Durango Local News

Four Corners Writers hosted their inaugural kick-off event on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Cortez Public Library to celebrate the upcoming anthology, Four Corners Voices , featuring writers from across the region. Look forward to a collection of regional stories, essays, and poetry, arriving soon at local bookstores. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/four-corners...

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is seeking public feedback on its Water Quality Standards revisions. The 50-day public comment period opened Nov. 12 and will close Jan. 2, with a public hearing scheduled for Jan. 16 at 10:00 a.m.  Last month, the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum was awarded the 2024 Community Impact Award from the Association of Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums for its...

The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado announced record-breaking donations for this year’s Colorado Gives Day , with a 26% increase in donations to nonprofit organizations in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties. The annual giving day reported over $50 million in donations state-wide.  The City of Durango is seeking interested individuals to join a stormwater...

San Juan Mountains Association is holding its Christmas Trees for Conservation fundraiser. Come pick up your Christmas tree and support stewardship and conservation education on Southwest Colorado’s public land. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/christmas-trees-for-conservation This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Freddy's Frozen Custard...

Matt Martensen is trying to change the paradigm of internet monetization. His tech startup, User Cooperative , is a user-owned internet browser structured as a member-governed cooperative. He says trillions of dollars and our well-being are on the line. By Connor Shreve.  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino .  Support the show

Durango School District 9-R announced the purchase of a permanent home for Big Picture High School at the end of November. The new home, Unit 4 in the Coumbine Center, will provide the school with 12,698 square feet of space, which will be renovated before the school moves in Fall 2026.  County Road 251, also known as 32nd Street, has re-opened for the winter after construction work began on the r...

Technological advances in health care allow for better outcomes. That is one reason CommonSpirit Mercy Hospita l is embracing robotic technology in orthopedic surgery. The hospital is proud to provide the region’s largest array of robotics-assisted surgical technology. The advancements allow for less invasive surgeries, quicker recovery, and longer-term improvements. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this...

La Plata County holds much appeal for many, but the high cost of living and availability of affordable housing is a barrier, especially for professions such as teaching and school support staff. Ignacio School District 11-JT has found a unique way to attract and retain teachers - providing low-cost housing for staff, teachers, and their families. By Hannah Robertson.  Watch this story at www.duran...

All are invited to the Third Anual Round Dance and Native American Arts Market Saturday, Dec. 7. The event, presented by 9-R Native American Education and Native American Parental Advisory Council, will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Durango High School . Come learn about the traditional dance and support local Native artists!  Cold and flu season is firmly here, so it’s time to make...

Get into the holiday spirit with the 21st Annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths Dec. 6th through 8th! Put on by Community Connections and Our Own Lives , it’s a family-friendly fundraiser you can bring the whole family to. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-trees-and-wreaths-spreads-holiday-cheer   This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank .  Support th...

A beloved Durango tradition, Noel Night , returns on Friday, Dec. 6, in downtown Durango. Sponsored by 1st Southwest Bank and hosted by Local First , the event promises a day of fun with live music, s’more roasting, local shops and more! Find your holiday gifts and support local businesses this holiday season. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/shop-local-for-the...

Despite delay, uncertainty, Skyhawks racers rallied to win multiple medals. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/flc-cyclists-podium-at-mtb-national-championship   This story is sponsored by Fatsigns Durango and Crystal Mart .  Support the show

For anyone planning on traveling out of the Durango La Plata County Airport this holiday week, be aware of the new remote parking program that is new this year for Thanksgiving Week. Annually the busiest week for the airport, a new shuttled remote parking set-up is meant to help reduce parking angst in the airport’s current lots. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your travels to accommodate fi...

The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/local-food-farms-investment   This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room...

Do you have some art that’s “Good Enough to Eat”? Ignacio Community Library wants to showcase you with its newest exhibit, opening Dec. 2. Submit your art between Nov. 23-30 for inclusion in the show - all mediums are welcome, and there’s space for everyone! Show off your work for the community to enjoy.  The IDEA LAB , Ignacio’s very own makerspace, is gearing up for a year of making and explorin...

Come walkin’ in a winter wonderland during Noel Night Friday, Dec. 6 in Downtown Durango. The beloved tradition kicks off the holiday shopping season with a day and evening full of activities, special events, and sales from local artists, vendors, organizations, and more. The Durango Business Improvement District’s Holiday Rewards program also kicks off the same night - your holiday shopping has n...

Skyhawks golf waited nine years for a single win. It now has three in one season. Traejan Andrews, Tyler Tyson and Dimery Plewe all earned individual medalist honors in 2024. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/fort-lewis-college-golfers-wrap-historic-season   This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin Donuts .   Support the show

Ever wondered how small towns like Durango keep their economy thriving? Much of it comes down to local organizations like the Economic Development Alliance of La Plata County . By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/strengthening-durangos-economy   This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank .   Support the show

Kick off the holiday season with Singing with Santa on Friday, November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Buckley Park, presented by the Durango Business Improvement District . The Blue Star Moms of Durango is seeking sponsors for the Wreaths across America campaign to honor fallen military veterans. Southwest Colorado’s America 250 - Colorado 150 launch party will begin on Wednesday, November 20th ...

Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. B...

Durango local Charlie Newton grew up playing rugby in Missouri. Now he’s starting a rugby club of his own in Durango. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/scrums-rucks-locks-ready-to-try-rugby This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Durango Gelato, Coffee, and Tea .   Support the show

Durango Transit has seen yet another record-setting year, and is on track to exceed the all-time record number of rides set in 2023. However, without new grants or other sources of funding, the local transportation organization will go into the negative in 2026, and will need to start cutting back services. The Multimodal Advisory Board has come up with possible solutions, and will continue to do...

Everyone deserves a good book! Maria’s Bookshop is marking its 40th anniversary by launching Maria’s Literary Foundation , a new nonprofit dedicated to expanding book access across the community and Southwest Colorado. The foundation will focus on donating brand-new books to underserved communities. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/marias-bookshop-launches-new...

There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their vo...

Colorado Department of Transportation and Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are continuing work on the US Highway 550, Main Street, and 14th Street intersection. As of Oct. 27, the intersection will be closed for about 11 days while D&SNGRR replaces the railroad tracks as part of overall safety improvements to the intersection, so be prepared to take alternative routes during the clo...