WATTS UP: Lightning Season & Safety

Outdoorsy Van Rentals rents camper vans and RVs across the United States, helping to introduce more people to the world of camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Outdoorsy uses the same concept as other home- or ride-sharing companies (such as AirBnB and Uber) to facilitate the equipment rentals. This story is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

Winter 2022 will see the first electric school bus from Durango School District 9-R on the roads. The joint venture between Durango 9-R and the La Plata Electric Association is powered by electricity and might start offsetting energy costs as well as emissions. This story is brought to you by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

Nonprofits from throughout Southwest Colorado will benefit from wine lovers when they attend the 2022 Durango Wine Experience, now under the direction of the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado. This story is brought to you by Service Master Restore, Ace Hardware of Farmington, Choice Building Supplies Ace Hardware, and Kroegers Ace Hardware

U.S. Congressional Rep. Lauren Boebert has launched an attack campaign and website accusing primary challenger Don Coram of corruption; Coram fights back.This story is brought to you by FASTSIGNS and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Dan Korman gives a concise recap of the crazy real estate market in 2021 and why prices soared countywide. Brought to you by Alpenglow Properties

The highly contagious Omicron variant of the COVID virus is prompting a number of event cancellations, but the Snowdown board of directors voted to move forward with Snowdown 2022 – with caveats. This story is sponsored by the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley and Service Master Restore

Durango resident Michelle Lachner suffered 40 years from nightmares, anxiety, depression, panic attacks and anorexia after a friend's brother sexually assaulted her when she was 16. Telling her secret was the first step on a journey to healing. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and FASTSIGNS

Topics in this week's Roundup include a COVID update, LPEA's Round-Up grants, and new license plates. Sponsored by Service Master Restore, Closets Plus, Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings, and the law firm of Downs McDonough Cowan and Foley, LLC

The Grief Center of Southwest Colorado offers support and understanding to survivors who've lost a loved one so that they once again can find hope and joy in their lives. Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals and The Payroll Department

With all the craziness of the holiday season, sometimes Fido and Fluffy may get themselves in trouble. La Plata County Humane Society Director Chris Nelson shares some of his top tips for ensuring that everyone has a safe and happy holiday. By Hannah Robertson. Sponsored by Closets Plus and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

The 6th Judicial District is one of only three areas in Colorado that does NOT have a place where child sexual assault victims can receive help and support in one location. A local non-profit, 4 the Children, wants to change that. Sponsored by Kroeger's Ace Hardware and Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Early plans are in the works for a proposed traffic-calming design along 32nd Street, with the goal of improving traffic conditions and reducing traffic infractions. Sponsored by Closets Plus and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

Express Employment Professionals of Durango presented the Durango Food Bank with a check for $10,000 as part of its mission to be active within the local community. Sponsored Express Employment Professionals and Serious Texas BBQ

San Juan Basin Public Health reports that area ICUs are near capacity. Sunnyside Gold Corporation agreed to a settlement with Colorado on the Gold King Mine Spill. And more. Sponsored by Service Master Restore and Closets Plus

A unique relationship between the 1st Southwest Bank and a sister community fund provides loans to entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to obtain a loan to start a business. Sponsored by Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley, LLC and TruWest Auto

During the early days of the pandemic, Karla Sluis, a local Zumba instructor, began teaching classes around Durango’s outdoor spaces. The classes encourage students to keep moving and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, in all seasons. Sponsored by Service Master Restore and Express Employment Professionals

The Four Corners Fencing Club has a GoFundMe project underway to raise money for new foils and to keep membership free. The club is open to people of all ages. By Hannah Robertson.

What would you plant first if you wanted to start a farm? The Bryant family planted 4,000 lavendar bushes on Los Miramontes Lavender Farm. Sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and TruWest Auto Outlet

We touch on a new CDOT mobile app, plans to stabilize Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde, how to earn cash rewards by shopping local, and more. Sponsored by Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

The San Juan Mountain Association harvests white firs from local forests to thin overgrowth, reduce wildfire fuels, and raise revenues during its annual Christmas Tree sale. Sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley, LLC