Bird Enthusiasts Head to Cortez for Avian Festival

The Durango Public Library has revised its materials review policy in response to new state guidelines that allow residents to challenge library materials. The policy mandates that challengers' names remain public and limits challenges to once every two years. This change comes amid a nationwide increase in challenges to library materials, with Colorado seeing 142 attempts to restrict access in 2023 alone. Library officials emphasize that the updates aim to enhance transparency and maintain access to diverse resources for the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Durango School District 9-R heads back August 20th - make sure that your student(s) are ready with the “Back to School Hub,” with registration, bus, and after-school program information. August is chock-full of events for the La Plata County Humane Society, from the Woofs and Whiskers photo contest to the Buds and Brews fundraising event. And the City of Durango’s Turf Grass Replacement Program has expanded to offer rebates to residents and commercial accounts interested in exchanging water-intensive landscaping for alternatives. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin' Donuts.

The Ignacio Community Library serves as a welcoming public space for the Town of Ignacio, focused on connecting people through learning and personal growth. With a diverse range of programs, including sewing workshops, book clubs, and a Repair Cafe, there is something for everyone. Exciting upcoming events feature a hands-on green chili sauce class and a virtual reality experience that will transport participants on a tour of Italy. Additionally, the library plays a crucial role in supporting residents by offering a free monthly legal clinic with a veterans officer, ensuring that everyone has access to important resources and assistance. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Dunkin’ Donuts.

There is still two months left to experience the Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park. "Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition" features original manuscripts, period artifacts, and crime-solving activities inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary experiences and manuscripts. From exploring Victorian London to unraveling mysteries, visitors can step into Holmes' world and discover the mysteries for themselves. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Distill Beer Wine Spirits.

Ignacio School District returns to school on August 19th, with school sports starting August 12th. Take advantage of back-to-school events and resources at the Ignacio Community Library, including online resources for teachers and homeschooling parents. This fall will also see a return of after-school events at the library. The Ignacio Chile Fest returns for the eighth year at the end of the month, and the La Plata County Humane Society is offering free spay/neuter for pets from select zip codes. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation and Serious Texas BBQ.

The Old Fort at Hesprus is offering a one-day Farmer Training Convergence geared towards individuals in Southwest Colorado. Fort Lewis College is looking for local businesses to sign up for a fall job fair, an opportunity for first-year students to meet and network with local businesses. Registration for the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance Summit is now open. And the county is looking for feedback on the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center master plan. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

While Mesa Verde National Park is celebrated for its historic cliff dwellings and archaeological sites, many may be surprised to learn about the presence of wild horses roaming the park. The National Mustang Association of Colorado (NMACO) has undertaken the Mesa Verde Project to relocate these horses, aiming to preserve the park's cultural heritage. This effort is driven by the park's role, which excludes horse management responsibilities under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, placing such duties with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Nearly a decade after the Gold King Mine spill turned the Animas River orange, cleanup efforts continue in Silverton’s Superfund sites. The Bonita Peak Mining District, a Superfund site encompassing multiple mines, remains a focus of extensive remediation. Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, supports this effort through a Community Advisory Group (CAG) made up of local experts. The CAG is crucial in guiding the cleanup process and shaping long-term restoration goals, aiming to improve water quality and support a thriving fish population in the Animas River. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Sky Ute Casino Resort.

Miller Middle School students will begin the school year in temporary locations due to fire damage to the new building, which has delayed its opening. The San Juan Brewfest returns for its fourth year on August 23-24, featuring over 100 types of beer and cider from more than 40 breweries. Safely enjoy the event with discounted designated driver tickets and various transportation options to avoid drinking and driving. The 26th annual Boggy Draw Beat Down bike race takes place on August 3rd, offering various race categories including a new one for participants over 65 and a family-friendly ride. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and FASTSIGNS Durango.

La Plata County's Road & Bridge Department spans vast distances across Marvel, Durango, Ignacio, and Bayfield, ensuring crucial infrastructure remains safe and reliable throughout the year. Managing over 650 miles of roads, including both gravel and asphalt, their efforts encompass everything from grading and snowplowing to long-term planning based on traffic and community needs. Despite budget limitations, their meticulous planning, informed by traffic patterns and community needs, ensures essential routes remain operational and safe. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

La Plata County's Road & Bridge Department spans vast distances across Marvel, Durango, Ignacio, and Bayfield, ensuring crucial infrastructure remains safe and reliable throughout the year. Managing over 650 miles of roads, including both gravel and asphalt, their efforts encompass everything from grading and snowplowing to long-term planning based on traffic and community needs. Despite budget limitations, their meticulous planning, informed by traffic patterns and community needs, ensures essential routes remain operational and safe. By Sadie Smith . This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Six new outdoor pickleball courts are open at Schneider Park in Durango. The courts are part of a handful of improvements to the park, including new bike racks, play area, lighting, and landscaping. Building the outdoor courts reflects the growing rise in popularity of the sport, across all ages, and the location makes it viable for visitors and locals alike to pick up a paddle. The courts are open from 7:30 a.m. until sunset and can be reserved for two dollars per hour on the City of Durango’s website. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin Donuts.

On Saturday, July 14th, the U.S. Highway 550 Grandview Interchange opened with traffic shifting from Farmington Hill to the Bridge to the Future. Colorado Department of Transportation warns drivers to add extra time as everyone gets accustomed to the new traffic flow. Registration for all Durango School District 9-R fall sports is open - the deadline for registration is August 2nd. The City of Durango has announced a change to its open records request policy to reflect the increase in requests. And a GoFundMe has been set up to support the Hurst family of Mancos after a fatal car accident earlier this month. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

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.