Community Update 5-21-20

Women fought for the right to vote for more than 70 years when they finally won with the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 26, 1920. Join the Non-Rally Rally on August 22 to celebrate.

The San Juan Brewfest has fallen victim to the COVID Crisis, but not to worry. You can still try a variety of beers by ordering a tasting kit online and enjoying your beer at home.

The economic chaos that the pandemic has caused among families and others in need has inspired the re-emergence of mutual aid networks across the country, and now one has started in SWCO.

24/7 Fitness Gym rarely, if ever, reaches its capacity, but the workout center has instituted a number of changes to ensure that its clients are safe and well distanced to get their workout done safely.

Durango School District 9-Rhas had to cut its operting budget by $4 million. But it plans to ask voters to extend its 2002 bond to ensure enough capital revenues to keep school buildings from deteriorating.

Simple steps like using energy-efficient light builbs, spiffying up your landscaping, or remodeling your bathroom and kitchen can add value to your home, whether you want to sell or stay a while.

Durango's Table to Farm Compost has ramped up its production of artisan soil made from local food scraps-turned-compost thanks to a $100,000 state health department grant for projects that divert waste from landfills.

A small artisan food manufacturer produces its own line of hot sauces, salsa, and spice mixes, but it also helps other food entrepreneurs develop their recipes to bring to market in their commercial kitchen.

A Denver-based non-profit called PCs for Kids is working with local businesses and educators to provide recycled, upgraded computers for Durango students who don’t have access to technology at home.

The Kiwanis Club of Durango canceled its annual Pancake Day, it’s biggest fund-raiser of the year. So the club is hopeful that you’ll support a socially-distanced golf tourney on August 28 to support kids.

El Rancho Tavern owner Chip Lile talks about his three businesses and how he’s surviving with yo-yoing open-close orders, possible opening strategies for El Rancho when Governor’s Office allows.

The annual fall bulb sale that generates revenues for the Durango Botanic Gardens will move online starting on Aug. 1. Order ahead, and the bulbs will be available in October.

Durango resident Kim Ebner helps save lives in her position as acquatic supervisor at the Durango Rec Center, and she does the same as a volunteer firefighter for the Durango Fire & Rescue Authority.

Non-profits in Southwest Colorado are suffering from the pandemic just like businesses. The Community Foundation and United Way have been able to provide a little help with grants this month.

The coronavirus continues to infect residents in Durango School District 9-R, so district officials have prepared a number of options for students to continue their educations safely.

So, you’ve lost all the weight you’d hope to lose. You can’t go back to your old eating habits, you have to keep your new nutrition habits as a permanent lifestyle, and it’s easier than you think.

Manna and the Garden Project of Southwest Colorado both have a commitment to food security. The two non-profits have decided to merge to make the most of limited community resources.

Durango Police Sergeant Tim Dixon loves the outdoors, and it’s what it drew him and his wife to move here five years ago. He loves policing, too, because he loves to work closely with people.

The long-imagined Paths to Mesa Verde received a huge boost this summer with a $5.8 million grant to start construction on the 7-mile section between Mancos and the national park.

Volunteers with the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance offers tours of sites in Canyons of the Ancients, provides educational programming for youth, and monitors sites throughout the area.