San Juan Basin Public Health Announces Closing Date

November 11, 2023

San Juan Basin Public Health will close this December, in accordance with agreements with La Plata and Archuleta counties, who will be responsible for providing public health services to their counties. Two Durango School District 9-R Board of Education members received the McGuffy Award for their service. Snowmaking has begun at Purgatory Resort in preparation for the 2024/25 ski season, and Noel Night is returning this December. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Learn More...

San Juan Basin Public Health - https://sjbpublichealth.org/

Durango School District 9-R - https://www.durangoschools.org/

Colorado Association of School Boards - https://www.casb.org/

Purgatory Resort - https://www.purgatory.ski/

 

The Payroll Department - https://payrolldept.biz/

Tafoya Barrett & Associates - https://www.tafoyabarrett.com/

Read the Full Transcript

Two Durango Board of Education Members received recognition by the Colorado Association of School Boards last month. San Juan Basin Public Health will close on December 31st, with the Plata County Public Health and Archuleta County Public Health providing public health services to the individual counties. And Halloween is over, which means snow is just around the corner, as Purgatory Resort begins snowmaking activities, and Noel Night signup starts. You're watching the "Local NEWS Roundup," brought to you by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and The Payroll Department. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Two Durango School District 9-R Board of Education Members received the Colorado Association of School Board's McGuffey Award last month. Members Erika Brown and Kristin Smith were announced as honorees for the award, which recognizes individuals who bring commitment and passionate service to board member work, go above and beyond their role, and actively serve their community. San Juan Basin Public Health will close December 31st this year. La Plata and Archuleta Counties will now be responsible for providing public health services to their individual counties as part of the closures, which was voted and decided on in 2022 by the County's Board of Commissioners. La Plata County Public Health will begin providing services in January 2024 and will be a source for environmental, health, maternal, child health programs, vital records, consumer protection, harm reduction services, and more. Sign up for a monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date with services, resources, and events. All current services and events offered and supported by San Juan Basin Public Health will continue through December. Snowmaking activities started last week at Purgatory Resort, with a planned opening date of November 18th. The goal is to have a solid base for the 2024/25 ski season. There are some changes to the daily snow report with new ways to access your daily powder news. To continue to receive email updates, create an account through OpenSnow. There are also text alerts offered. Sign up to be part of the Fresh Group to receive texts whenever there's been any fresh snowfall or the POW Group to receive texts when there was more than six inches of snow. Daily snow reports can also be found on the Purgatory mobile app and as always, by calling the main number for Purgatory Resort and listening to the Snow Report. Noel Night is back. The annual local event will be Friday, December 1st this year, and businesses interested in free promotional material are encouraged to sign up by November 10th. Noel Night highlights local retailers and is a partnership of Local First Durango Business Improvement District, Main Avenue businesses, and "The Durango Herald." Interested business owners should sign up online, and the event and promotions are not limited to Main Avenue businesses, so sign up. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the "Local NEWS Roundup." I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

PAST DURANGO LOCAL NEWS STORIES

January 18, 2024

Ignacio Monthly Roundup

The Ignacio Community Library invites you to join the second annual fundraising gala, Denim and Diamonds, featuring local art, artists, and food. With winter in full swing, the Repair Cafe has moved to the first Saturday of the month to keep library staff, volunteers, and participants safe. With the recent snowfalls, Ignacio School District 11-JT is asking parents and guardians to make sure contact information is up to date in the event of a snow day, and packets for Town Board seats are available for pick-up at Town Hall for the April municipal election. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and 2180 Lighting and Design Studio.
January 18, 2024

50 Years of Community

Alpine Bank celebrated its 50th anniversary by giving back to the communities of Colorado, distributing a total of $426,500 to 355 nonprofits chosen by its employees, including 14 in the Durango area. The bank, founded in 1973 by Bob Young, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, today seen in action through the Loyalty Debit Card program, which contributes 10 cents to a fund for local causes with every use. In commemoration of the $55 million raised through the program, Alpine Bank provided each employee with $500 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice for the anniversary celebration. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.
January 17, 2024

Snow Problem for Durango

With snowstorms on the horizon, make sure to refresh where Durango’s snow routes are and check snow plow schedules with the City of Durango. Make sure that you and your students know how snow days are decided for Durango School District 9-R, and find answers to frequently asked questions online. And Southwest Conservation Corps are looking for folks willing to host corpsmembers for its programs this year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and The Payroll Department.
January 15, 2024

Ignacio Non-Profit Thriving

Since its inception in 2015, The Elhi Community Center has focused on supporting communities in Southwest Colorado. The organization has a clothing closet and provides space for many small businesses and programs. In 2024, ELHI hopes to broaden its reach and continue serving as a venue for events ranging from concerts to classes and various kinds of parties. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Kroegers Ace Hardware.
January 10, 2024

Durango Keeps Moving and Expanding

Durango School District 9-R invites the community to the grand opening of the Impact Career Innovation Center at Durango High School on January 24th. The City of Durango adopted the 2023 Multimodal Plan, which outlines community input-driven updates for an integrated transportation network, emphasizing expanded transit services and improved pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. El Pomar Foundation is accepting applications for its 2024 internship program, offering a 10-week paid internship for undergraduate students focused on philanthropy and leadership development, and La Plata Electric Association has approved a pass-through rate increase, effective January 1st, with recommendations to avoid peak usage fees by running appliances during off-peak hours. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and The Payroll Department.
January 9, 2024

Skyhawks Shoot for Second Half Success

The Fort Lewis College women’s basketball team heads into the new year on a roll, having won eight of their last ten games. The Skyhawks are relying on added depth and experience to improve their record in year three under Head Coach Taylor Harris. FLC faces a tough test in January, playing at home just twice with the rest of the games on the road. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware.
January 2, 2024

Avalanche Experts Urge Backcountry Caution 

Avalanche deaths reached near-record levels in Colorado during the 2022/23 winter season. Friends of the San Juans is doing its part to reduce that number this season by leading education and outreach efforts throughout the Four Corners. Despite low early-season snowpack, experts warn there is still a risk for slides. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Southwest Health System
December 30, 2023

SJBPH Transition to La Plata County Health Department

As of January 1st, 2023, San Juan Basin Public Health will close its doors (metaphorically), and La Plata and Archuleta counties will take over providing public health services to their communities. La Plata Public Health Department has been working over the past year to develop the new department, staff the offices, and ensure the continuation of public health in La Plata County. While essential services like health insurance assistance, emergency clinic services, and wastewater testing will continue uninterrupted, other services will see a slight “pause” while La Plata County Health Department officially takes over in the first couple of weeks of 2024. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware
December 27, 2023

Winter Weather Tips

Every year, 11,000 people suffer injury from snow shoveling alone. With more snow, ice and colder temperatures comes a higher risk for drivers, pedestrians and pets. The Four Corners region has unique conditions that can increase certain risks. The Local News Network with the help of Visit Durango has gathered some tips to keep you safe, from the high desert to the high alpine. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings
December 22, 2023

Durango Theatreworks Creates Radio Play Versions of Holiday Classics

Durango Theatreworks, a sponsored program of Fort Lewis College’s theatre department, staged and recorded a radio play version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol that ran from December 13 to December 17 at the FLC Mainstage Theatre. The recorded version of the radio play can be heard on Christmas Eve on KDUR 91.9/93.9 at 4PM and KPTE 92.9 The Point at 7PM. It will also be broadcast on Christmas morning on KKDG 99X at 10 AM. A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play was adapted for the stage and radio by Nathan Jerkins and was directed by Fort Lewis College Professor Michael McKelvey. The cast featured Matt Bodo, Conor Sheehan, Jenny Fitts-Reynolds, Mohriah James, Oliver Kennedy, Siena Widen, Hallie Denman, Kieran Peck, Melissa Mossinghoff, and Bella O’Bryan. After the Saturday night performance, the Christmas Carol cast members, along with director McKelvey, also performed a rollicking read through of a radio adaptation of another Christmas favorite, DieHard. Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Radiocast was also adapted by Nathan Jerkins. Durango Theatreworks was started nearly two years ago by Michael McKelvey in an effort to expand the capacity and community involvement of Fort Lewis College’s theatre offerings. Other Theatreworks productions include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Much Ado About Nothing, and Heathers the Musical, all which cast community members alongside Fort Lewis students. This will be the second year that the company has produced A Christmas Carol for the stage and the radio. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
December 21, 2023

New Designs, Old Designs, Designs Everywhere

Submit your nominees for the Design and Development Awards for outstanding projects in the community for 2023. The City of Durango has a new, more modern look to the website along with improved accessibility. On January 1st, San Juan Basin Public Health will officially hand the reins to La Plata County Public Health Department and Archuleta County Public Health Department, with a slight transition period and important notices. And Santa Rita Park is once again the location for dropping off your Christmas Tree this year. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings
December 20, 2023

Four Corners Gift Guide

The holidays are rapidly approaching and if you haven't found something for the loved ones on your list, there are plenty of local options to choose from. Local artists and entrepreneurs offer everything from bags, to candles, clothes and more. Mancos based Thread, Metal and Stone repurposes fire hose to produce sturdy totes and slings along with jewelry for active people. Claire West Studio sells lavender products from a Cortez family lavender farm. Our region is full of second hand and consignment stores to uncover the perfect gift no one else will have. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino
December 18, 2023

Pop Some Tags and Bolster Community at Methodist Thrift

The Methodist Thrift Shop, located on 2nd Ave. in downtown Durango, is a well-known, local, establishment known for its offering of low cost, second hand, clothing, books, décor, and more. What’s lesser known is how essential this non-profit is to the community. Methodist Thrift’s proceeds go towards supplying vouchers to individuals experiencing financial hardship, as well as large sum donations to local humanitarian causes. By Zachary Marqua. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings
December 16, 2023

Poet Laureates Announced

The Durango Poet Laureate Committee announced the first poet laureate and rising poet laureate, who will serve three-year terms writing poems for special events and occasions. The City of Durango adopted the 2024 budget at the December 5th meeting, and United Airlines has announced it will be starting twice-daily trips with the Airbus A319, the largest plane currently serving the Durango La Plata County Airport. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ
December 19, 2023

The “Act” of Balancing Everything

The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit has experienced significant growth over the past four years. The event encourages women from the Four Corners area and beyond to network, connect with professionals, and celebrate the community of Farmington. The recent summit, themed "Balancing 'Act'," focused on the challenges of maintaining balance in life. Speakers included Mary Bono, a former congresswoman, and Jennifer McCoy, an Air Force veteran and businesswoman, who shared insights on life's balancing act. The summit coincided with the Business-to-Business Expo, showcasing Four Corners businesses and providing networking opportunities. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College
December 8, 2023

Leveling Up the Experience

Lola’s Place, a staple of Durango for gathering for a cup of coffee or fresh tacos, is refreshing the customer experience for an all-season event. Over the past couple of months, additions and renovations to the inside have allowed for an increase in service from the bar, and expanded menus from Cuevas Tacos and Rokko Izakaya mean more hours and more opportunities to gather. Everyone is invited to the winter re-opening December 15th to celebrate the new space. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ
December 8, 2023

Ignacio Monthly Roundup: December

A low-cost spay and neuter clinic is coming to Ignacio this month, provided by the La Plata County Humane Society. Ignacio Community Library has a variety of craft opportunities this month to get that holiday spirit going (or to make that perfect gift!), and ring in the holiday break with Ignacio Schools’ Bobcat Jingle Jam. The Southern Ute Tribe has announced the dates for the run-off election for the tribal council seat and tribal chairman. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings
December 6, 2023

Moving Day and Christmas Reward Program

Durango School District 9-R has begun moving the administration from the former, historic administration building downtown to its new location in Bodo Park. The City of Durango has announced a domain change to better assure residents of the authenticity of the website. Durango’s Business Improvement District is bringing back the winter rewards program, and celebrate the holidays with gingerbread and more at the Black Diamond Lodge’s Gingerbread Lodge. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware
December 5, 2023

Merely Players Presents Rock Musical Hands on a Hardbody

Merely Players is in the middle of a diverse and interesting 2023-24 season, currently showing the regional premiere of Hands on a Hardbody at the Merely Underground at 789 Tech Center Drive. Hands on a Hardbody is a 2013 country rock musical based on a 1997 documentary about a group of Texans who compete to win a new truck by keeping their hands on it the longest. This unconventional musical, with a book by Doug Wright and music by Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio of Phish, explores a wide array of human experiences and emotions, as the contestants reveal their stories through an upbeat score that fuses country, blues, and rock. Featuring an ensemble cast of local talent and an actual full size working truck, this show is fun for the whole family. By Jessica McCallum This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and The Payroll Department
December 1, 2023

Sgt. Michael Moran End of Watch

The Local NEWS Network offers our condolences to the friends and family of Sgt. Michael Moran, and to the City of Cortez and the Cortez Police Department.

Need more  Local DURANGO News?

Click here for past stories
News for Locals. By Locals.
Editorial Policy | Copyright © Local News Network Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy