How Healthy Are We?

Durango’s arts and culture scene is growing stronger, thanks to the support of the Lodgers' Tax. Funding from the tax has brought new murals and sculptures to public spaces, supported events like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and provided financial backing for local artists, non-profits, and businesses. It’s not just about adding visual appeal—this tax is driving professional training, economic development, and creative opportunities that weren’t available before. The result is a thriving cultural community that enriches the city and supports its long-term growth. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

The seven-mile stretch of Highway 160 east of Elmore’s Corner has been the focus of local officials for nearly ten years. Now, thanks to funding from the bi-partisan Federal Infrastructure Bill, improvements will begin in 2027. A Colorado Department of Transportation study found that, over a four-year period, there was one deadly accident and four serious ones on this particular stretch of road. Improvements will include wildlife fencing, a roundabout at the most dangerous intersection, and dedicated turn lanes. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Freddie’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Crystal Mart.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado provides youth in the county with mentorship, community, and opportunities that they might not otherwise have.And it’s not just the kids who benefit - the mentors do too! After the very successful Big Swing Tournament fundraiser at the end of August, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with First Tee Four Corners and the Fort Lewis College golf team for a day at Hillcrest Golf Course where the Bigs and Littles got to try their hands at golf. With plenty of laughter and sunshine to go around, the day was a success for everyone. By Hannah Robertson, Steven Sigillito. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Vampires, mystery, and theater, oh my! Ignacio Community Library invites you to the Halloween Mystery Dinner Saturday, Oct. 27. Can you sleuth out the answer to the mystery before time is up? Restock your TBR at the Ignacio Friends Bookstore. A constant revolving door of new books, there’s sure to be something that will keep you company whether you’re in the mood for some romantasy, a chilling thriller, or something else! Refresh your bookshelves by donating old books to make room for your new reads! Ignacio’s FFA Chapter received a $2,602 “Grants for Growing Program” this September. The grant will help fund the creation of a coop at the school farm, fostering collaboration between different student programs and agricultural education projects for students. Prep your households for winter with the free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The event, held every two years by the City of Durango and La Plata County, allows residents and businesses to safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous household waste like batteries, paints, flammable fluids, and more. Large, commercial dops will be available Friday - sign up in advance. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and FASTSIGNS Durango.

Time to get your Ticket to Ride for Snowdown: The Board Game Edition: It’s Your Move! The kick-off party Wednesday, Oct. 9 marks the start of the festivities for the 2025 event, including the unveiling of this year’s poster. Don’t pass Go! and collect your $200 until you’ve marked key dates in your calendar, or you’ll be Sorry you missed it! For one day only, the Super Amazing Extraordinary Art Show is back in Durango! Started in 2009 by a group of local artists, make sure to stop by the Newman Building Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for an art show and sale featuring original artwork, cards, and more. After low application numbers, Fort Lewis College has announced a 3.45% increase in overall enrollment for the 2024-25 school year. Thanks to the support of the FLC Board of Trustees and community, the college worked to provide funding for students who saw aid drop due to the new FAFSA and expand the FLC Tuition Promise to help more students afford a college education. Prep your households for winter with the free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The event, held every two years by the City of Durango and La Plata County, allows residents and businesses to safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous household waste like batteries, paints, flammable fluids, and more. Large, commercial dops will be available Friday - sign up in advance. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.

Fenceline Cider’s Community Pick Program returns after a successful 2023 harvest season, in which it gathered more than forty thousand pounds of apples from the local community. The initiative invites area residents with apple trees to donate their harvests to be used as part of the company's ciders. Fenceline says it helps reduce the amount of local fruit that might go unused after ripening. In exchange for three or more bushels of acceptable apples, Fenceline will offer cider, a bar tab, or cash payment. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

Open enrollment for health insurance is quickly approaching. From November 1st to January 15th, individuals can secure 2025 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado Connect. La Plata County’s Public Health Department offers an Insurance Literacy Program to guide residents toward the best coverage options. This year brings important updates, including expanded eligibility for DACA recipients and new coverage options for undocumented residents. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Professional boxing is making its return to Durango with the Legends on the Animas event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Many of us recognize the mural of heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey on the side of El Rancho Tavern, where he fought back in 1915. Durango’s wild western history is well-known, but this will be the first professional boxing event since Dempsey’s time. On October 12th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, professional boxers Hector 'Macho' Camacho Jr. and Andrew 'Hurricane' Hernandez will fight for the Legends Boxing Foundation world championship. The day will be packed with food, fights, and family-friendly entertainment. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC.

The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School. Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recognition. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Blondie’s Troph room.

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites you to come tour solar initiatives in the Durango area Saturday, Sept. 5! Learn about different sustainable energy initiatives throughout the tour, and wrap up the day with an evening soirée at the Smiley Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Keep your eyes out for the colorful balloons of the Animas Valley Balloon Rally Oct. 18-20. The annual event will feature two mass ascensions, several balloon glows, and free tethered balloon rides from the Animas Valley. The family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. San Juan Mountains Association is asking for donations of lightly used or new winter gear for it’s youth programs. All children’s sizes are accepted, to help keep the outdoors accessible to all regardless of background or economic status. Are you a book lover? Come join the Durango Public Library for the 12th Annual Literary Festival Oct. 5-19. The event will feature keynote speakers like Durango Poet Laureats Esther Belin and Zoe Golden, as well as signings with local authors, conversations, and writing workshops. All events are free, although some will require pre-registration. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and M&R Plumbing.

Levi Kurlander is leaving his position as Executive Director of Durango Devo after serving for nearly eight years in the role. Under his leadership, Devo’s enrollment numbers have grown by nearly three times. Still, he considers his ability to back up a bike trailer the most important takeaway from his time at Durango Devo. Despite raising numerous Olympians and Pro Tour racers, Kurlander emphasizes the goal of Durango Devo remains fostering the love of riding bikes. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Rivers Edge Wellness Center is set to bring rest, relaxation and recovery services to a familiar location when it opens next month. New owners J.D. and Ashley Sutton bought the property two days after Woodhouse Day Spa owners terminated their lease with the building. Sutton says he will work with customers who have unused gift cards for The Woodhouse. Rivers Edge will offer massage, manicure & pedicure services, IV/IM therapy, a float pod and a Himalayan Salt room. Former Woodhouse customers will notice a revamped space when they enter. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing.

Pueblo Seed & Food Company has started roasting its 2024 chile crop. Owner Dan Hobbs has found an excited chile clientele since moving his company from Pueblo to Cortez in 2021. He’s also found Pueblo chile varieties thrive in Southwest Colorado. Hobbs will roast fresh bushells for customers on Friday and Saturday afternoons through the end of September. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/chile-season-returns This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big-o Tires.

Up, up, and away! The Durango-La Plata County Airport is one of eight regional and municipal airports in Colorado that received part of a $100 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The funding will directly cover Phase 1B of the Terminal Expansion Project. Durango School District 9-R received a grant from the Carton Council, part of ongoing efforts across the district to reduce food waste. All school cafeterias will now be equipped with the tools to divert food waste and recyclable materials from landfills. The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the City of Durango, started work to improve the US 550, Main Avenue, and 14th Street intersection. Work includes lane realignment, signal replacement, pedestrian safety improvements, and repaving. Expect significant traffic impacts until work is completed in November. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Do you ever find yourself thinking “river thoughts” like Edward Abbey? A new mural along the River Trail encourages just that. Located just south of Santa Rita Park, local artist Mariah Kaminsky painted a tribute to the late author, incorporating the Desert Solitaire quote, “I chose to listen to the river for a while, thinking river thoughts, before joining the night and stars.” The mural serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Southwest.

The 2024 Aztec Indigenous Arts Festival features local Indigenous artists, performers and culture on Saturday, September 14. This version of the festival features the largest variety of entertainment in its history. With headlining acts scheduled throughout the day, the 2024 Aztec Ruins Cultural Indigenous Arts Festival plans to move attendees in all manner of motif. Featured performers include renowned hoop dancer JaiP’o Harvier, musician Levi Platero and Diné storyteller Sunny Dooley, among others. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and M&R Plumbing.

The Ignacio Community Library and Ignacio High School Science are co-hosting an International Observe the Moon Night event on September 14th at Shoshone Park, offering a variety of activities including rocket launching and moon observation. Southern Ute Shared Services announced that the broadband project, which aims to improve digital infrastructure in the area, is progressing with Phase Two, offering no-cost installation for residents. Ignacio School District has compiled various resources for parents and students, including apps for communication, bus information, and calendars to stay updated on events and athletics. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Crystal Mart.

Miller Middle School students and staff will transition to their new campus on September 24th, after starting the school year at Durango High School. The Durango Kennel Club is offering a rattlesnake avoidance clinic for dogs on September 14th, teaching them to avoid snakes through scent, sound, and sight training. Our Own Lives is hosting open houses this month to help local businesses create inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on September 19th and 24th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

School is officially back in session! On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Durango Education Foundation held its annual Back to School Fair at the La Plata County Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Office. The event, sponsored by Central Bank, offered families a chance to explore resources for a successful school year, with interpretation services available for non-English speakers. The fair features school representatives ready to discuss registration, upcoming events, and other school-related updates directly with attendees. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Fort Lewis College has partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish a new nursing training facility on its campus. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper toured the facility on Aug. 29, highlighting the importance of local educational opportunities in retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. $1.3 million in federal funding will support the CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative, which aims to train students in community-based, rural, and Indigenous healthcare perspectives. By keeping nursing education local, the program seeks to address the challenges smaller communities face in recruiting healthcare workers and enhance the quality of care available in southwest Colorado. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and M&R Plumbing.