Durango Local News

Technological advances in health care allow for better outcomes. That’s one of the reason’s Common Spirit Mercy hospital 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.  Watc...

After nearly two decades of building and maintaining world-class trails in Durango, Mary Monroe Brown is stepping away as executive director of Durango Trails . Find out how her leadership has transformed outdoor recreation in the region, the impact she’s had on volunteers and the community, and what her legacy means for the future of Durango’s trails. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.dura...

If the tree in your yard likes to hold onto leaves past the Annual Fall Clean-Up, never fear! The City of Durango has partnered with Table to Farm Compost to offer free curbside pick-up of leaves through Nov. 29th.  The 21st Annual Festivals of Trees and Wreaths is on the lookout for sponsors for the holiday event. This year, the festival will benefit both Community Connections and the new non-pro...

Durango’s arts and culture scene is growing stronger, thanks to the support of the Lodgers' Tax . Funding from the tax has brought new murals and sculptures to public spaces, supported events like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and provided financial backing for local artists, non-profits, and businesses. It’s not just about adding visual appeal—this tax is driving professional training, econom...

The seven-mile stretch of Highway 160 east of Elmore’s Corner has been the focus of local officials for nearly ten years. Now, thanks to funding from the bi-partisan Federal Infrastructure Bill, improvements will begin in 2027. A Colorado Department of Transportation study found that, over a four-year period, there was one deadly accident and four serious ones on this particular stretch of road. I...

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado provides youth in the county with mentorship, community, and opportunities that they might not otherwise have. And it’s not just the kids who benefit - the mentors do too! After the very successful Big Swing Tournament fundraiser at the end of August, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with First Tee Four Corners and the Fort Lewis College golf team f...

Vampires, mystery, and theater, oh my! Ignacio Community Library invites you to the Halloween Mystery Dinner Saturday, Oct. 27. Can you sleuth out the answer to the mystery before time is up?  Restock your TBR at the Ignacio Friends Bookstore. A constant revolving door of new books, there’s sure to be something that will keep you company whether you’re in the mood for some romantasy, a chilling th...

Time to get your Ticket to Ride for Snowdown: The Board Game Edition: It’s Your Move! The kick-off party Wednesday, Oct. 9 marks the start of the festivities for the 2025 event, including the unveiling of this year’s poster. Don’t pass Go! and collect your $200 until you’ve marked key dates in your calendar, or you’ll be Sorry you missed it!  For one day only, the Super Amazing Extraordinary Art S...

Fenceline Cider’s Community Pick Program returns after a successful 2023 harvest season, in which it gathered more than forty thousand pounds of apples from the local community. The initiative invites area residents with apple trees to donate their harvests to be used as part of the company's ciders. Fenceline says it helps reduce the amount of local fruit that might go unused after ripening....

Open enrollment for health insurance is quickly approaching. From November 1st to January 15th, individuals can secure 2025 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado Connect. La Plata County’s Public Health Department offers an Insurance Literacy Program to guide residents toward the best coverage options. This year brings important updates, including expanded eligibility for DACA r...

Professional boxing is making its return to Durango with the Legends on the Animas event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Many of us recognize the mural of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey on the side of El Rancho Tavern, where he fought back in 1915. Durango’s wild western history is well-known, but this will be the first professional boxing event since Dempsey’s time. On October 12th at the La Plata County F...

The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School . Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recogniti...

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites you to come tour solar initiatives in the Durango area Saturday, Sept. 5! Learn about different sustainable energy initiatives throughout the tour, and wrap up the day with an evening soirée at the Smiley Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Keep your eyes out for the colorful balloons of the Animas Valley Balloon Rally Oct. 18-20. The annual eve...

Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasiz...

Rivers Edge Wellness Center is set to bring rest, relaxation and recovery services to a familiar location when it opens next month. New owners J.D. and Ashley Sutton bought the property two days after Woodhouse Day Spa owners terminated their lease with the building. Sutton says he will work with customers who have unused gift cards for The Woodhouse. Rivers Edge will offer massage, manicure &...

Pueblo Seed & Food Company has started roasting its 2024 chile crop. Owner Dan Hobbs has found an excited chile clientele since moving his company from Pueblo to Cortez in 2021. He’s also found Pueblo chile varieties thrive in Southwest Colorado. Hobbs will roast fresh bushells for customers on Friday and Saturday afternoons through the end of September. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at w...

Up, up, and away! The Durango-La Plata County Airport is one of eight regional and municipal airports in Colorado that received part of a $100 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration . The funding will directly cover Phase 1B of the Terminal Expansion Project.  Durango School District 9-R received a grant from the Carton Council , part of ongoing efforts across the district to reduc...

Do you ever find yourself thinking “river thoughts” like Edward Abbey? A new mural along the River Trail encourages just that. Located just south of Santa Rita Park, local artist Mariah Kaminsky painted a tribute to the late author, incorporating the Desert Solitaire quote, “I chose to listen to the river for a while, thinking river thoughts, before joining the night and stars.” The mural serves a...

The 2024 Aztec Indigenous Arts Festival features local Indigenous artists, performers and culture on Saturday, September 14. This version of the festival features the largest variety of entertainment in its history. With headlining acts scheduled throughout the day, the 2024 Aztec Ruins Cultural Indigenous Arts Festival plans to move attendees in all manner of motif. Featured performers include re...

The Ignacio Community Library and Ignacio High School Science are co-hosting an International Observe the Moon Night event on September 14th at Shoshone Park, offering a variety of activities including rocket launching and moon observation. Southern Ute Shared Services announced that the broadband project, which aims to improve digital infrastructure in the area, is progressing with Phase Two, off...

Miller Middle School students and staff will transition to their new campus on September 24th, after starting the school year at Durango High School . The Durango Kennel Club is offering a rattlesnake avoidance clinic for dogs on September 14th, teaching them to avoid snakes through scent, sound, and sight training. Our Own Lives is hosting open houses this month to help local businesses create in...

School is officially back in session! On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Durango Education Foundation held its annual Back to School Fair at the La Plata County Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Office . The event, sponsored by Central Bank , offered families a chance to explore resources for a successful school year, with interpretation services available for non-English speakers. The fair features school representa...

Fort Lewis College has partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish a new nursing training facility on its campus. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper toured the facility on Aug. 29, highlighting the importance of local educational opportunities in retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. $1.3 million in federal funding will support the CU Nursing Fort Lewis Col...

The 5th annual Men in Heels Fundraiser will take place on September 10th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds , supporting the Women’s Resource Center with a fun, competitive event. The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun safety improvements on Cascade Curve on U.S. Highway 550, involving the installation of a permanent concrete barrier to reduce accidents. Durango Parks and Recreation s...

Wildfires are an increasing threat, but with the right precautions, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk. Through the  Firewise  program, local communities are learning to create defensible spaces around their homes, which can be the difference between survival and disaster. By clearing flammable debris and following expert guidelines, residents can not only protect their properties but...