Sip Some History of Southwest Colorado

The City of Durango has launched a new campaign to encourage pet owners to clean up after their pets. Two new housing developments are recipients of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance’s Housing Catalyst Fund. The Good Food Collective wants to help reduce food waste through its gleaning program, and if you own an electric vehicle, the City of Durango wants to hear from you what it’s like driving in Durango. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

Brandarius Johnson knows the importance of mental health, especially among students. The Fort Lewis College alum visited Durango School District 9-R before the start of the school year to discuss how to talk to students - especially pre-teens and teens - about mental health. Johnson, a published author, runs several programs through his organization Day 1 Ambition. By Hannah Robertson and Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

The City of Durango has finalized the donation process for an additional 50 acres of land next to the Oxbow Preserve, donated by Bill and Maddy Waters. The design phase for ADA improvements along North Main has begun, and learn more about the “Grain Chain” through a program by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Grain School. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire - but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

Do you know an exceptional woman who deserves the recognition? Nominate her for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Merely Players present the premiere of “A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven” by Javon “Ja’Moon” Jones, a visual storytelling experience, and Durango School District 9-R has open board seats for the November election. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks football team has lots of new faces heading into Head Coach Johnny Cox’s second year at the helm of the program. Coach Cox’s rebuild will continue in year two with three new coaches and many more new players. Though improvement in some statistical categories didn’t translate to wins on the field in 2022, coaches and players are hoping year two brings more wins. The Skyhawks open their season with two road games, starting with a clash against William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, September 2nd. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Centura Health is now CommonSpirit with the consolidation of parent companies. Fort Lewis College and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance have announced a new program for high-priority jobs in the La Plata region. Trails in the Horse Gulch and Durango Mesa system are nearing completion, and add rafting to work to your list of things to do this week! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

This story was previously posted February 14, 2022 Ever been working on a home improvement project and find out you’re missing a specific tool? Durango Tool Library is here to help you find all the tools you need without breaking the bank. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and The Payroll Department

Durango School District 9-R goes back to school on August 22nd - get your students ready for school with check-ins and in-person or online registration. Animas Museum invites you to learn about the history of the Buffalo Soliders in the southwest, and nominate yourself or someone you know for the “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” competition by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

There is a subtle excitement hearing the tuning note as a symphony is about to start, and San Juan Symphony wants to bring that excitement to everyone, performer or concert-goer. Through community-based programs, working within local schools, and supporting other local music groups, San Juan Symphony is bringing professional-grade music to the small towns and communities, breaking down barriers to access. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

The City of Durango reviewed bids for the County Road 250 and County Road 241 improvement project at the latest City Council meeting. Pavement treatment projects are underway across town - make sure to plan your trip accordingly and be prepared for possibly delays and roadwork. And the Durango Adult Education Center would like to invite you to join its annual Literacy Luncheon fundraiser and celebrate the past year’s achievements. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Kroegers Ace Hardware

An international organization, Repair Café has recently opened shop at Ignacio Community Library to help folks fix everything from zippers and electronics to toasters and bicycles for free. Tools and materials are on hand, along with a variety of volunteer experts doing and teaching the fixing. Join the crew the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The fifth annual American Indian Art Festival was held under the trees at Aztec Ruins National Monument. It was nearly a hundred degrees in the shade, but the artists remained cool through the two-day event. Weavers, potters, painters, and jewelers came from all over the Southwest regions of the Four Corners, including Teec Nos Pos in Arizona and the ancient pueblo of Acoma, three hours south of Aztec. The artists demonstrated their various techniques and also sold their crafts. The event was supported by the Chaco Culture Conservancy. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

18 year old Tinashe Vareta has dealt with food insecurity his entire life. He overcame many challenges to even get to Durango to participate in an exchange program sponsored by Durango High Noon Rotary Club. Now, thanks to the generosity of club members and others throughout the community, Vareta’s family has a new home. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

After operating as a successful agri-tourism farm and entertainment venue for two Autumn seasons, Jackalope Acres Farm is expanding offerings for its first summer in business. Hayrides allow visitors to see much of the farm's 60 acres located outside Ignacio. Sunflower and Zinnia festivals are scheduled for August and September and will lead Jackalope Acres into the fall-fest season it’s become associated with. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

The Colorado Department of Transportation announced plans for the start of paving on the CO 172 project, which will cause alternate lane closures and possible delays of up to 30 minutes. The Multimodal Department is looking for volunteers to help with a pedestrian and bicycle counting survey and the City of Durango has been approved for funds from Proposition 123 to construct 184 affordable housing units over the next three years. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

La Plata County and the San Juan National Forest have enacted fire restrictions as the summer heats up. Durango School District 9-R introduces the two new leadership teams for Miller Middle School and Escalante Middle School. The City of Durango is looking for volunteers to join local boards and commissions, and La Plata Conservation District and Pine River Conservation District are looking for landowner input on land use concerns through an online survey. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

Sustainable Goods and Omni Cafe are now in their permanent home at 1259 Main Avenue in Durango. After operating as wholesalers and pop-up specialists, owners believe the climate is right to showcase sustainable and local products. Sustainable Goods features everyday goods and gifts from local and environmentally conscious companies, while collaborator Omni Cafe offers baked goods and coffee from local producers. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

San Juan College is inviting Native American students to join a new program, in partnership with New Mexico State University’s American Indian Business Enterprise Center, to help jumpstart entrepreneurial careers. The Southern Ute Economic Development Department is hosting an online networking opportunity for members of the Southern Ute Tribe, and Ignacio School District announced the retirement of its Finance Director, Lucina Lounge. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

Organizers have announced they are closing the public search for missing hiker Ian O’Brian after two weeks of searching. The City of Durango has voted how best to distribute the $361,084 in excess 2022 Lodger’s Tax. Come celebrate 100 years of one of the iconic engines from the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at the Animas Museum, and voluntary water restrictions are in place as repairs progress on the pipeline under Goeglein Gulch. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings