A proposed FY 2026 federal budget would increase funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to about $11.3 billion, expanding detention capacity and enforcement operations nationwide. In response to recent ICE arrest activity, residents from Durango and surrounding communities gathered on January 6, 2026, to protest the increase in arrests during a demonstration near the ICE field office in the Bodo Industrial Park. By Paige Sparks and Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Dunkin' Donuts.

Snowdown is right around the corner with a brand-new theme and a big surprise for this year’s parade. Durango City Council locks in key decisions on 2026 lodgers’ tax funding, and your old Christmas tree can be recycled into mulch. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chabad rabbis lit a public menorah in Durango in response to the Sydney terror attack that killed 15 people, including their colleague Rabbi Eli Schlanger. The event was one stop on the Hanukkah in the Rockies tour, with four Chabad rabbis traveling across the Western Slope to bring the warmth and light of the celebration to mountain communities. Each menorah lighting was dedicated to the memory of those murdered in Sydney. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Payroll Department.

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Pueblo Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County seeks to raise $10 million to invest in early childhood development and care. Research for the council’s Strategic Investment Plan demonstrated a significant lack in available care in La Plata County and its effect on the local economy. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Whole Foods Market may come to Durango as part of a plan to redevelop the Durango Mall site. Spine Colorado patients now have access to new spinal imaging technology. And Purgatory Resort announced its holiday event schedule featuring family-friendly activities and scenic winter experiences from December through the beginning of January. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Crystal Mart.

The Festival of Trees and Wreaths kicked off the holiday season in Durango and Cortez as a fundraiser for Community Connections and Our Own Lives. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

This holiday season, the artists of The ArtRoom Collective at the welcoming halls of The Smiley are turning compassion into action. With many of our community members facing uncertainty and hardship, the Collective is reminding us how deeply connected we are—and how art can be a powerful force for hope. 18 local artists have contributed over $7343.00 works to a silent auction, donating 100% of the proceeds to a charity of their choice. Local nonprofit beneficiaries include Manna, Companeros, Durango food bank, Cancer Community of the Southwest Visitors are invited to follow the red balloons placed throughout the ArtRoom and nearby hallways—symbols of shared purpose and the belief that creativity can spark positive change. Bidding is open now through December 12 at 5pm, offering the community a chance not only to collect meaningful artwork but also to strengthen belonging right here at home. To bid, simply stop by the ArtRoom to write in your bid before the event ends, or reach out to artists directly via their red name links to connect through social media or their websites. Your participation supports local nonprofits and highlights what makes this community shine: generosity, connection, and art with purpose. By Sadie Smith & Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Dunkin' Donuts.

The La Plata Electric Association announced that it will not increase rates for members in 2026 despite rising utility costs. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. And Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall’s holiday lineup includes performances by Santa Barbara’s State Street Ballet and the Bar-D Wranglers. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

Ignacio Community Library will host a Christmas craft competition. Sky Ute Casino Resort’s Shine Together Arts and Crafts Fair returns in December. And election results are in! The Ignacio School District No. 11Jt Board of Directors remains unchanged. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Payroll Department.

The Durango Creative District recently hosted Super-Powered Sovereignty, a vibrant and empowering exhibition celebrating Indigenous comic book art. Curated by Andrea Descheenie, the event brought together a diverse group of Indigenous artists whose work explores identity, sovereignty, and cultural resilience through dynamic visual storytelling. Attendees experienced an array of original illustrations, prints, and comic panels featuring Indigenous superheroes, protectors, and complex characters that reimagine representation in the comic world. The opening reception invited the community to engage directly with the artists’ creative visions, reflect on the intersections of heritage and modern art, and honor Indigenous voices during Native American Heritage Month. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates.

The Payroll Department and Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado’s Pitch Palooza finalists presented to a full house. Fort Lewis College appointed Shawn Jakubowski as the new Director of Athletics. And the Durango Public Library seeks submissions for a writing contest. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

While the government shutdown has ended, food pantries continue to face high demand. The Good Food Collective helps them meet needs. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Families, educators, and community members gathered on Nov. 6 to get a first look at the designs for Durango’s future Three Springs Elementary School. The event showcased renderings, design boards, and interactive displays highlighting how the new school will blend innovation with nature — creating flexible, future-ready spaces that connect students to the outdoors. Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser shared that the design “represents where education is headed — and what’s possible when innovation meets nature.” The event built excitement and transparency around the district’s Investing in Our Schools Bond progress, as the community moves closer to breaking ground in 2026. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Dunkin' Donuts.

Durango’s 22nd Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths display opens Monday, Nov. 24. Start off the holiday season with song at the Durango Business Improvement District’s annual community Christmas celebration, Singing with Santa. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County hosted a forum at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4031 in Durango, giving community members experiencing homelessness a chance to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and put a human face on homelessness. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and FLC Center for Innovation.

La Plata County experienced a 47 percent voter turnout with about 21,000 ballots cast out of more than 47,000 active voters for the 2025 local elections. The majority of voters were in favor of tax increases, mill levy changes, and reduced refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in exchange for improved county and city services. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and FASTSIGNS Durango.

The City of Durango seeks applicants for the Affordable Housing Planning Focus Group. Calling all Christmas elves and merry-makers! The San Juan Mountains Association requests holiday volunteers for its biggest fundraiser of the year. And Fort Lewis College invites community members to learn how rural communities can use AI to their benefit. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Five of Colorado’s best photographers will showcase their work at the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. The Durango art scene prepares for holiday markets with open calls for artist applications. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.