Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made a stop in Durango this week to discuss his campaign for governor, touching on some of the most pressing issues facing the state. Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009, shared his vision for Colorado's future and what he says sets him apart as a candidate. Watch the full interview to hear where he stands. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.
The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies is documenting an unusually low snow year in Colorado. The team monitors how dust layers and temperatures affect snowmelt patterns, building on over two decades of data collection. Their research helps explain the relationship between dust, climate, and the snowpack that provides 70% of Colorado's water. This nonprofit shares their findings for free, offering valuable insights for water managers and helping us understand what's happening in our mountains. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Keesee Motor Company.
This week in Durango features community recognition, small business education, and winter sports competition. Southwest Colorado Rocks will host its Annual Awards Ceremony on February 19th at 5 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall, honoring outstanding businesses and leaders across La Plata County. On February 20th, the Seeds of Success DFM Summit takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, offering free workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for farmers, food producers, makers, and small business owners, with breakfast and lunch provided. And February 21st and 22nd, Purgatory Resort hosts the 23rd Annual Ski Bike Festival and Race in partnership with the American Skibike Association, bringing riders from across the country to compete in the longest-running ski bike festival in the United States. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The FLC Center for Innovation.
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.
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