Nearly three years after the historic administrative building was sold to the city of Durango, Durango School District 9-R has opened a new headquarters. 46 district employees work out of the new, smaller building, located in Bodo Park. Departments in the new facility include the superintendent, executive team, communications, curriculum and instruction, student support services, human resources, finance, safety and security, and the Durango Education Foundation. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Fort Lewis College Professor Justin McBrayer has won a prestigious award from the Fulbright Program. McBrayer will spend a term in Italy both conducting research and teaching at the University of Genoa, Italy in 2025. This is the second time McBrayer has received an award from the prestigious Fulbright Program, which is “devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” McBrayer said the award will allow him to continue exploring the issue of misinformation and fake news. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Purgatory Mountain Resort looks to kick off the summer season on June 15th, with the Sunset Shred offering extra hours for mountain biking in July. Clean Commute Day is back on Wednesday, June 25th with a day full of activities. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has opened the second round of Clean Fleet and Technology grants to incentivize the purchase of more environmentally friendly fleet vehicles. And the Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that the Grandview Bridge switch will be postponed to the middle of the month due to delays in lighting at the Grandview Roundabout. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino.

The La Plata County Public Health Department’s Harm Reduction program is actively addressing the opioid crisis by providing life-saving tools, such as Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, and creating a non-judgmental space for people struggling with substance use. The program offers essential support, including sterile supplies and education, to reduce infectious diseases and overdose deaths. The Harm Reduction program highlights the importance of meeting people where they are in their substance use journey and emphasizes the protective Good Samaritan law, which encourages people to seek help without fear of criminal charges. The program's efforts significantly increase the likelihood of individuals accessing treatment and reducing substance use. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango High School has been ranked in the top 10% of public high schools in the country. The U.S. News & World Reports methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness, reading, math and science proficiency, reading, math and science performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates. The rankings also put D.H.S. in the top 9% of Colorado public high schools. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Freddies Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

If you're hiking with your dog this summer, consider the Durango Kennel Club's rattlesnake avoidance clinic this weekend to keep your pet safe. The City of Durango has launched an online questionnaire for the preliminary design of the 600 and 700 blocks of Main Street, with feedback influencing the project's priorities and a chance to win gift cards. Additionally, the Summer Food Program, starting June 3rd, will provide meals to children at Fanto Park, Monday through Thursday, until August 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Serious Texas B-B-Q.

Celebrate La Plata County Humane Society's annual Adopt-A-Thon, the largest pet adoption event of the year! From June 7th to 8th, explore reduced prices, local vendors, and store-wide sales at the Humane Society Thrift Store. With a goal of finding homes for 50 pets, this event offers a straightforward adoption process, ensuring all animals are vaccinated and microchipped. Supported by sponsors and vendors, this event commemorates 20 years of community support, providing an opportunity to give deserving pets a loving home. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Payroll Department.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is this Saturday, May 25th. The Colorado Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that US Highway 550 will be closed to vehicles between Purgatory Ski Resort and Silverton during the event. The second annual Healing Field, put on by the Blue Star Moms of Durango, will be on display for Memorial Weekend at Santa Rita Park in honor of fallen veterans. The Boggy Draw trail system is open to the public again after conducting a prescribed fire across over one thousand acres to mitigate future fire risks. The Durango Chamber of Commerce is asking for volunteers this Friday, May 24th, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to help with its 21st annual Downtown Clean Day. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Montezuma Rising is a community music festival in the heart of downtown Mancos featuring the bands Desert Child, Ora, Desiderata, Le Trebuchet, Proud Mother and Influsense. The El Rio Cantina will host the after-party featuring DJ BADGOAT. The fest will also spotlight local non-profits and community organizations doing great things for Montezuma County, and is spearheaded by Fenceline Cider. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

The completion of the overpass represents a significant milestone for the community, symbolizing its transformation from the 'Bridge to Nowhere' to the 'Bridge to the Future.' The recent event hosted by the Colorado Department of Transportation offered the public an early glimpse of the new highway and bridge, showcasing advancements in safety and wildlife protection. As traffic prepares to shift to the new interchange, CDOT project crews are ready to initiate the reclamation of US Highway 550 along Farmington Hill. With optimism for the project's future success, CDOT anticipates a safer and more reliable transportation route for the region, marking a promising chapter for the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

“Crossroads: Change in Rural America” a Colorado humanities tour, runs through June 2nd at the Ignacio Community Library. The exhibit features local events designed to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition, which focuses on the importance of rural culture in southwest Colorado. Topics of exploration include environment, community and Ignacio’s timeline. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Freddies Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

Durango Transit and the City of Durango will once again offer free transit on all fixed routes and free parking along select streets in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and encourage public transit use. At a recent visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, Senator Michael Bennet and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton announced $2.3 million in funding for the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project. Durango High School Troup 1096 received four nominations at the annual Bobby G High School Theatre Awards, including the Bobby G equivalent of an Oscar nod. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and The Payroll Department.

Students from Ignacio School District 11-JT have received awards and recognition from Masonic awards to Skills USA placement to student-athletes signing for collegiate-level play. The Ignacio Community Library is offering a Garden to Kitchen event to teach you how to grow your own food. And on April 30th the new broadband network on the Southern Ute Reservation was activated. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and The Payroll Department.

May is motorcycle awareness month, and the Colorado Department of Transportation has a list of tips to keep both motorcyclists and drivers safe on the roads this summer. Nominations are now open for the Library Community Champion Award, celebrating the volunteer efforts that keep Durango Public Library running smoothly. And make sure to grab tickets for the 11th annual Gardens on Tour with the Durango Botanic Gardens. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

The La Plata County Office of Emergency Management conducted its annual emergency evacuation exercises, focusing on preparing businesses in Bodo Park for potential emergencies like fires. Participants engaged in immersive simulations to experience evacuation scenarios firsthand, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. While many have evacuation plans for their homes, the exercises highlighted the need for workplace evacuation plans. Strengthening communication between residents and local agencies remains a top priority, with CodeRED serving as an electronic emergency notification system for prompt dissemination of critical alerts. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Katie Terrell Ramos started Mesa Verde Lavender in 2021 after falling in love with lavender and finding inspiration to start farming in Montezuma County. In 2023, Mesa Verde Lavender received a Field Work grant from the LOR Foundation to expand their fields and add drip irrigation for water conservation. Find Mesa Verde Lavender around the region at coffee shops, bakeries, and apothecaries. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and TruWest Auto.

The USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships are being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico May 3rd-5th. The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Cycling Team returns to the National Championships with defending road race National Champion Kellen Caldwell. FLC Cycling Director Ian Burnett says the Skyhawks have multiple racers who can win in both the road race and criterium. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Lake Nighthorse will open for daily summer operations on May 10th. Prepare for delays around the entrance with planned construction improvements. Durango-La Plata County Airport will close part of the overflow parking lot for paving work this month, plan accordingly if looking to park for travel. The City of Durango E-bike rebate program is open for 2024 applications, and if you’ve ever wanted to be on the big screen, there is an open casting call for Kevin Costner’s latest movie Wednesday, May 15th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill in Colorado prioritizes funding for various areas, including a significant allocation towards universal preschool programs and early childhood services. While this allocation enhances access to early childhood education, there may be potential increased childcare costs for younger children due to rising labor expenses. However, the bill also includes positive implications, such as increased funding for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and a pay raise for early childhood professionals through the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program. Overall, the budget reflects a commitment to improving early childhood education and childcare services in the state. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings.

Colorado Humanities partnered with Museum on Main Street to bring the exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” to Ignacio starting April 29th. Explore the history of rural America in the 20th Century and how it relates to the community of Ignacio with the month-long exhibit. Free Ute Language classes are offered every Friday through the Southern Ute Education Department to tribal members and employees. The Ignacio Out and Equal Alliance will host the first QueerMunity conference this summer, and keep an eye out for its monthly book club. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and The Payroll Department.