makes his first foray into the world of baseball with his latest release: The Fireballer. The Fireballer is a novel about Frank Ryder, a tortured hero who grapples with talent, change and loneliness. Ultimately Ryder must come to terms with his circumstances to find peace off the diamond. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Big O Tires

Spring has sprung! It’s the end of the first quarter and I have some fantastic news! The average sold price of single-family homes in LPC, Durango, and Bayfield are all down in Q1 year over year. Find out more in this month’s episode of the Real Estate Update. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties

The heavy snowfall this past winter means a longer spring runoff season. City officials have already delayed the opening of Lake Nighthorse as the temporary road surface experienced damage over the winter, and some seasonal closures on Bureau of Land Management land are now extended to the end of April. Help to nominate the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for USA Today’s “Top Ten Scenic Railway in North America”, and spring clean-up has begun - make sure to check Durango Recycles for when to expect pick-up in your neighborhood. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings