Economic Outlook for 2018

This year’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was full of high spirits and sportsmanship. Racers shared their experience pedaling over Molas Pass, hard fought victories, and wipe-outs. Ian Burnett shared his inside knowledge as a former racer and current Race Director and applauded this year’s contestants. By Zach Marqua. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Sky Ute Casino

Team UP, a collective impact initiative of United Way Southwest Colorado, brings together other organizations to create positive change for youth in Montezuma, Dolores, and La Plata counties. Their newest projects include a scholarship program for summer camps, mental health vouchers for youth, and an app that acts as a hub for early childhood resources. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Keesee Motors

The Ignacio Community Library invites you to join them for donuts, books, and summer reading and music programs. The Ignacio School District, Southern Ute Tribe and other community partners have released planned summer enrichment programs for children and youth in Ignacio, and the Tribal Planning Department and Road Runner Transit have partnered to create more accessible public transit options, and for that they need your help. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates

Durango BMX boasts competitors of all ages and skills, reaching high levels of competition and renown, but the program stays true to its roots: that of a group of volunteers wanting to create a space for biking fun. From its humble beginnings as a vacant lot and some piles of dirt, the Durango BMX track is now a vibrant program offering coaching, camps, and education to anyone who wants to learn how to race the course. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

The City of Durango and Durango Fire Protection District have reached a proposed deal for the sale of the former Durango School District 9-R Administration Building. Before school’s out for the summer, make sure to get a Summer Bridge Program Workbook for your elementary- and middle-school-aged students to keep them engaged with learning over the summer. Come join the La Plata County Humane Society for its 19th annual Adopt-a-Thon event, helping find fur-ever homes for the animals at the shelter, and mark your calendars - ticket sales for San Juan Brewfest go on sale June 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino

Locally owned Bayfield Gardens is the preeminent place to buy the ginormous hanging baskets you see gracing finer establishments along Main Street in Durango, Farmington and as far away as Santa Fe. But there’s a catch: you must reserve the flower baskets one year in advance. For walk-ins, there’s still plenty to choose from: first-rate veggies, annuals, and perennials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

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