Durango's warming shelter is providing a lifesaving refuge for unhoused community members during the coldest winter nights. After years of discussion, the City Council unanimously approved the shelter following overwhelming neighborhood support with 88% of residents surveyed backing the initiative. The shelter opens when temperatures are forecasted to drop to 15 degrees or below, operating with trained coordinators and volunteers who provide transportation from the transit center, warm meals from Manna Soup Kitchen, and a safe place to sleep. Since opening this season, the shelter has seen growing demand, serving up to 24 people on recent nights, including families with children. The shelter is currently operating on a trial resolution, with hopes to secure a permanent ordinance if operations continue successfully. For those experiencing homelessness in Durango, this warming center represents more than just shelter — it's a compassionate response that literally saves lives. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.
KDUR, Fort Lewis College's radio station now in its 52nd year, hosts an annual cover night that has become a cornerstone event for Durango's music community. The tradition began when musicians from different genres came together to celebrate local talent by covering Neil Diamond songs, adopting the motto "local musicians unite." The event has grown so popular that tickets sell out within minutes. The fundraising event known as “Cover Night” brings together community members who play music for the love of it, not for profit. KDUR operates as both a college and community radio station, funded through student fees, fundraising and formerly the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). With CPB funding recently cut by the current administration, local donations and community support through events like cover night have become more critical than ever to the station's survival. Local musicians say KDUR serves a critical role in promoting area concerts and providing airplay for local recordings, making it essential to keeping Durango's music scene active. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Tafoya Barrett and Associates PC.
Several events are happening around Durango this week, from on-mountain activities at Purgatory Resort to family-friendly programming at The Powerhouse and upcoming health services in April. Purgatory Resort hosts a full weekend of events Saturday and Sunday, including live music, après-ski parties, Telemark skiing celebrations, and snowboard demos. The Powerhouse celebrates the 2026 Winter Olympics with hands-on activities for all ages, and REMS Southwest returns to Durango in April offering radiation-free bone health screenings. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Crystal Mart.
The Durango Winter Sports Club hosted a Snowdown freestyle skiing event at Chapman Hill, featuring competitions for kids, teens, and adults. Entry fees from the event went directly back into local youth winter sports clubs and facilities, supporting course maintenance and athlete development. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Crystal Mart.
Manna Soup Kitchen has expanded its mission to address housing insecurity in La Plata County. The organization recently received a donated residential property with four units where tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. Built in the late 1800s, the home has already seen improvements including driveway replacement, roof repairs, and radon mitigation. This year, Manna plans to remodel two units and replace exterior siding. Manna welcomes donations of building supplies, services, and financial gifts to expand the program. Contact Joseph Kuzma at 970-385-5095 or Marketing@Mannasoupkitchen.com. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.
