Colleges Looking Beyond GPAs, Test Scores

La Plata County Public Health Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community's well-being. Beyond behavioral health and communicable disease prevention, the department oversees on-site water testing, waste management, and rigorous restaurant inspections. Megan Graham highlights these vital responsibilities, emphasizing the department's commitment to the overall health and safety of the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango High School Troupe 1096 presents the satirical comedy musical Urinetown from February 29th through March 9th at Durango High School. Urinetown envisions a dystopic future where water shortages have led to government regulation and corporate control of bathroom use, and the divide between the rich and the poor comes down to the right to pee freely. The critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning musical is known for its clever storytelling and impressive musical score. Troupe 1096’s production will be sure to entertain audiences and make them think. For ticket sales and information on how to donate, visit Troup 1096’s website. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

The Fort Lewis College Theatre Department presents the award-winning one-act play The Wolves, written by Sarah Delappe and directed by Associate Professor Felicia Lansbury Meyer. The play features an all-female cast and centers on the conversations of a high school girls’ soccer team. The Wolves runs from February 29th through March 3rd at the Gallery Theatre in the Fort Lewis College Theatre Building. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

32 students from Ignacio Middle and High Schools attended the San Juan Basin Regional Science Fair at Fort Lewis College. A handful of students joined the competitive portion of the event, like Sophomores Evan Perkins and Max Montoya. Judges awarded Montoya and Perkins third place for their A.I.-based voice recognition project. The fair is a collaborative effort to encourage learning and exploration through the scientific process. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders from Olympians to big mountain film icons all competing on the world’s most iconic locations. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain venues from around the world, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Beverage businesses can lose as much as ten percent of revenue during January. But “dry-January” represents a trend that goes beyond one month. Drinking less, or not at all is becoming accepted culturally, and businesses are taking note. Tesstastic Mixers opened in October, with an equal focus on alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas BBQ.

The City of Durango plans to contribute $250,000 to the Housing Catalyst Fund to support housing projects in La Plata County, building on previous grants. The 2024 DurangoScape Conference theme centers on native plants and climate adaptation, with featured speakers including Ross Shrigley and John Wickman. Additionally, the Powerhouse received a $100,000 nonprofit grant to enhance its services, while the Colorado Department of Revenue announced the start of tax season for 2023 income tax returns. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino.

There’s something exciting about seeing a movie or a tv show and recognizing the landmarks. With the opening of a film backlot - a place created to provide a backdrop for a scene - in San Juan County, Four Corners residents may soon be able to see the place we call home featured on-screen. With growing interest in the film industry and tax breaks for New Mexico, San Juan County hopes to draw in both the shows themselves, but also the people who make the movie magic happen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Home2Suites.

Dan Korman, owner/broker of Alpenglow Properties in downtown Durango, CO, highlights a data packed episode outlining real estate numbers of 2023. Some of the stats include average price, number of sales, as well as some commercial real estate insights and predictions for the future. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties.

Durango School District 9-R has partnered with energy solutions provider Veregy for solar power and energy improvements across ten district schools and sites, reducing carbon emissions by 1,836 metric tons annually. Fort Lewis College will host a screening and discussion of the film "making of buffalo soldiers: reVision," exploring the complex history of the Buffalo Soldier regiments, followed by a panel discussion with artists involved in the creation of the exhibition. Amidst ongoing winter storms, viewers are advised to take precautions when planning winter travel, ensuring preparedness for snowy mountain passes and staying updated on road conditions and closures. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Experience MakerLab, a vibrant community fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation with shared tools and boundless imagination. Operated entirely by volunteers, MakerLab is a community-driven haven equipped with diverse tools for metalworking, woodworking, textiles, 3D printing, and more. From industrial sewing to cutting-edge 3D printers, MakerLab empowers members to bring their ideas to life. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Sky Ute Casino.

Ever wondered about the impactful work behind the scenes at La Plata County? Explore the heart of our community with Ted Holteen, the Public and Governmental Affairs Manager. La Plata County, spanning unincorporated areas outside Ignacio, Bayfield, Durango, and the Southern Ute Tribe Reservation, is actively engaged in diverse projects. From funding initiatives for affordable housing to enhancing road infrastructure, the county is dedicated to fostering a thriving community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Merely Players invites audiences to a unique and profound theatrical experience at the regional premiere of Bess Wohl’s critically acclaimed play Small Mouth Sounds. Set at a silent retreat, six individuals confront their suffering as they search for meaning and spiritual growth. Small Mouth Sounds runs from February 9th to February 18th at Merely Underground in the Durango Tech Center. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Celebrate the exceptional contributions of your favorite teachers through the inaugural Golden Apple of La Plata County Award! If your child is eligible for early access to kindergarten or first grade for Ignacio School District 11-JT, make sure your application is in by April 1st. Ignacio Youth Services offers a variety of programs designed to connect middle and high school students with their community and the outdoors. And we have your back for last-minute Super Bowl snacks. By Hannah. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The Payroll Department.

Purgatory Mountain Resort is hosting an early Valentine's celebration as part of its Elevation Series. The City of Durango's reporting tool, See Click Fix, received 660 requests in its first year, with top requests ranging from abandoned vehicles to snow removal, and the city's code enforcement team responds to requests within an hour. The Durango La Plata County Airport reported a record year in passenger traffic, with an 8.7 percent increase over the previous record set in 2021, indicating growth in leisure travel, and construction on the terminal development program is underway. And we have your back for Super Bowl snacks this weekend. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Scottish photographer David Yarrow is one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His photos sell for millions of dollars at auction. Yet, Yarrow still returns to the American Southwest regularly, inspired by its wide array of subjects, or “characters,” as he calls them. Yarrow partners with Sorrel Sky Gallery, where his work is currently on display. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Durango’s High Noon Rotary has announced its 2024 scholarship application is now open, with scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 available for both academic and vocational pathways. A new platform has launched to connect students with work placement opportunities. Sponsored by the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, the new Career Launch Southwest platform is looking for businesses and organizations to add to its postings! And join in with the conversations for events for the sesquisemiquincentennial commemoration - yes, that is a real word - with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino.

Durango, along with Purgatory Resort, is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain locations, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

In Towaoc, a recently built greenhouse known as the Growdome, built by Growing Spaces, is now growing fresh food for the Ute Mountain Ute Senior Center. Funded by the San Juan Basin Area Agency for Aging, additional indoor growing spaces are being built at Senior Centers across the region to engage the community and provide fresh produce for the elderly. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and FASTSIGNS Durango.

A grant from the Colorado Energy Office will allow the City of Durango to double the number of e-bike rebates for 2024. Speaking of bikes, make sure yours is ready to go, or try out the Way to Go Durango app for the annual Winter Bike-to-Work Day this February. And make sure your peace signs are polished and your headbands are tightened for Peace, Love, and Snowdown this weekend! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas BBQ.