Durango Local News

The Blacksmith Café isn't an ordinary coffee shop. One half is a café, the other half is a working forge. Nate and Jo Winkler opened the shop on Highway 160, where you can get espresso, locally sourced pastries and fresh yerba mate, and also catch live blacksmithing during open forging hours.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino  and FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

The 40th Annual Chocolate Fantasia is Thursday, September 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Purgatory Resort hosts its annual Oktoberfest Saturday, September 19, from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the base area. And the Durango Autumn Arts Festival returns Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Second Avenue downtown.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Durango Pizza.Support the show

The Fort Lewis College football team played its first home game under new stadium lights this weekend, beating Arizona Christian University 27 to 9 in front of more than 2,000 fans. The roughly $750,000 lighting project was funded by a student fee increase FLC students voted on themselves, and it's the first of three planned upgrades. The Skyhawks host New Mexico Highlands on Saturday, September 12.By Kate Moores and Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

This week Durango has the Durango Fall Pride, the Economic Alliance Summit and a Dolly Parton karaoke tribute at the Durango Arts Center all on the calendar.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin Donuts.Support the show

Four organizations serve La Plata County's youth, each in a different way. Episode one of “Our Kids. Our Community.” introduces who they are.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at LNN.newsThis story was made possible by YOU, our community, through Colorado Gives, 2025.Support the show

The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally celebrates its 33rd anniversary Thursday through Sunday, September 3 to 6, with a packed schedule of events. On Friday, September 4, Durango's Fall Gallery Walk takes over galleries across town from 4 to 7 p.m. The ArtRoom Collective at the Smiley is celebrating its 5th birthday and is the perfect place to start your evening. And starting Friday, September 4, Purgatory Resort hosts the annual Mushroom Festival. The weekend includes a mushroom and wine dinner Friday evening, a cooking masterclass on Saturday, and a multi-course mushroom and wine luncheon on Sunday. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Durango Pizza and the Payroll Department.Support the show

This weekend, Durango has the San Juan Brewfest, the Mountain States Cup Downhill Series Finale at Purgatory Resort and a late summer birding outing at the San Juan Mountains Association Nature Center.Watch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates.Support the show

A former Farmington grocery store has become a hub for local youth sports, thanks to the Pennington family. The Penningtons have owned the building since the 1980s and began converting it into practice space for their children's volleyball and baseball teams before opening it up to the wider community.Today, Empire Athletics offers batting cages, volleyball and pickleball courts, a yoga studio and a gym, with a new turf field project already underway. Owners say every dollar the business makes goes back into equipment, not a paycheck. Empire Athletics sits near Costa Vida and Nutra Mills in Farmington, with league, camp and clinic updates posted on Facebook and Instagram.By Tanner WaiteThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Farmington, Legacy Financial Advisors and Rocky Mountain Safety.And presented by Four Corners Economic Development, the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and the Aztec Chamber of Commerce.Watch this story at LNN.newsSupport the show

On Wednesday, August, 19 EsoTerra Arboretum hosts Vinyasa and Vines, an all-levels yoga class paired with wine and cheese from 6 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, August 22, Durango Natural Foods hosts its annual Harvest Festival at Rotary Park from 2 to 7 p.m. And on Sunday, August 23, St. Paul's Lutheran Church hosts a community open house celebrating a newly renovated sanctuary from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a catered lunch from Zia Taqueria and tours of the new Animas Room community space.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Mercy Sports Medicine.Support the show

Colorado's "Negligently Luring Bears" law, House Bill 1342, cracks down on people who attract wild bears. The law lowers the legal standard from "intentional" to "knowing" behavior, removes the automatic warning first-time offenders used to receive, and raises the fine for repeat violations from $2,000 to $5,000.By Sadie Smith Watch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by the FLC Center for Innovation and Sky Ute CasinoSupport the show

Durango Nordic and Durango DEVO host the city's first ever mountain bike biathlon on Saturday, August 15, at Animas High School. The La Plata County Fair wraps up with the Demolition Derby Saturday afternoon at Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio. And the Durango Arts Center hosts the inaugural Kirk James Music Celebration Sunday, August 16, at Ska Brewing benefiting KSUT Public Radio and Stillwater Music youth scholarships.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Kroegers Ace Hardware.Support the show

Aztec Riverside BMX aims to break ground this October on a two-acre, city-owned lot for a new BMX track, giving local children a home course instead of long drives to Durango or Albuquerque to race. The nonprofit is working with USA BMX to design the track to national standards. Beyond race day, organizers plan a loaner bike fleet, Strider races for the youngest riders and a school partnership teaching children how bikes work through a STEM program.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.NewsThis story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Sunray Park & Casino.Support the show

Table to Farm Compost is a Durango based climate activist business that has been turning food scraps into compost since 2016. Co-owner Monique DiGiorgio was recently named the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year by Southwest Colorado Rocks for her leadership in growing the company to more than 800 subscribers and achieving the highest level of compost certification in Colorado. The company offers curbside pickup of food scraps and transforms them into high quality compost used by local gardeners and agricultural producers across La Plata County. With Durango's Bonded Landfill at 70% capacity and Durango City Council set to decide on composting requirements this fall, Table to Farm is at the center of an important conversation about how Durango handles its organic waste.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango, Legacy Financial Advisors and RMW/Tafoya Barrett & Associates. And presented by the La Plata County Economic Alliance and the Durango Chamber of Commerce.Support the show

The La Plata County Fair runs Wednesday to Sunday, August 5 through 9, at the fairgrounds. Durango Nursery and Supply  is partnering with the La Plata County Humane Society for their Dog Days of Summer Sale through Saturday, August 8. And the Community Concert Hall at the Park wraps up its summer season this Thursday with the Mojo Birds at Buckley Park.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Living in southwest Colorado means the risk of fire and flood is never far from home.First responders and firefighters are currently fighting the Rio Blanco Fire, located 12 miles south of Pagosa Springs. The lightning-caused fire started on Tuesday, July 28, and as of Thursday evening, it has grown to 781 acres with 0% containment. Nearly a year ago, communities just west of town experienced a similar threat: the Oak Fire, fueled by dry conditions, quickly outpaced on-the-ground resources with its extreme behavior. Sixty days later, historic, climate-fueled floods resulted in the third-largest flows on record for the San Juan River. These forests are increasingly defined by cycles of extreme multi-year droughts and wildfires interspersed with catastrophic precipitation in a warmer atmosphere. Beyond the Embers, a new short film produced by local filmmaker, Christi Bode, reflects on 2025 events and expresses the continued need for community preparedness before the next natural disaster. The film was produced with support from the San Juan Headwaters Forest Health Partnership, Wolf Creek Ski Area and Best of Pagosa Springs Real Estate.By Christi BodeWatch this story at LNN.newsSupport the show

The Powerhouse Science Center hosts rock band ORA on Wednesday as part of its weekly Community Concert Series. The Durango Brewers Trail Series wraps up on Thursday with the High Trestle Brewing Series Finale at Overend Mountain Park. And the 7th Annual Buckley Park Arts and Crafts Festival closes out the week on Saturday with local artisans and makers.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and the Payroll Department.Support the show

Fort Lewis College has been selected as one of five rural Colorado colleges to participate in CO-WIL, the Colorado Work-Integrated Learning Consortium. The three-year pilot program connects students with real employer projects inside the classroom, allowing them to earn a minimum $250 stipend while getting academic credit. The state intentionally selected rural colleges first, with the goal of scaling the program statewide if successful. The program will initially support courses in computer information systems, psychology, nutrition and studio art and is expected to get underway in the coming months.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

This week, Durango has a free outdoor concert, a boozy peach brunch and tickets on sale for an intimate songwriter festival. The Jon Stickley Trio performs Thursday, July 23, at Buckley Park as part of the Community Concert Hall at the Park free concert series. On Sunday, July 26, Graze Colorado hosts Peaches and Prosecco, a three course boozy brunch celebrating Palisade peach season. And the San Juan Songwriter Festival comes to downtown Durango September 24 through 27, featuring Nashville hitmakers and local songwriters performing across intimate downtown venues. Tickets start at $40.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by RMW  Tafoya Barrett & Associates and FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

Analyss Benally grew up in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation and went on to play Division I basketball at San Jose State before launching her professional basketball career in Europe. Today, her nonprofit, AB Five Basketball, brings free camps and clinics to Native youth across the Southwest.This summer, AB Five returned to Shiprock with volunteer coaches, including former Los Angeles Lakers guard Andre Ingram.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Ace Hardware in Farmington and Fitness World.Support the show

The City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department hosts a free community celebration Friday, July 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center featuring food and drinks, live music, games and more to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month. On Saturday July 18, Durango Nordic hosts a running biathlon at the Durango Nordic Center combining trail running with laser rifle shooting. And the 91st annual Durango Fiesta Days Rodeo runs Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds with multiple performances running over the weekend. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Lickety-Split Comedy is a comedy and improv group based in Pagosa Springs, founded by veteran performers Karisa Bruin and Scott Morehead. After years of working as improvisers, actors and writers in Chicago and Los Angeles, the two moved to Pagosa Springs and launched Lickety-Split. The group offers classes and workshops in unscripted theater as well as monthly shows on the third Monday of each month at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. For more information visit LicketySplitComedy.com.By Christi BodeWatch this story at LNN.news.This story is sponsored by RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates  and Dunkin Donuts.Support the show

Under the sandstone bluffs of Farmington, a professional musical theater company draws record crowds with its production of "Grease." Artistic Director Randy West sits down to talk about how Four Corners Musical Theater grew from a request by city leaders seven years ago into New Mexico's only professional musical theater company, and why he says nights at Sandstone, rainbows and all, are unlike any other stage in the state.By Tanner WaiteThis story is sponsored by Express Employment  and Dickey's Barbecue PitWatch this story at LNN.newsSupport the show

The Elmore's Corner Midweek Market is a new, weekly makers market running every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange on Highway 172 between Durango and Bayfield. Vendors sell fresh produce, local honey, sourdough bread, frozen meats from local ranchers and handcrafted goods. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.news.This story is sponsored by Durango Pizza and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

This week, the Total Archery Challenge comes to Purgatory Resort July 10 through 12. The 72nd annual Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show runs July 10 through 12 as well, bringing 67 dealers from around the world to the La Plata County Fairgrounds. And on Monday July 13, the La Plata County Farm Bureau will host a free drought response presentation at the fairgrounds featuring the Colorado Department of Agriculture.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

Mancos United started in response to tragedies the Mancos community experienced in 2021. From there, the organization worked to identify gaps in support for families and kids. Their flagship program, Summer Hub, provides full-day summer care for working families on a pay-what-you-can model, funded by community donations and business sponsorships.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie's Trophy Room.Support the show

The Mancos BurroFest returned for its seventh year and drew in over 2,500 attendees for a day of art, food, music, and burros. What began in 2019 as a small gathering of local artist-ranchers has grown into the Mancos Creative District's number one fundraiser and the biggest sales day of the year for many local galleries and restaurants. This year's theme, the Burro Birthday Bash, celebrates Colorado's 150th birthday with Colorado-themed obstacles, costumes, and community joy.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by The LOR Foundation and Big O Tires.Support the show

This week's roundup covers a packed Fourth of July weekend in Durango, including the annual Main Avenue parade and a free street dance featuring the Grammy Award-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Old Barrel Tea Co. hosts a matcha ceremony and tasting event Friday evening, and Pagosa Springs will host Beyond the Embers, a community film screening and panel discussion on wildfire and flood preparedness following the region's devastating 2025 disasters.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

The Ute Mountain Roundup returned to Cortez for its 96th year bringing thousands of visitors and top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. From the board members who organize the event year round to the stock contractor who drives twelve hours from Wyoming to bring the animals, this is a look at what it takes to put on one of the biggest events in Montezuma County.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.Support the show

Durango has a packed week ahead with the True Western Roundup Rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, the Durango Youth Theater's production of Peter Pan and Treasure Island at the Durango Arts Center, and the Durango Botanic Gardens' 13th Annual Gardens on Tour.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Kroegers Ace Hardware.Support the show

The City of Durango accepts photo submissions through August 1 for the cover of the 2026 budget book. This week Durango also has a firefly viewing party at Sunnyside Farms on Friday, June 19. And Purgatory Resort's Summer Opening Day Celebration on Saturday, June 20, just in time for Father's Day weekend.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and the FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

Dr. Larry Grogin, 71, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. Rather than let the diagnosis define him, he set out to run 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days from New Jersey to Los Angeles to raise awareness for the Davis Phinney Foundation and prove that movement is medicine.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

Durango's event calendar this week includes the Women's Resource Center's Inaugural Golf Open, KSUT's 50th Anniversary Party at Ska Brewing, and Manna's Beyond the Plate fundraising evening at Destination Ranch.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Kroegers Ace Hardware.Support the show

Durango has a packed weekend ahead with the Mesa Verde Foundation's 120th Anniversary Celebration of Mesa Verde National Park at the EsoTerra Arboretum on Friday, June 5, the 4-Corners Rough Stock Challenge at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 6, and the Durango Cowboy Gathering's 12th Annual Barn Dance, Picnic, and Silent Auction at River Bend Ranch on Sunday, June 7.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at lnn.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and RMW  Tafoya Barrett & AssociatesSupport the show

One of the earliest San Juan River peaks on record has whitewater guides and river engineers watching closely. Here is what it means for rafting and recreation this summer in Pagosa Springs.By Christi BodeWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

There are several events happening in Durango this week including the Durango Bluegrass Train, the 43rd Annual Animas River Days at Santa Rita Park, and the Durango Barbershoppers annual show at the Durango High School Auditorium.Watch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and the FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

Durango has a busy Memorial weekend ahead with the 23rd Annual Downtown Clean Day on Friday, May 22, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic running Saturday and Sunday, and the Narrow Gauge 10 Mile Run on Sunday, May 24. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Skyring Water is a Cold War thriller bestselling author Louis L'Amour wrote around 1960 but never published. After L'Amour's death in 1988, the manuscript sat unfinished for decades until his son Beau L'Amour completed it, describing the book as a partnership across time. Skyring Water releases June 2, 2026.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Kroegers Ace Hardware.Support the show

Music in the Mountains is celebrating its 40th anniversary season this summer, running July 9th through August 2nd across the Four Corners region. What started in 1987 with just 11 musicians has grown into a world-class orchestra featuring performers from around the globe. This year's festival features free community concerts from Durango to Bayfield, Ignacio, Pagosa, and Mancos, along with full orchestra performances, family concerts, and chamber music. Tickets are on sale now at musicinthemountains.com.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at lnn.news.This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

The Garden Guys are back with practical advice for Southwest Colorado gardeners. Tom Bartels and Darrin Parmenter break down planting timing, drought prep, compost versus fertilizer, and what to look for when buying transplants this spring.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and the Payroll Department.Support the show

iAM Music celebrated its 11th annual Music Fest in downtown Durango from April 30th through May 3rd, bringing 25+ artists across eight stages throughout the city. Founded in 2015, every ticket sold supports iAM Music's mission of funding scholarships, performance opportunities, and music education for youth across the Four Corners region.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by the FLC Center for Innovation and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

It's a great week ahead in Durango with the 4th Annual Manna Plant Sale running Friday and Saturday, May 8th and 9th, the first Durango Farmers Market of the season on Saturday, May 9th, from 8 AM to noon, a community tennis fundraiser benefiting the Durango High School Boys Tennis Team also on Saturday May 9th from 10 AM to 1 PM, and a free Women's Mountain Bike Basics Clinic at Purgatory Sports on Monday May 11th.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware  and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

It's a packed week ahead in Durango with the iAM Music Fest taking over downtown April 30th through May 3rd featuring 25 plus artists across eight venues. On May 1st, the La Plata County Humane Society teams up with Durango Motor Company for a special National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day adoption event from 12 to 2 PM. And also kicking off May 1st Love Locals Week runs through May 10th with deals and events at over 40 downtown businesses including a BOGO Heart of Durango Dollars gift card promotion.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas Bar-B-QSupport the show

On what would have been his 93rd birthday, friends, family and fellow leaders gathered in Ignacio on April 13th to honor the life and legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Those who knew him best reflect on a man who transformed Native American representation in American politics, championed tribal sovereignty, and proved that anybody can make a real difference.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.Support the show

Fort Lewis College has launched a new dietetics program, clearing a key milestone toward national accreditation and opening new career pathways for students across the Four Corners.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings Support the show

A packed weekend ahead in Durango! The Durango Wine Experience kicks off Friday April 24th with a Walkabout Tasting through downtown from 4 to 6:30 PM, followed by the Grand Tasting at Buckley Park on Saturday April 25th from 3 to 6 PM. Also this weekend the Devo Bike Swap runs Friday and Saturday  from 9 AM to 7 PM. And Friday evening Lively Boutique hosts its 8th Annual Fashion Show at the Henry Strater Theater with shows at 5:30 and 7:30 PM, with all proceeds benefiting iAM Music's youth programs.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Maria's Literary Foundation is hosting its second annual Read-a-Thon from April 10th through April 20th, raising funds for the Reading Room — a free bookshop and reading nook for Durango youth. This year's goal is $25,000 with all donations up to $10,000 matched by Maria's Bookshop. By Sadie Smith Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

Three events worth putting on your calendar this week — an Arbor Day Celebration at the Durango Recreation Center on April 17th, Durango's Earth Day celebration with a parade and live music on April 18th, and Durango Montessori School's annual Electronics Recycling fundraiser on April 22nd.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and the FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

Ragtime music — a blend of European styles and African American rhythms considered the forerunner of jazz — has found an unlikely home in Durango, Colo. For nearly 70 years, the Diamond Bell Saloon at the historic Strater Hotel has featured live ragtime piano, making it one of the only venues in the country where audiences can hear the music performed regularly. A pianist who holds a master's degree in historical musicology from the Peabody Conservatory plays up to six nights a week on an 1902 upright grand piano, calling the experience "time travel" for audiences.Now, that same musician has launched the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival, now in its second year as a nonprofit. The festival brings approximately seven of the country's top ragtime and early jazz musicians to Durango each year, with the goal of preserving the music and introducing it to new audiences. Organizers say Durango's size, rich ragtime history and the Strater Hotel — built during the ragtime era — make it an ideal home for the festival. For more information, visit durangoragtime.com.By Paige SparksThis story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Keesee Motor CompanyWatch this story at durangolocal.newsSupport the show

Here are three events worth putting on your calendar this week — Stillwater Music's Battle of the Bands at Miller Middle School on April 10th, the 30th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown running April 10th through 12th, and the Colorado Black Equity Study Community Listening Session at Fort Lewis College on April 11th from noon to 2 p.m.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

The city's annual Spring Cleanup is now underway, running through April 30th, with city crews moving through residential neighborhoods picking up furniture, appliances, yard waste, and more. Coming up April 2nd through 4th, the Duranglers Fly Fishing Festival returns with three days of films, clinics, demos, and deals, kicking off Thursday night at Animas City Theatre with the Fly Fishing Film Tour. And sign-ups are now open for Maria's Literary Foundation's Second Annual Read-a-Thon, running April 10th through 20th, benefiting youth literacy in Durango.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

Colorado's new Wildfire Resiliency Building Code requires fire-resistant materials and vegetation management for new construction and major home renovations in wildfire-prone areas. The town of Pagosa Springs plans to adopt the code April 1, with full implementation by July 1. Organizations like Wildfire Adapted Partnership offer free property assessments to help homeowners reduce their risk, even if the code does not apply to them yet.By Christi BodeWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Blondies Trophy Room.Support the show