Durango Local News

The six-episode series chronicles how the craft brewing industry navigated the pandemic shutdowns. It revisits a series of virtual get-togethers that industry tastemakers attended to discuss issues related to the uncertainty of the era. The podcast was produced locally and features two Southwest Colorado brewing institutions, Ska Brewing and Dolores River Brewery. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this sto...

Amidst the COVID-19 aftermath, Medicaid unwinding poses a critical healthcare challenge. La Plata County Public Health aids residents in navigating this transition, ensuring equitable access to healthcare options. Despite an extension, misconceptions persist, potentially impacting millions nationwide. Through collaboration with the Department of Human Services, smooth transitions to alternative co...

Last year, the Durango Education Foundation funded STEM sets for all seven elementary schools in Durango School District 9-R Now every elementary student in the district can experience STEM through tasks such as coding, podcasts, digital novels, circuit building, and 3D print design. The modern curriculum helps students, collaborate, create and problem-solve. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at...

Downtown Durango is bustling with upcoming events, including the return of First Fridays in May, where local artists and businesses collaborate for community art showcases. Meanwhile, road improvements on 32nd Street will cause closures until late 2024, aiming to enhance safety and accommodate high traffic volumes. Fort Lewis College will host the inaugural Four Corners Climate Summit on April 27t...

Davis joins Fort Lewis College after leading the Northwest College Trappers for three Seasons. Her Junior College squad improved during Davis’ tenure as Head Coach. A native of Loveland, Colorado, Davis played at Thompson Valley High School before starting her college playing career at Gillette College in Wyoming. She transferred to finish her playing career as team captain at Division II Wayne St...

Aztec Adventures three-race gravel series runs from April through October featuring the unique terrain outside Farmington, Aztec, and Blanco. The Galactic Grinder opens the action on April 6th with three distance options for riders of all abilities. Reliant on the energy sector for decades, the sandy washes and windy ridges surrounding Aztec and Farmington offer a scenic and challenging cycling ar...

The Durango Spring Rewards Program is back as of April 1st where shoppers can earn gift cards by spending money locally at participating stores. The 28th Annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is happening the weekend of April 19th through the 21st. Durango Sustainable Goods invites you to an Earth Day film screening of Fashion Reimagined on April 12th at 6 p.m. New presidents have been appointed for F...

The Wildwood Dance Project, a collective of local dance artists, is hosting a free film screening at the Smiley Building on Friday, April 12th at 7 pm in the Move Studio. The original films showcase the company’s philosophy of engaging new audiences with dance through collaborative multimedia projects. The company will also be holding open auditions for new dancers on Saturday, April 20th from 1-2...

Animas High School ’s Osprey Theatre Company is staging a showcase of original student work at the Durango Arts Center on April 5th and 6th. The evening will feature two student-authored one-act plays and a guest appearance by the AHS improv troupe. The AHS theatre program follows the school’s project-based approach, fostering student creativity and collaboration in all aspects of production. Tick...

The Ignacio School District has relaunched its rodeo club, providing students a unique opportunity to train in various events. Unlike traditional teams, this club offers individualized coaching, preparing students for independent competition. With a focus on skill development and community involvement, the club aims to foster a love for rodeo across La Plata County. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this sto...

Alpenglow Properties, a leading real estate brokerage in Durango, Colorado, provides an introduction into various financing options tailored for new home buyers in the Durango Area. By Logan Shreck.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/maximizing-your-home-purchase-durango-financing-options   This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties .  Support the show

The City of Durango has reached an agreement in principle with Durango School District 9-R for the purchase of Buckley Park. Celebrate Arbor Day this month with an exhibit of local artists at the Durango Recreation Center , and design your own at the Tree Coloring Contest with Durango Public Library . Small business owners can take a free Sales Tax Fundamentals course, designed by OEDIT and the Co...

Mancos Common Press sits at the intersection of art and historical preservation. Over the past decade, the organization has revived the old Mancos Times-Tribune building and supported a thriving artist community around letterpress and printing. Now, they are expanding into affordable housing, with the new Mancos Commons project which will be completed in May. The Mancos Commons includes three one-...

The City of Durango 's annual spring clean-up, starting April 1st, encourages residents to prepare items like furniture and large appliances for collection, reminding them to separate yard waste from scrap metal and follow guidelines for placement. United Airlines is launching seasonal nonstop flights from George Bush International Airport in Houston to Durango-La Plata County Airport , provi...

A look inside the La Plata County Fairgrounds , a historic hub of community events and engagement in Durango, Colorado. Learn about the array of activities offered, from rodeos and 4-H fairs to educational programs facilitated by Colorado State University Extension. Discover the fairgrounds' commitment to affordability and accessibility, making it the perfect venue for all types of gatherings...

Warmer days mean a switch in cocktail menus across the southwest. As National Cocktail Month gives way to April, bar managers add fresh and light flavors to their menus. San Juan Sips Owner Stephanie Sarussi takes a floral approach to spring drinks. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/celebrating-national-cocktail-month   This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace...

The 8th annual benefit for the Uncompahgre River and 18th Annual F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour recently took place in Ridgway, Colorado, supporting the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Attendees enjoyed diverse fly-fishing films while contributing to restoration projects and education initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of the watershed. Policymakers, including State Senator Cleave Simpson, em...

La Plata County has introduced the Wildfire Resource Center , an online platform providing comprehensive information on wildfire mitigation efforts, risk assessment, and preparation techniques for residential properties. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe 's annual spring clean-up is scheduled for April 18th-19th, offering services for tribal members and tenants within the tribal boundaries to dis...

Dr. John Hoerl of Durango High School has been awarded the 2024 Colorado Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives , recognizing his substantial contributions to the school's progress. La Plata County has launched the Wildfire Resource Center , an online hub providing residents with crucial information on wildfire mitigation efforts, funding opportunities, and tec...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,526 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2023, which is a 21 percent decrease from previous years. That’s largely due to healthy natural forage production last season. It’s still too early to tell how 2024 will shape up. The vast majority of calls involve bears trying to access human food sources, with trash remaining the number one source of conf...

The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre presents Hand to God , an irreverent dark comedy written by Robert Askins and directed by Fort Lewis College Theatre Professor Michael McKelvey.  Hand to God runs from March 15th through March 31st at the Durango Arts Center. This play carries a parental advisory for its adult language and content and is not suitable for all audiences. Tickets can be purchased on...

Durango is abuzz with sustainability initiatives and community development. Durango Green Drinks offers monthly gatherings for networking and learning about local sustainability efforts, hosting nearly 30 organizations throughout the year. La Plata Open Space Conservancy received accreditation, joining a nationwide network focused on land conservation. The Durango City Council approved an agreemen...

Durango-based non-profit Wheelie Cool operates with one goal: get more kids on bikes as early as possible. In past years, founder Fynn Funke has built trails near local schools to accomplish that mission. In 2024, Funke’s non-profit will host a series of week-long bike rodeos at Durango elementary schools to teach young students how to ride. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.n...

The Durango High School The Demons hockey team captured the 4A State Championship by beating Summit 4-2 in Denver on March 5th. The accomplishment came just two years after Durango moved from a club team to a sanctioned varsity team under the Colorado High School Activities Association regulations. The win marks a banner year for Durango Hockey, which celebrated major accomplishments across most o...

The Colorado Department of Transportation has three upcoming projects occurring in La Plata County this coming summer. Projects range from chip seal operations on US Highway 160, safety improvements along Main Avenue including single replacement and traffic flow enhancements, and completing the US Highway 160 and 550 connection project. The connection project at Grand View will improve safety and...