Durango Local News

La Plata County holds much appeal for many, but the high cost of living and availability of affordable housing is a barrier, especially for professions such as teaching and school support staff. Ignacio School District 11-JT has found a unique way to attract and retain teachers - providing low-cost housing for staff, teachers, and their families. By Hannah Robertson.  Watch this story at www.duran...

All are invited to the Third Anual Round Dance and Native American Arts Market Saturday, Dec. 7. The event, presented by 9-R Native American Education and Native American Parental Advisory Council, will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Durango High School . Come learn about the traditional dance and support local Native artists!  Cold and flu season is firmly here, so it’s time to make...

Get into the holiday spirit with the 21st Annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths Dec. 6th through 8th! Put on by Community Connections and Our Own Lives , it’s a family-friendly fundraiser you can bring the whole family to. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-trees-and-wreaths-spreads-holiday-cheer   This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank .  Support th...

A beloved Durango tradition, Noel Night , returns on Friday, Dec. 6, in downtown Durango. Sponsored by 1st Southwest Bank and hosted by Local First , the event promises a day of fun with live music, s’more roasting, local shops and more! Find your holiday gifts and support local businesses this holiday season. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/shop-local-for-the...

Despite delay, uncertainty, Skyhawks racers rallied to win multiple medals. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/flc-cyclists-podium-at-mtb-national-championship   This story is sponsored by Fatsigns Durango and Crystal Mart .  Support the show

For anyone planning on traveling out of the Durango La Plata County Airport this holiday week, be aware of the new remote parking program that is new this year for Thanksgiving Week. Annually the busiest week for the airport, a new shuttled remote parking set-up is meant to help reduce parking angst in the airport’s current lots. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your travels to accommodate fi...

The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/local-food-farms-investment   This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room...

Do you have some art that’s “Good Enough to Eat”? Ignacio Community Library wants to showcase you with its newest exhibit, opening Dec. 2. Submit your art between Nov. 23-30 for inclusion in the show - all mediums are welcome, and there’s space for everyone! Show off your work for the community to enjoy.  The IDEA LAB , Ignacio’s very own makerspace, is gearing up for a year of making and explorin...

Come walkin’ in a winter wonderland during Noel Night Friday, Dec. 6 in Downtown Durango. The beloved tradition kicks off the holiday shopping season with a day and evening full of activities, special events, and sales from local artists, vendors, organizations, and more. The Durango Business Improvement District’s Holiday Rewards program also kicks off the same night - your holiday shopping has n...

Skyhawks golf waited nine years for a single win. It now has three in one season. Traejan Andrews, Tyler Tyson and Dimery Plewe all earned individual medalist honors in 2024. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/fort-lewis-college-golfers-wrap-historic-season   This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin Donuts .   Support the show

Ever wondered how small towns like Durango keep their economy thriving? Much of it comes down to local organizations like the Economic Development Alliance of La Plata County . By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/strengthening-durangos-economy   This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank .   Support the show

Kick off the holiday season with Singing with Santa on Friday, November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Buckley Park, presented by the Durango Business Improvement District . The Blue Star Moms of Durango is seeking sponsors for the Wreaths across America campaign to honor fallen military veterans. Southwest Colorado’s America 250 - Colorado 150 launch party will begin on Wednesday, November 20th ...

Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. B...

Durango local Charlie Newton grew up playing rugby in Missouri. Now he’s starting a rugby club of his own in Durango. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/scrums-rucks-locks-ready-to-try-rugby This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Durango Gelato, Coffee, and Tea .   Support the show

Durango Transit has seen yet another record-setting year, and is on track to exceed the all-time record number of rides set in 2023. However, without new grants or other sources of funding, the local transportation organization will go into the negative in 2026, and will need to start cutting back services. The Multimodal Advisory Board has come up with possible solutions, and will continue to do...

Everyone deserves a good book! Maria’s Bookshop is marking its 40th anniversary by launching Maria’s Literary Foundation , a new nonprofit dedicated to expanding book access across the community and Southwest Colorado. The foundation will focus on donating brand-new books to underserved communities. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/marias-bookshop-launches-new...

There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their vo...

Colorado Department of Transportation and Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are continuing work on the US Highway 550, Main Street, and 14th Street intersection. As of Oct. 27, the intersection will be closed for about 11 days while D&SNGRR replaces the railroad tracks as part of overall safety improvements to the intersection, so be prepared to take alternative routes during the clo...

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...