Durango Local News

Five of Colorado’s best photographers will showcase their work at the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown . The Durango art scene prepares for holiday markets with open calls for artist applications. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/five-colorado-photographers-...

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-has-work-ahead-as-international-mountain-bike-championshi...

La Plata County operates on revenues based on a tax rate set more than 40 years ago. With rising costs of services and supplies, the county commissioners say it’s time for an update and have asked voters to consider a yes vote for a proposed one-cent sales-tax increase. Without it, the county faces significant service cuts that will affect every county resident. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hugh...

Greyhound expanded its services in the Four Corners Region with a new bus route. Best of Fest 2025 showcases the best short films from the Durango Independent Film Festival . And celebrate the start of ski season at Purgatory Resort with opening day activities. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/traveling-from-albuquerque-to-durango-just-g...

San Juan Circus is a Durango aerial studio that offers classes for acrobats of any skill level as well as performances at public events, private parties, and local venues. Owner and coach, Cynthia Bae, leads the development of this new aerial community. By Zachary Marqua.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/aerial-acrobatics-take-flight-in-durango   This story is sponsored by Ha...

In 2022 voters passed proposition FF, the Healthy School Meals for All program, which funded free school meals for all students regardless of household income. The program became increasingly popular and has reached a funding shortfall. The program’s continuation relies on voter approval of Proposition LL and Preposition MM on the November ballot. By Sadie Smith.   Watch this story at www.durangol...

Join Three Springs 19th Annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Durango Friends of the Library will host its third book sale of 2025 this November. And the Colorado State University Extension of La Plata County brings a statewide agriculture conference to Durango. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/women-in-ag-conference-comes-to-la-pl...

What would happen if a book of spells came to life? Find out at San Juan Circus’ aerials and acrobatics shows on Friday, October 31. The Young Professionals of Durango will host its annual “Falliday Party.” And learn how you can support music education at the iAM MUSIC ’s fundraiser. By Rachel Hughes.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/what-if-a-spellbook-suddenly-came-to-life...

Durango’s Hive buzzes with energy as young people participate in after-school programs, art and music workshops, and work with mentors to learn to express themselves, build confidence, and find community. Check out the Hive’s new space at its open house Nov 1. By Paige Sparks.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/sonic-booms-learning-through-failure-and-freedom-to-be   This stor...

Durango Fire and Rescue seeks voter support for a property-tax increase to fund a new fire station in Three Springs . Durango Fire Protection District Fire Chief Randy Black says the station could save lives and would cost less than a large Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latté per week. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/faster-emergency-respons...

Explore artist studios and connect with local artists at the 2025 Durango Open Studio Tour . Authors, writers, and literature lovers are invited to Durango Public Library ’s Literary Festival. And the Payroll Department and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado launched an interactive grantmaking initiative that replaces “Meet Your Match.” By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.duran...

Some of Colorado’s most magnificent trees are growing right here in Southwest Colorado. The Colorado Tree Coalition has documented more than 800 of these Champion Trees . By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/colorados-champion-trees   This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers . Support the show

The 17th Annual Apple Days Festival will be at a new location this year. West Coast swing dancers from across the Four Corners are invited to learn from champion-level dancers at Swing Days Ablaze . And the La Plata Electric Association will host a series of free events this October. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/new-location-for-appl...

This week's News Roundup explores an exhibit of historical and contemporary Navajo weavings that will change the way you think artistic craft. Build-a-Palooza ? What is it? And join the Bike Parade in anticipation of Durango's selection as host of the 40th annual International Mountain Bike Championship. By Deborah Uroda, LNN Chief News Officer.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news...

The Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association held its annual Pickleball Tournament at Schneider Park. The Tournament raised funds to benefit the Durango Dementia Coalition . By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-pickleball-tournament-raises-thousands-for-dementia-care   This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardwa...

Fort Lewis College has welcomed its first cohort of nursing students with the opening of its new nursing hall. The program addresses  the regional nursing shortage. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/fort-lewis-takes-a-shot-at-regional-nursing-shortage   This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Sky Ute Casino . Support the show

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District seeks voter support for a tax increase. The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites the community to learn about solar energy at its Beyond Solar Tour and Gathering. And HomeToGo highlights several Colorado destinations on its Fall Foliage Index. Learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/upper-pine-...

During the  2025 W.E. Rock Grand Nationals on Sept.5-7 in Chokecherry Canyon at Brown Springs, competitors from across the country tackled rocky ledges, massive drops, and boulder-strewn ascent courses in their specially made rock-crawling machines. Watch their courageous driving. By Paige Sparks. Watch this story at  www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/rock-crawlers-conquer-chokecherry-canyon This...

Animas High School released a seven-episode podcast titled, “Beyond the Bell.” The Durango Arts Center ’s Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival returns for its 31st year. And low-income residents may receive free, 12-month passes for Durango Transit. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/animas-high-school-releases-beyond-the-bell-podcast   Thi...

Sustainable economic development requires a workforce that can afford to set down roots, raise their families, and grow their businesses. That's the premise of the 18th annual Alliance Summit theme, “ Rooted in Community ,” the La Plata Economic Development Alliance 's annual conference on Sept. 11 at the Sky Ute Events Center in Ignacio. By Deborah Uroda.   Watch this story at www.duran...

Durango School District kindergarten reading proficiency jumped 39% in just one year thanks to the Orton-Gillingham literacy approach, with students of all ages showing impressive gains. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/early-reading-scores-soar-in-durango-schools   This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Tafoya Barrett & Associates...

The Women’s Resource Center will host its 2025 Chocolate and Wine Tasting at Animas Chocolate. The Washington Post published an opinion piece by Four Corners resident Maddy Butcher. The City of Durango seeks volunteers to count bicyclists and pedestrians. By Rachel Hughes.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/lose-your-soul-to-chocolate-for-womens-advocacy   This story is sponso...

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up ? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/swco-united-way-expands-...

Wildfire smoke can cause significant health concerns especially if you have underlying health conditions. Here is what you need to know if you are in the path of wildfire smoke. By Sadie Smith.   Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/health-effects-of-wildfire-smoke-when-its-too-dangerous-outside-to-breathe   This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburger...

The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is back this Labor Day weekend. The Sundog Gallery honors the late Stanton Englehart. And the Fort Lewis College director of athletics stepped down from his role in Durango to accept a new position. By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/rev-up-your-labor-day-with-races-and-rodeos   This story is sponsored by Payroll Department an...