9-R’s Got a Solar-Bright Future

Durango School District 9-R has partnered with energy solutions provider Veregy for energy improvements and solar power at 10 district schools and sites. Fort Lewis College is hosting a screening and discussion of the film "Making of Buffalo Soldiers: Revision" on Tuesday, February 20th, exploring the complicated history of the Buffalo Soldier regiments. With all the snowstorms, take extra care and precautions when planning any winter travel to keep you and your family safe. You're watching the Local News Roundup brought to you by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett and Associates. I'm Gillian Arnwine. The future's so bright, you're going to need shades. Durango School District 9-R and Veregy partnered to provide solar power and energy improvements across the district. The project which ranges from installing carport and rooftop solar systems to LED light replacement and building envelope improvements, is anticipated to begin this spring and last about a year. The project is utilizing $2.6 million in lighting rebates, and federal solar incentives. Once installed, the project is expected to reduce the district's carbon emissions by about 1,900 metric tons a year. The equivalent of 409 gas-powered vehicles. Veregy will partner with local contractors to provide carport and rooftop solar systems at Animus Elementary, Park Elementary, Escalante Middle School, Miller Middle School, and Durango High School, and the Impact Career Innovation Center. LED lighting installation and building envelope improvements will take place at Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary, Riverview Elementary, and Sunnyside Elementary, and Needham Elementary. Fort Lewis College will host a screening and discussion of the film "Making of Buffalo Soldiers: A Revision" on Tuesday, February 20th, beginning at 7:00 pm. The film follows eight contemporary artists from around the United States as they create the exhibition "Buffalo Soldiers: A Revision" located at History Colorado Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center. The artists led by Chip Thomas explore the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, the troops established in 1866 and their complicated history. Regiments of Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at places like Fort Garland and Fort Lewis and played an active role in America's westward expansion and the displacement of native populations. Stay after this screening for a discussion with artist Chip Thomas, Esther Belin, and Rosie Carter. Moderated by the director of the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, Eric Carpio. The screening will take place at the Center for Southwest Studies. Winter isn't over yet. Planning to drive through the snowy mountain passes? Make sure you are prepared. Check weather conditions and snow forecast before heading out. Resources like COtrip will provide updated road conditions, closures and alerts for winter travel. Closures can range from planned closing for snow removal and avalanche mitigation work to unplanned work due to rock slides like on Wolf Creek Pass a couple of weeks ago. Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel with appropriate tires and a snow emergency kit. When encountering a snowplow while traveling, make sure to leave at least three to four car lengths between you and the plow. Be familiar with Colorado road and traction laws, and if the conditions aren't looking good, stay at home and try again another day. Reminder, the City Recycling Center will be closed through February 24th for routine maintenance on the processing baler. The processing baler compresses recyclables into small manageable bales for transport to a recycling facility. Commercial and residential routes will continue as scheduled and all recyclables collected during the closure will be shipped to another recycling facility for processing. If you have any questions, call the City of Durango Trash and Recycle Division at 970-375-5004. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you again for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Gillian Arnwine.