Durango Local News

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery , where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this...

Durango’s High Noon Rotary has announced its 2024 scholarship application is now open, with scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 available for both academic and vocational pathways. A new platform has launched to connect students with work placement opportunities. Sponsored by the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative , the new Career Launch Southwest platform is looking for businesses and...

Durango , along with Purgatory Resort , is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour . The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain...

In Towaoc, a recently built greenhouse known as the Growdome, built by Growing Spaces , is now growing fresh food for the Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center. Funded by the San Juan Basin Area Agency for Aging , additional indoor growing spaces are being built at Senior Centers across the region to engage the community and provide fresh produce for the elderly. By Ilana Newman.  Watch this story at www...

Longtime Ignacio High School Basketball Coach Lee Larson is recognized for his successful career at the helm of the I.H.S. basketball team. The Bobcats’ retired coach is now a member of the Ignacio High School Coaches Wall of Fame. Larson took the Bobcats to back-to-back State Championships, winning the 1988 state title. By Connor Shreve.    Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/le...

A grant from the Colorado Energy Office will allow the City of Durango to double the number of e-bike rebates for 2024. Speaking of bikes, make sure yours is ready to go, or try out the Way to Go Durango app for the annual Winter Bike-to-Work Day this February. And make sure your peace signs are polished and your headbands are tightened for Peace, Love, and Snowdown this weekend! By Hannah Roberts...

Throughout the years, the geothermal wells pumping heated water have bubbled up in the Animas Valley before cycling back down to the underground aquifer. Durango Hot Springs , purchased in 2019 and renamed from Trimble Hot Springs, has incorporated the natural flow cycle into the management of its soaking pools, all the while practicing a sustainable method of water treatment, creating a better so...

The Ignacio Community Library invites you to join the second annual fundraising gala, Denim and Diamonds, featuring local art, artists, and food. With winter in full swing, the Repair Cafe has moved to the first Saturday of the month to keep library staff, volunteers, and participants safe. With the recent snowfalls, Ignacio School District 11-JT is asking parents and guardians to make sure contac...

Alpine Bank celebrated its 50th anniversary by giving back to the communities of Colorado, distributing a total of $426,500 to 355 nonprofits chosen by its employees, including 14 in the Durango area. The bank, founded in 1973 by Bob Young, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, today seen in action through the Loyalty Debit Card program, which contributes 10 cents to a fund for local caus...

With snowstorms on the horizon, make sure to refresh where Durango’s snow routes are and check snow plow schedules with the City of Durango . Make sure that you and your students know how snow days are decided for Durango School District 9-R , and find answers to frequently asked questions online. And Southwest Conservation Corps are looking for folks willing to host corpsmembers for its programs...

Since its inception in 2015, The Elhi Community Center has focused on supporting communities in Southwest Colorado. The organization has a clothing closet and provides space for many small businesses and programs . In 2024, ELHI hopes to broaden its reach and continue serving as a venue for events ranging from concerts to classes and various kinds of parties. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at...

Durango School District 9-R invites the community to the grand opening of the Impact Career Innovation Center at Durango High School on January 24th. The City of Durango adopted the 2023 Multimodal Plan, which outlines community input-driven updates for an integrated transportation network, emphasizing expanded transit services and improved pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. El Pomar Foundatio...

The Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team heads into the new year on a roll, having won eight of their last ten games. The Skyhawks are relying on added depth and experience to improve their record in year three under Head Coach Taylor Harris. FLC faces a tough test in January, playing at home just twice with the rest of the games on the road. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durang...

Avalanche deaths reached near-record levels in Colorado during the 2022/23 winter season. Friends of the San Juans is doing its part to reduce that number this season by leading education and outreach efforts throughout the Four Corners. Despite low early-season snowpack, experts warn there is still a risk for slides. By Connor Shreve  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/avalanch...

As of January 1st, 2023, San Juan Basin Public Health will close its doors (metaphorically), and La Plata and Archuleta counties will take over providing public health services to their communities. La Plata Public Health Department has been working over the past year to develop the new department, staff the offices, and ensure the continuation of public health in La Plata County. While essential...

Every year, 11,000 people suffer injury from snow shoveling alone. With more snow, ice and colder temperatures comes a higher risk for drivers, pedestrians and pets. The Four Corners region has unique conditions that can increase certain risks. The Local News Network with the help of Visit Durango has gathered some tips to keep you safe, from the high desert to the high alpine. By Connor Shreve  W...

Durango Theatreworks , a sponsored program of Fort Lewis College’s theatre department, staged and recorded a radio play version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol that ran from December 13 to December 17 at the FLC Mainstage Theatre. The recorded version of the radio play can be heard on Christmas Eve on KDUR 91.9/93.9 at 4PM and KPTE 92.9 The Point at 7PM.  It will also be broa...

Submit your nominees for the Design and Development Awards for outstanding projects in the community for 2023. The City of Durango has a new, more modern look to the website along with improved accessibility. On January 1st, San Juan Basin Public Health will officially hand the reins to La Plata County Public Health Department and Archuleta County Public Health Department, with a slight transition...

The holidays are rapidly approaching and if you haven't found something for the loved ones on your list, there are plenty of local options to choose from. Local artists and entrepreneurs offer everything from bags, to candles, clothes and more. Mancos based Thread, Metal and Stone repurposes fire hose to produce sturdy totes and slings along with jewelry for active people. Claire West Studio...

The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit has experienced significant growth over the past four years. The event encourages women from the Four Corners area and beyond to network, connect with professionals, and celebrate the community of Farmington. The recent summit, themed "Balancing 'Act'," focused on the challenges of maintaining balance in life. Speakers included Mary...

The Methodist Thrift Shop , located on 2nd Ave. in downtown Durango, is a well-known, local, establishment known for its offering of low cost, second hand, clothing, books, décor, and more. What’s lesser known is how essential this non-profit is to the community. Methodist Thrift’s proceeds go towards supplying vouchers to individuals experiencing financial hardship, as well as large sum donations...

The Durango Poet Laureate Committee announced the first poet laureate and rising poet laureate, who will serve three-year terms writing poems for special events and occasions. The City of Durango adopted the 2024 budget at the December 5th meeting, and United Airlines has announced it will be starting twice-daily trips with the Airbus A319, the largest plane currently serving the Durango La Plata...

A low-cost spay and neuter clinic is coming to Ignacio this month, provided by the La Plata County Humane Society . Ignacio Community Library has a variety of craft opportunities this month to get that holiday spirit going (or to make that perfect gift!), and ring in the holiday break with Ignacio Schools ’ Bobcat Jingle Jam. The Southern Ute Tribe has announced the dates for the run-off election...

Lola’s Place , a staple of Durango for gathering for a cup of coffee or fresh tacos, is refreshing the customer experience for an all-season event. Over the past couple of months, additions and renovations to the inside have allowed for an increase in service from the bar, and expanded menus from Cuevas Tacos and Rokko Izakaya mean more hours and more opportunities to gather. Everyone is invited t...

Durango School District 9-R has begun moving the administration from the former, historic administration building downtown to its new location in Bodo Park. The City of Durango has announced a domain change to better assure residents of the authenticity of the website. Durango’s Business Improvement District is bringing back the winter rewards program , and celebrate the holidays with gingerbread...