After 30 Years, Ute Mountain Casino 'Still the One'

5/24/2022

Get ready to celebrate the Ute Mountain Casino's 30th anniversary – it's 'Still the One' for gaming, dining and serving as central headquarters for visitors who want to explore Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners Region. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Learn More...

Read the Full Transcript

After 30 years of gaming, The Ute Mountain Casino in Towaoc is still the one for a mountain of fun. You're watching the Local News Network, brought to you by the Lor Foundation of Montezuma County, and The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, serving Southwest Colorado. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. The Ute Mountain Casino and Hotel was the area's first Indian-owned casino, and remains the largest in the Four Corners region, with a full scale casino, a 90-room hotel, restaurant, RV park and truck stop. Those firsts are among the reasons the casino will celebrate its 30th anniversary as still the one for a mountain of fun this year.

Still the one, I mean, that's our marketing department. You'll hear the tune on the radio, on TV, on streaming, but still the one. We've been here for 30 years and we're still the one for the casino. We're still the one for the food, still delicious. And to relax in our hotel, we're still the one, I believe our rooms are great and comparable to anything in this region.

While casino officials are in the planning stages for the official celebration in September, they promise that events to come will match the momentousness of the occasion.

It's a great accomplishment. It's a great accomplishment for the Towaoc community, the tribal community, as well as the entire enterprise, and we have quite the campus here. So it's evolved into what it is today, which is one of the largest truck stops, one of the largest casinos in the region, largest bingo in the region.

Gaming on the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation began in a single bingo parlor in the Ute Mountain Pottery Shop. The casino opened in 1992 and the hotel in 2004. The property has undergone a series of multimillion dollar renovations and updates over the years. And most recently, it added a sports book room and will open a new snack bar. The casino boasts 700 of the latest themed slot machines, electronic craps and roulette games, and blackjack tables with in-person dealers. It employs about 500 people, a hundred more than before it was forced to close for five months in March, 2020 from the pandemic.

We added to our sanitation teams. We have COVID compliance people that are welcoming our guests and taking care of them. And now that we're going into looser restrictions, we're not lettin' any of them go. They've been with us through the entire pandemic, so we're situating them in other departments and other areas. And we're also looking at creatin' some new departments that will even bolster our hospitality here.

Officials are working up to the Big September Bash, with weekly $30,000 drawings, slot tournaments, and the return of its big 4th of July Celebration, with fireworks, carnival, live music by The Night Breeze and a concert with the Troubadours, a George Stait tribute band. In the meantime, you can stay on top of casino events at utemountaincasino.com. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

‍

PAST DURANGO LOCAL NEWS STORIES

December 5, 2024

Housing for Teachers

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. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.
December 04, 2024

Stay Up to Date on Seasonal Vaccines

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 sure that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccines for the seasonal flu, COVID-19 boosters, and RSV. Make sure to consult with your primary health provider to see what ones are right for you and your family - and take advantage of La Plata County Public Health’s free and low-cost vaccine clinics. Visit Durango announced a proposal to merge with the City of Durango at the end of November. The proposed merger is intended to help further the mission of continually improving both the tourism experience as well as quality of life for Durango residents. The City of Durango will take over management of the downtown Welcome Conter in January as part of the merger. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Serious Texas BBQ.
December 4, 2024

Festival of Trees and Wreaths Spreads Holiday Cheer

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. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.
November 29, 2024

Shop Local for the Holidays

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. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee, & Tea and Crystal Mart.
November 27, 2024

FLC Cyclists Podium at MTB National Championship

Despite delay, uncertainty, Skyhawks racers rallied to win multiple medals. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Fatsigns Durango and Crystal Mart.
November 26, 2024

Giving Thanks In and Around Durango

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 finding space for parking and increased traffic overall. For nearly 30 years, people have got their pre-turkey gobble on at the annual Turkey Trot, held Thursday morning at Fort Lewis College. The event, presented by Animas Surgical Hospital, offers a 1-mile fun run and a 5-mile option to get the blood pumping and the community starting. Sign-ups are available online and on the day of, and volunteers are always welcome! The Manna Soup Kitchen’s Community Meal will be offered between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day with both to-go and delivery available - courtesy of the Vineyard Church. Enjoy a menu full of Thanksgiving favorites with the rest of the community on Thursday. Santa’s reindeer have gotten loose! Children 12 and under are invited to help find Santa’s reindeer at participating downtown businesses before the annual Singing with Santa event on Friday, Nov. 29. The first 50 to find six of reindeer will receive a free mug for hot chocolate at Buckley Park before singing in Santa and the lighting of the community Christmas Tree. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and M&R Plumbing.
November 22, 2024

Local Food & Farms Investment

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. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.
November 21, 2024

Stay Snow Safe and Smart This Winter

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 exploring in 2025. Each month will feature a new project, with build sessions every Friday and Saturday. Engineer and code robots, create a stop-motion masterpiece, film a YouTube video, and more! There’s something for everyone next year, check the calendar so you don’t miss a session! Winter weather may be beautiful, but it also comes with a fair bit of danger on those slippery roads. Brush up on winter driving safety with tips from the National Safety Council. With the recent snowfall, brush off your school snow day FAQs with Ignacio School District 11-JT and make sure that all contact information is up to date in the event of a snow-relate delay or cancellation. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and FASTSIGNS Durango.
November 20, 2024

Snow and Holiday Season Settling In

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 never been so rewarding! Fort Lewis College is the recipient of two grants totaling $6.7 million to support the development of a diverse teacher workforce and multilingual education. One of the grants will fund Project BLOOM - Building Language and Opening Opportunities for Multilingualism - to help reverse the decline in native language speakers. The other grant will help establish the CEDAR Initiative - Center for Educator Diversity, Achievement, and Responsiveness - to help prepare Indigenous educators and educators of color to serve students in rural, charter, and Tribal schools. With the recent snowfall, brush off your school snow day FAQs with Durango School District 9-R and re-familiarize yourself with the snow day decision process. The school district coordinates with multiple local and regional organizations to decide if and when to close schools or delay the start to keep students, staff, and the community safe during inclement weather. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.
November 15, 2024

Fort Lewis College Golfers Wrap Historic Season

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. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin Donuts.
November 14, 2024

Strengthening Durango’s Economy

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. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.
November 13, 2024

Kick Off Your Holiday Season with Song 

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 at 5:30 p.m. at the Durango and Silverton Railroad Museum. The La Plata Family Centers Coalitions’ Project Merry Christmas, formerly called the Holly Jolly Toy Drive, has begun and is now accepting donations. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin Donuts.
November 12, 2024

Esoterra Ciderworks expands into Winemaking

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. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.
November 8, 2024

Scrums, Rucks & Locks: Ready to Try Rugby?

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. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Durango Gelato, Coffee, and Tea.
November 6, 2024

Colorado Gives Day Kick-Off Month

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 so to keep the Durango Transit running. While school is solidly back in session, that doesn’t mean kids are out of options for activities! Durango Parks and Recreation have recently doubled scholarship allotments for qualifying youths 17 years and younger - scholarships can be used for Parks and Recreation activities or for facility passes. Looking for a good cause to support this holiday season? Southwest Colorado Gives through the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado has a full list of local nonprofits across all five counties it serves. Kick off the giving event Friday, Nov. 1, and watch the fun all the way until Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 10. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and M&R Plumbing.
November 5, 2024

Maria’s Bookshop Launches New Nonprofit 

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. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and M&R Plumbing.
November 1, 2024

Election Week Rally with Adam Frisch 

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 voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and FLC Center for Innovation.
October 30, 2024

Road Closures and Delays as Intersection Improvements are Underway

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 closure. An open call to artists in the Four Corners from the Durango-La Plata County Airport went out last week for three installations in the new baggage claim area. The selection committee will be looking for artwork featuring the Four Corners region's cultural, geographical, and historical diversity. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. Dec. 17. The City of Durango will begin construction on a new trail at Twin Buttes to create more accessible routes to two trails. The new trail will expand the terrain available for Class 1 E-Bikes and provide an alternative to the current challenging route connecting the Cliffrock Loop and Upper Twin Buttes Trail. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and San Juan Regional Medical Center.
October 28, 2024

Miller Middle School Grand Opening Postponed

The Oct. 25 grand opening of the newly finished Miller Middle School building has been indefinitely postponed following the death of a Durango School District 9-R student on Oct. 24. Considering the circumstances, Durango School District 9-R felt the celebratory nature of the grand opening was not appropriate, and will set a new time for the opening event at a later date. Crisis teams and counselors are available to staff, students, and families affected by the events. By Hannah Robertson.
October 25, 2024

Mary Monroe Brown’s Legacy: 19 Years of Trailblazing with Durango Trails

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. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Payroll Department.

Need more  Local DURANGO News?

Click here for past stories
News for Locals. By Locals.
Editorial Policy | Copyright © Local News Network Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy