Durango Local News

The Ignacio Community Library serves as a welcoming public space for the Town of Ignacio , focused on connecting people through learning and personal growth. With a diverse range of programs, including sewing workshops, book clubs, and a Repair Cafe, there is something for everyone. Exciting upcoming events feature a hands-on green chili sauce class and a virtual reality experience that will trans...

There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park . "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into H...

Ignacio School District returns to school on August 19th, with school sports starting August 12th. Take advantage of back-to-school events and resources at the Ignacio Community Library , including online resources for teachers and homeschooling parents. This fall will also see a return of after-school events at the library. The Ignacio Chile Fest returns for the eighth year at the end of the mont...

The Old Fort at Hesprus is offering a one-day Farmer Training Convergence geared towards individuals in Southwest Colorado. Fort Lewis College is looking for local businesses to sign up for a fall job fair, an opportunity for first-year students to meet and network with local businesses. Registration for the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance Summit is now open. And the county is lookin...

While Mesa Verde National Park is celebrated for its historic cliff dwellings and archaeological sites, many may be surprised to learn about the presence of wild horses roaming the park. The National Mustang Association of Colorado (NMACO) has undertaken the Mesa Verde Project to relocate these horses, aiming to preserve the park's cultural heritage. This effort is driven by the park's r...

Nearly a decade after the Gold King Mine spill turned the Animas River orange, cleanup efforts continue in Silverton’s Superfund sites. The Bonita Peak Mining District , a Superfund site encompassing multiple mines, remains a focus of extensive remediation. Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency , supports this effort through a Community Advisory Group (CAG) made...

Miller Middle School students will begin the school year in temporary locations due to fire damage to the new building, which has delayed its opening. The San Juan Brewfest returns for its fourth year on August 23-24, featuring over 100 types of beer and cider from more than 40 breweries. Safely enjoy the event with discounted designated driver tickets and various transportation options to avoid d...

La Plata County 's Road & Bridge Department spans vast distances across Marvel, Durango, Ignacio, and Bayfield, ensuring crucial infrastructure remains safe and reliable throughout the year. Managing over 650 miles of roads, including both gravel and asphalt, their efforts encompass everything from grading and snowplowing to long-term planning based on traffic and community needs. Despite...

Durango's Local First initiative unites 250 local businesses to strengthen the community's economy. Through events like Noel Night and First Fridays, residents are encouraged to shop locally, keeping money within the community. The Local First Foundation's impact fund, fueled by local business contributions, further supports community projects, ensuring sustainable growth and preser...

Six new outdoor pickleball courts are open at Schneider Park in Durango. The courts are part of a handful of improvements to the park, including new bike racks, play area, lighting, and landscaping. Building the outdoor courts reflects the growing rise in popularity of the sport, across all ages, and the location makes it viable for visitors and locals alike to pick up a paddle. The courts are ope...

On Saturday, July 14th, the U.S. Highway 550 Grandview Interchange opened with traffic shifting from Farmington Hill to the Bridge to the Future. Colorado Department of Transportation warns drivers to add extra time as everyone gets accustomed to the new traffic flow. Registration for all Durango School District 9-R fall sports is open - the deadline for registration is August 2nd. The City of Dur...

National touring film & arts fest Equus will visit the four corners for the first time on July 26 - 28 in Aztec, New Mexico. In addition to film & arts, the event will include panel discussions, visiting clinicians and a mustang summit to discuss management of the Jicarilla Mustangs. Local artists, filmmakers, policy managers and veterinarians will be on hand for Q&A sessions and panel...

Darrin Parmenter has been at the heart of gardening in La Plata County for 17 years. He worked as county director and CSU extension horticulturist in La Plata County for 17 years, in addition to co-hosting the Garden Guys radio show on KSUT. Now he’s coordinating Extension efforts across 16 western Colorado counties as Colorado State University Extension’s Western Regional Director. Extension prog...

The City of Durango has received grants to enhance bus safety and fund a specialty court aimed at assisting unhoused individuals. The Durango Problem Solving Court, supported by various local organizations, seeks to address chronic homelessness, untreated mental health issues, and substance dependence through a structured, multi-phase program. Durango Public Library experienced a significant incre...

Since the death of a pedestrian on Animas View Drive in 2023, there have been a number of safety improvements implemented by the City of Durango . Still, residents and safety activists say more needs to be done to make the road adequate for pedestrians and cyclists. The September 2023 accident is the focus of a recent outside study conducted by Strong Towns , inspired by residents who are asking f...

The Nurse-Family Partnership , provided by the La Plata County Public Health Department , offers essential support to first-time mothers in La Plata County. This program partners nurses with new parents to guide them from pregnancy through the child's first two years, providing resources for healthy habits, parenting confidence, and secure homes. Prioritizing Medicaid-eligible families, NFP c...

The first Píinu Núuchi Farmers Market and Outdoor Biz Lab launches July 12th, offering both vendor space for growers and makers alongside live business workshop demonstrations. Vendor sign-ups are still available through the Southern Ute Economic Development Department . Help Smokey Bear celebrate his 80th birthday with the Ignacio Community Library this summer with the Smokey Bear Reading Challen...

 The second phase of the Wolf Creek Fiber Optic Project has begun with work-related delays on Highway 160. Durango Public Library 's new EV charging stations are now operational, offering free charging until the end of July. Animas Museum will host a talk and book signing with Ed Horvat, author of Images of America: La Plata County , on July 13th. Three trails leading to Miller Middle School...

Durango Trails is celebrating the addition of two new trails at Animas Mountain. The Lupine and Merve trails add to the network of multi-use trails available from the Animas Mountain trailhead. The Durango Running Club celebrated with a group run on the Lupine Trail while Durango Trails hosted a mountain bike ride on Merve, a downhill flow trail. The grand opening marks the completion of three yea...

A $1.9 million project is underway at Lake Nighthorse to address entrance congestion issues and construct a more efficient decontamination station. The project is a cost-share partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Durango . The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club invites all to their 70th annual Gem and Mineral Show July 12th - 14th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events...

Durango has a little something for everyone this Fourth of July. Whether your thing is eating, live music, parades, or fireworks, with 30 different activities between July 3rd and July 6th, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The City of Durango , Business Improvement District , Durango Chamber of Commerce , and the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center have partnered together to p...

Community Connections is dividing its community-centered work with Our Own Lives to continue its long-standing support as part of an organizational redesign process. La Plata Electric Association is opening applications for the new Sunnyside Community Solar Program on July 1st, offering solar options for individuals and businesses who might not otherwise be able to access solar power. And the City...

Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of th...

With hot, dry conditions forecast in the months ahead, utilizing water efficient practices in your yard can provide major benefits. Though the Southwest climate makes saving water difficult, a rain garden can help lower your water bills, reduce water waste and mitigate flooding. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/maximize-water-use-with-rain-garden   This stor...

The Colorado Department of Transportation began chip seal operations this week on U.S. Highway 160, affecting approximately 36 miles between Durango and Mancos and Bayfield and Pagosa Springs. Table to Farm Compost now offers a bi-weekly pick-up option for curbside compost collection in response to customer feedback. The La Plata County Health Department warns residents about the risks of rabies f...