Durango Local News

 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. By Paige Sparks. Wat...

For over two decades, the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies has been monitoring Colorado's snowpack from weather stations on Red Mountain Pass. Their team digs snow pits every few weeks documenting dust layers, measuring snow crystals, and tracking how the snowpack reflects sunlight. This year they're recording unusually low snow conditions across the state while studying how dust pa...

This week in Durango highlights community leadership, small business support, and winter competition on the mountain. 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 from across La Plata County. On February 20th, the Seeds of Success DFM Summit takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at t...

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 wi...

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...

Several events are happening around Durango this week, including a weekend of on-mountain activities at Purgatory Resort with live music, après-ski parties, Telemark Telefestivus, and a V enture Snowboards demo day. The Powerhouse hosts its Power of Movement event celebrating the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 16th and 17th. Looking ahead, REMS Southwest returns to Durango April 14th and 15th wi...

Snowdown featured freestyle skiing events at Chapman Hill hosted by the Durango Winter Sports Club . The competitions included multiple age groups, with entry fees supporting local youth winter sports clubs and facilities. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Crystal Mart Support the show

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 remode...

What’s happening in Durango: From thrilling acrobatics to local art and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone! The world-renowned Peking Acrobats perform February 4th at the Community Concert Hall . On February 5th, Ska Brewing celebrates the Durango Independent Film Festival with a special Indie IPA release. The Rigamarole Art Exhibition opens February 6th at the Durango Creative...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is expanding its Range Rider Program as part of the state’s gray wolf restoration efforts following voter-approved Proposition 114. The program places highly trained riders in key regions to help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while supporting long-term coexistence. By Paige Sparks. Watch this story at durangolocal.news This story is sponsored by FASTSIGN...

Denkai Animal Sanctuary has received a $10,000 grant from the Doris Day Animal Foundation to help subsidize veterinary care for senior pet owners across the Four Corners. The funding supports income-based assistance for veterinary services and helps keep pets healthy and in their homes. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at durangolocal.news This story is sponsored by  Choice Building Supply and Sk...

This weekly bulletin offers a quick look at what’s happening around Durango and the surrounding area. From Snowdown events to live music, open mic nights and community gatherings, the roundup highlights ways to get involved throughout the week. By Paige Sparks. Watch this story at durangolocal.news This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and The Payroll Department . Support the...

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College presents Constellations of Place , a powerful new exhibition rooted in the landscapes and layered histories of Southwest Colorado. Curated by Dr. Meranda Roberts (Yerington Paiute, Chicana), the exhibition brings together more than 60 works from the Center’s permanent collections alongside contemporary pieces by 13 Native American, Indigenous,...

A new documentary is shining a light on the power of local journalism and its role in a healthy democracy. Truth Be Told screened in Durango this week, hosted by COLab, marking the first stop on a statewide tour. The film explores how local news helps sustain informed communities and why its future matters. The screening tour was made in collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonpro...

Snowdown is right around the corner with a brand-new theme and a big surprise for this year’s parade. Durango City Council locks in key decisions on 2026 lodgers’ tax funding, and your old Christmas tree can be recycled into mulch.  By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-prepares-for-47th-annual-snowdown   This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Assoc...

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chabad rabbis lit a public menorah in Durango in response to the Sydney terror attack that killed 15 people, including their colleague Rabbi Eli Schlanger. The event was one stop on the Hanukkah in the Rockies tour, with four Chabad rabbis traveling across the Western Slope to bring the warmth and light of the celebration to mountain communities. Each menorah lighting was de...

Pueblo Seed & Food Co . is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fre...

The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County seeks to raise $10 million to invest in early childhood development and care. Research for the council’s Strategic Investment Plan demonstrated a significant lack in available care in La Plata County and its effect on the local economy. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/childcares-effect-on-t...

Whole Foods Market may come to Durango as part of a plan to redevelop the Durango Mall site. Spine Colorado patients now have access to new spinal imaging technology. And Purgatory Resort announced its holiday event schedule featuring family-friendly activities and scenic winter experiences from December through the beginning of January. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes.   Watch this story at w...

The Festival of Trees and Wreaths kicked off the holiday season in Durango and Cortez as a fundraiser for Community Connections and Our Own Lives. By Sadie Smith.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-trees-and-wreaths-kicked-off-holiday-season   This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Kroegers Ace Hardware .  Support the show

This holiday season, the artists of The ArtRoom Collective at the welcoming halls of The Smiley are turning compassion into action. With many of our community members facing uncertainty and hardship, the Collective is reminding us how deeply connected we are—and how art can be a powerful force for hope. 18 local artists have contributed over $7343.00 works to a silent auction, donating 100% of the...

The La Plata Electric Association announced that it will not increase rates for members in 2026 despite rising utility costs. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. And Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall ’s holiday lineup includes performances by Santa Barbara’s State Street Ballet...

Ignacio Community Library will host a Christmas craft competition. Sky Ute Casino Resort ’s Shine Together Arts and Crafts Fair returns in December. And election results are in! The Ignacio School District No. 11Jt Board of Directors remains unchanged. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/christmas-craft-competitions-and-festive-fairs   This s...

The Durango Creative District recently hosted Super-Powered Sovereignty, a vibrant and empowering exhibition celebrating Indigenous comic book art. Curated by Andrea Descheenie, the event brought together a diverse group of Indigenous artists whose work explores identity, sovereignty, and cultural resilience through dynamic visual storytelling. Attendees experienced an array of original illustrati...

The Payroll Department and Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado ’s Pitch Palooza finalists presented to a full house. Fort Lewis College appointed Shawn Jakubowski as the new Director of Athletics. And the Durango Public Library seeks submissions for a writing contest. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/pitch-palooza-packs-house...