Bird Enthusiasts Head to Cortez for Avian Festival

National touring film & arts fest Equus will visit the four corners for the first time on July 26 - 28 in Aztec, New Mexico. In addition to film & arts, the event will include panel discussions, visiting clinicians and a mustang summit to discuss management of the Jicarilla Mustangs. Local artists, filmmakers, policy managers and veterinarians will be on hand for Q&A sessions and panel discussions. The accompanying mustang summit will focus on management strategies for New Mexico’s Jicarilla Mustang herd, and will feature the film “RAMBO of the Carracas Mesa” by local filmmaker Laura Harper. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino.

Darrin Parmenter has been at the heart of gardening in La Plata County for 17 years. He worked as county director and CSU extension horticulturist in La Plata County for 17 years, in addition to co-hosting the Garden Guys radio show on KSUT. Now he’s coordinating Extension efforts across 16 western Colorado counties as Colorado State University Extension’s Western Regional Director. Extension programs bring research and education from state land grant universities to members of the community who aren’t necessarily enrolled in the university. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

The City of Durango has received grants to enhance bus safety and fund a specialty court aimed at assisting unhoused individuals. The Durango Problem Solving Court, supported by various local organizations, seeks to address chronic homelessness, untreated mental health issues, and substance dependence through a structured, multi-phase program. Durango Public Library experienced a significant increase in youth engagement in May, along with a rise in overall circulation and visitor numbers. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and FLC Center for Innovation.

Since the death of a pedestrian on Animas View Drive in 2023, there have been a number of safety improvements implemented by the City of Durango. Still, residents and safety activists say more needs to be done to make the road adequate for pedestrians and cyclists. The September 2023 accident is the focus of a recent outside study conducted by Strong Towns, inspired by residents who are asking for more to be done along the road. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and The Payroll Department.

The Nurse-Family Partnership, provided by the La Plata County Public Health Department, offers essential support to first-time mothers in La Plata County. This program partners nurses with new parents to guide them from pregnancy through the child's first two years, providing resources for healthy habits, parenting confidence, and secure homes. Prioritizing Medicaid-eligible families, NFP creates a non-judgmental space to empower parents and foster family well-being. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

The first Píinu Núuchi Farmers Market and Outdoor Biz Lab launches July 12th, offering both vendor space for growers and makers alongside live business workshop demonstrations. Vendor sign-ups are still available through the Southern Ute Economic Development Department. Help Smokey Bear celebrate his 80th birthday with the Ignacio Community Library this summer with the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. And sports physicals for any student interested in participating in school sports will be offered at Ignacio Middle School Friday, August 2nd. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

The second phase of the Wolf Creek Fiber Optic Project has begun with work-related delays on Highway 160. Durango Public Library's new EV charging stations are now operational, offering free charging until the end of July. Animas Museum will host a talk and book signing with Ed Horvat, author of Images of America: La Plata County, on July 13th. Three trails leading to Miller Middle School have been closed for safety and security reasons. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Durango Trails is celebrating the addition of two new trails at Animas Mountain. The Lupine and Merve trails add to the network of multi-use trails available from the Animas Mountain trailhead. The Durango Running Club celebrated with a group run on the Lupine Trail while Durango Trails hosted a mountain bike ride on Merve, a downhill flow trail. The grand opening marks the completion of three years of work by Durango Trails, a local, volunteer-based non-profit. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott State Farm Agent and Serious Texas BBQ.

A $1.9 million project is underway at Lake Nighthorse to address entrance congestion issues and construct a more efficient decontamination station. The project is a cost-share partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Durango. The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club invites all to their 70th annual Gem and Mineral Show July 12th - 14th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. And El Pomar Foundation selected four Durango-based non-profits for $20,000 in grants. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Krogers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

Durango has a little something for everyone this Fourth of July. Whether your thing is eating, live music, parades, or fireworks, with 30 different activities between July 3rd and July 6th, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The City of Durango, Business Improvement District, Durango Chamber of Commerce, and the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center have partnered together to put together a full itinerary of Fourth of July Fun this year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.Durango has a little something for everyone this Fourth of July. Whether your thing is eating, live music, parades, or fireworks, with 30 different activities between July 3rd and July 6th, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The City of Durango, Business Improvement District, Durango Chamber of Commerce, and the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center have partnered together to put together a full itinerary of Fourth of July Fun this year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Community Connections is dividing its community-centered work with Our Own Lives to continue its long-standing support as part of an organizational redesign process. La Plata Electric Association is opening applications for the new Sunnyside Community Solar Program on July 1st, offering solar options for individuals and businesses who might not otherwise be able to access solar power. And the City of Durango has launched its Economic Development Incentive Program for local businesses. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of the most versatile gear available. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

With hot, dry conditions forecast in the months ahead, utilizing water efficient practices in your yard can provide major benefits. Though the Southwest climate makes saving water difficult, a rain garden can help lower your water bills, reduce water waste and mitigate flooding. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ.

The Colorado Department of Transportation began chip seal operations this week on U.S. Highway 160, affecting approximately 36 miles between Durango and Mancos and Bayfield and Pagosa Springs. Table to Farm Compost now offers a bi-weekly pick-up option for curbside compost collection in response to customer feedback. The La Plata County Health Department warns residents about the risks of rabies from bats, with guidance on safely capturing them for testing. Additionally, the gazebo at Rotary Park is undergoing roof repairs and is expected to be completed by June 28th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo celebrated its 94th year with flair and excitement. From honoring First Responders and Military personnel to showcasing the thrill of rodeo competition, this event brought together the community for a weekend of entertainment and camaraderie. With over $80,000 in payouts and strong community support, this year's rodeo proved to be one of the most memorable yet. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma

La Plata County's Foster Care program continues to serve our community's children, guiding families through a thorough certification process to ensure each child finds a nurturing environment. Despite emotional challenges, foster families provide vital care. Initiatives like Foster Friendly Durango unite businesses and communities to offer essential support. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Summer is here, and La Plata County is asking residents to notify 911 dispatchers via a new form when planning a controlled burn. Make sure that you’ve signed up for CodeRED notifications, and if you have signed up, make sure your information is up to date if you’ve recently moved or changed your number. After a mountain lion spotting in early May, the Southern Ute Wildlife Division has tips and tricks for keeping safe and reducing the chance of encountering these elusive but dangerous animals. And the Ignacio Community Library’s Summer Reading Program is off to a strong start, and it’s not too late to sign up! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Serious Texas BBQ.

The Mountain Studies Institute and Wright-Ingraham Institute are partnering to research the impact of dust on snow, exploring how dust accelerates snowmelt and exacerbates drought conditions. The first 72 units of affordable housing at The Residences at Durango are on track to be completed by year-end, transforming the former Best Western Inn into a mix of renovated studios and apartments. Additionally, the Durango Public Library’s summer reading program, which began on May 31st, offers reading incentives for all age groups, with the program running through August 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and Sky Ute Casino.

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.