Local Banker Thinks Outside the Box

A $1.9 million project is underway at Lake Nighthorse to address entrance congestion issues and construct a more efficient decontamination station. The project is a cost-share partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Durango. The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club invites all to their 70th annual Gem and Mineral Show July 12th - 14th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. And El Pomar Foundation selected four Durango-based non-profits for $20,000 in grants. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Krogers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

Durango has a little something for everyone this Fourth of July. Whether your thing is eating, live music, parades, or fireworks, with 30 different activities between July 3rd and July 6th, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The City of Durango, Business Improvement District, Durango Chamber of Commerce, and the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center have partnered together to put together a full itinerary of Fourth of July Fun this year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.Durango has a little something for everyone this Fourth of July. Whether your thing is eating, live music, parades, or fireworks, with 30 different activities between July 3rd and July 6th, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The City of Durango, Business Improvement District, Durango Chamber of Commerce, and the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center have partnered together to put together a full itinerary of Fourth of July Fun this year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Community Connections is dividing its community-centered work with Our Own Lives to continue its long-standing support as part of an organizational redesign process. La Plata Electric Association is opening applications for the new Sunnyside Community Solar Program on July 1st, offering solar options for individuals and businesses who might not otherwise be able to access solar power. And the City of Durango has launched its Economic Development Incentive Program for local businesses. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Pagosa Springs-based company Voormi embodies Southwest Colorado. Its equipment is developed in a local warehouse, then tested in the San Juan Mountains. With a background in guiding, co-founder Dustin English wanted to get more performance out of less gear, so he decided to try to change the textile industry. Voormi weaves locally developed technology into traditional textiles to create some of the most versatile gear available. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

With hot, dry conditions forecast in the months ahead, utilizing water efficient practices in your yard can provide major benefits. Though the Southwest climate makes saving water difficult, a rain garden can help lower your water bills, reduce water waste and mitigate flooding. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ.

The Colorado Department of Transportation began chip seal operations this week on U.S. Highway 160, affecting approximately 36 miles between Durango and Mancos and Bayfield and Pagosa Springs. Table to Farm Compost now offers a bi-weekly pick-up option for curbside compost collection in response to customer feedback. The La Plata County Health Department warns residents about the risks of rabies from bats, with guidance on safely capturing them for testing. Additionally, the gazebo at Rotary Park is undergoing roof repairs and is expected to be completed by June 28th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo celebrated its 94th year with flair and excitement. From honoring First Responders and Military personnel to showcasing the thrill of rodeo competition, this event brought together the community for a weekend of entertainment and camaraderie. With over $80,000 in payouts and strong community support, this year's rodeo proved to be one of the most memorable yet. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma

La Plata County's Foster Care program continues to serve our community's children, guiding families through a thorough certification process to ensure each child finds a nurturing environment. Despite emotional challenges, foster families provide vital care. Initiatives like Foster Friendly Durango unite businesses and communities to offer essential support. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Summer is here, and La Plata County is asking residents to notify 911 dispatchers via a new form when planning a controlled burn. Make sure that you’ve signed up for CodeRED notifications, and if you have signed up, make sure your information is up to date if you’ve recently moved or changed your number. After a mountain lion spotting in early May, the Southern Ute Wildlife Division has tips and tricks for keeping safe and reducing the chance of encountering these elusive but dangerous animals. And the Ignacio Community Library’s Summer Reading Program is off to a strong start, and it’s not too late to sign up! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and Serious Texas BBQ.

The Mountain Studies Institute and Wright-Ingraham Institute are partnering to research the impact of dust on snow, exploring how dust accelerates snowmelt and exacerbates drought conditions. The first 72 units of affordable housing at The Residences at Durango are on track to be completed by year-end, transforming the former Best Western Inn into a mix of renovated studios and apartments. Additionally, the Durango Public Library’s summer reading program, which began on May 31st, offers reading incentives for all age groups, with the program running through August 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent and Sky Ute Casino.

Nearly three years after the historic administrative building was sold to the city of Durango, Durango School District 9-R has opened a new headquarters. 46 district employees work out of the new, smaller building, located in Bodo Park. Departments in the new facility include the superintendent, executive team, communications, curriculum and instruction, student support services, human resources, finance, safety and security, and the Durango Education Foundation. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Fort Lewis College Professor Justin McBrayer has won a prestigious award from the Fulbright Program. McBrayer will spend a term in Italy both conducting research and teaching at the University of Genoa, Italy in 2025. This is the second time McBrayer has received an award from the prestigious Fulbright Program, which is “devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” McBrayer said the award will allow him to continue exploring the issue of misinformation and fake news. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Purgatory Mountain Resort looks to kick off the summer season on June 15th, with the Sunset Shred offering extra hours for mountain biking in July. Clean Commute Day is back on Wednesday, June 25th with a day full of activities. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has opened the second round of Clean Fleet and Technology grants to incentivize the purchase of more environmentally friendly fleet vehicles. And the Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that the Grandview Bridge switch will be postponed to the middle of the month due to delays in lighting at the Grandview Roundabout. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino.

The La Plata County Public Health Department’s Harm Reduction program is actively addressing the opioid crisis by providing life-saving tools, such as Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, and creating a non-judgmental space for people struggling with substance use. The program offers essential support, including sterile supplies and education, to reduce infectious diseases and overdose deaths. The Harm Reduction program highlights the importance of meeting people where they are in their substance use journey and emphasizes the protective Good Samaritan law, which encourages people to seek help without fear of criminal charges. The program's efforts significantly increase the likelihood of individuals accessing treatment and reducing substance use. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango High School has been ranked in the top 10% of public high schools in the country. The U.S. News & World Reports methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness, reading, math and science proficiency, reading, math and science performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates. The rankings also put D.H.S. in the top 9% of Colorado public high schools. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Freddies Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

If you're hiking with your dog this summer, consider the Durango Kennel Club's rattlesnake avoidance clinic this weekend to keep your pet safe. The City of Durango has launched an online questionnaire for the preliminary design of the 600 and 700 blocks of Main Street, with feedback influencing the project's priorities and a chance to win gift cards. Additionally, the Summer Food Program, starting June 3rd, will provide meals to children at Fanto Park, Monday through Thursday, until August 1st. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Serious Texas B-B-Q.

Celebrate La Plata County Humane Society's annual Adopt-A-Thon, the largest pet adoption event of the year! From June 7th to 8th, explore reduced prices, local vendors, and store-wide sales at the Humane Society Thrift Store. With a goal of finding homes for 50 pets, this event offers a straightforward adoption process, ensuring all animals are vaccinated and microchipped. Supported by sponsors and vendors, this event commemorates 20 years of community support, providing an opportunity to give deserving pets a loving home. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and Payroll Department.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is this Saturday, May 25th. The Colorado Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that US Highway 550 will be closed to vehicles between Purgatory Ski Resort and Silverton during the event. The second annual Healing Field, put on by the Blue Star Moms of Durango, will be on display for Memorial Weekend at Santa Rita Park in honor of fallen veterans. The Boggy Draw trail system is open to the public again after conducting a prescribed fire across over one thousand acres to mitigate future fire risks. The Durango Chamber of Commerce is asking for volunteers this Friday, May 24th, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to help with its 21st annual Downtown Clean Day. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

Montezuma Rising is a community music festival in the heart of downtown Mancos featuring the bands Desert Child, Ora, Desiderata, Le Trebuchet, Proud Mother and Influsense. The El Rio Cantina will host the after-party featuring DJ BADGOAT. The fest will also spotlight local non-profits and community organizations doing great things for Montezuma County, and is spearheaded by Fenceline Cider. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

The completion of the overpass represents a significant milestone for the community, symbolizing its transformation from the 'Bridge to Nowhere' to the 'Bridge to the Future.' The recent event hosted by the Colorado Department of Transportation offered the public an early glimpse of the new highway and bridge, showcasing advancements in safety and wildlife protection. As traffic prepares to shift to the new interchange, CDOT project crews are ready to initiate the reclamation of US Highway 550 along Farmington Hill. With optimism for the project's future success, CDOT anticipates a safer and more reliable transportation route for the region, marking a promising chapter for the community. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.