Durango Local News

Animas High School released a seven-episode podcast titled, “Beyond the Bell.” The Durango Arts Center's Annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival returns for its 31st year. And low-income residents may receive free, 12-month passes for Durango Transit. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/animas-high-school-releases-beyond-the-bell-podcast  This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Dunkin' Donuts.  Support the show

Sustainable economic development requires a workforce that can afford to set down roots, raise their families, and grow their businesses. That's the premise of the 18th annual Alliance Summit theme, “Rooted in Community,” the La Plata Economic Development Alliance's annual conference on Sept. 11 at the Sky Ute Events Center in Ignacio. By Deborah Uroda.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/what-it-takes-to-be-rooted-in-community This story is sponsored by La Plata Economic Development Alliance. Support the show

Durango School District kindergarten reading proficiency jumped 39% in just one year thanks to the Orton-Gillingham literacy approach, with students of all ages showing impressive gains. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/early-reading-scores-soar-in-durango-schools  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

The Women's Resource Center will host its 2025 Chocolate and Wine Tasting at Animas Chocolate. The Washington Post published an opinion piece by Four Corners resident Maddy Butcher. The City of Durango seeks volunteers to count bicyclists and pedestrians. By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/lose-your-soul-to-chocolate-for-womens-advocacy  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC.  Support the show

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/swco-united-way-expands-mission-as-team-up  This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation. Support the show

Wildfire smoke can cause significant health concerns especially if you have underlying health conditions. Here is what you need to know if you are in the path of wildfire smoke. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/health-effects-of-wildfire-smoke-when-its-too-dangerous-outside-to-breathe  This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Kroegers Ace Hardware. Support the show

The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is back this Labor Day weekend. The Sundog Gallery honors the late Stanton Englehart. And the Fort Lewis College director of athletics stepped down from his role in Durango to accept a new position. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/rev-up-your-labor-day-with-races-and-rodeos  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.  Support the show

Wines of the San Juan hosted its 12th annual Wine and Shine Classic Car Show where crowds gathered for an afternoon of vintage cars and local wines. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/classic-cars-and-local-wine-take-center-stage-in-san-juan-valleyThis story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Three Rivers Brewery.Support the show

A local pastor's vision to revive Southwest Colorado's western heritage has launched plans for an arena in Bayfield. Pine Valley Church Senior Pastor Scott Kujath leads the effort to create a multi-purpose facility to serve the community, create space for youth programs, and pass on Southwest Colorado western heritage to the next generation. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/redeeming-a-heritage-an-arena-to-serve-local-youth  This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC. Support the show

The Durango Education Foundation invites school-age children and their families to connect with local resources and youth programs. The Four Corners region's first tattoo convention comes to Ignacio this August. Colorado enacted a new law outlining when drivers must stop for school buses and a new way it's enforced. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/school-is-back-in-session This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) urged Southwest Colorado residents not to give up hope for democracy but to continue fighting for their rights as citizens living in a democratic republic. Bennet, a three-term senator, fielded audience questions about health care, tariffs, and democracy's perceived erosion during a town hall meeting on Aug. 5 at Fort Lewis College. Get involved. Register to Vote HERE . . . By Deborah Uroda. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/u-s-sen-michael-bennet-fight-back-now  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee and Tea and M&R Plumbing. Support the show

A new Colorado bill honors the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe's connection to ancestral land. San Juan Brewfest returns Friday and Saturday, August 22nd and 23rd. Want to showcase your art at the library? Applications just opened! And an acorn shortage causes bears to seek food elsewhere. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/colorado-bill-waives-park-entrance-fee-for-tribal-members   This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Dunkin' Donuts. Support the show

At one point the fairgrounds master plan considered relocating the La Plata County Fairgrounds facility to Durango Mesa Parks. That turned out to be far too expensive. Find out what upgrades will be made to the Main Avenue fairgrounds facility as a part of the fairgrounds master plan. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/county-chooses-renovation-over-new-fairgrounds-construction  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and FASTSIGNS Durango.  Support the show

Students get real world experience planning, designing and building water wells, bridges and solar energy systems to underdeveloped communities. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/flc-students-complete-zambian-water-project  This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Fastsigns Durango.  Support the show

Learn how to prepare for fire evacuations. Fort Lewis College seeks swag to share the school's history. And World Atlas named a Four Corners town one of the most overlooked destinations in Colorado. Watch for more! By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/how-to-prepare-for-fire-evacuations-and-emergencies  This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.Support the show

New downtown Durango Fire facility houses engine, ladder truck, two ambulances, EMS Captain, with space to add additional crew. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-fire-settles-into-new-station This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates.Support the show

A new art gallery with a community-storytelling focus opened in downtown Durango. Three Springs may get a fire station—voters will decide this November. And the Durango School District officially changed its name. By Rachel Hughes.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/community-centric-arts-hub-opens-on-main-ave  This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Crystal Mart.  Support the show

To mark its Durango opening, Sunward Credit Union launched a small business scholarship. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/credit-union-branches-into-durango  This story is sponsored by M&R Plumbing and Durango Gelato Coffee & Tea. Support the show

The baton has dropped. The overture nears its end, but you still have time to catch the musical magic that is the 39th annual Music in the Mountains Festival through Aug. 3. By Deborah Uroda.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/music-in-the-mountains-crescendos-toward-aug-3-finaleThis story is sponsored by Durango Motor Company and Dunkin Donuts.Support the show

Spanning nearly 500,000 acres across the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, the Weminuche Wilderness has an average elevation of 10,000 feet. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/weminuche-wilderness-turns-50  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings. Support the show

Elizabeth Philbrick has been sworn in to fill the District 1 county commissioner seat. Join the Mountain Studies Institute for Forest Health Stewardship Day. And the La Plata County Fair returns at the beginning of August. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/elizabeth-philbrick-sworn-in-as-district-1-county-commissioner This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

KSUT in Ignacio is one of three Colorado public radio stations to join a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump's Executive Order to freeze public media funding. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/public-radio-stations-face-uncertain-future  This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and FLC Center for Innovation.  Support the show

Dry weather forces the City of Durango to cancel July 4th fireworks as a precautionary measure. Music in the Mountains brings a series of free concerts to Durango. And the Durango Fiesta Days Rodeo returns for its 90th anniversary. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/extreme-dry-weather-cancels-july-4th-fireworks This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Kroegers Ace Hardware. Support the show

Rural areas like Durango face a healthcare crisis: retaining a workforce, in particular support staff. In April 2o24, Axis Healthcare received a $1.3 million Opportunity Now Grant. To tackle the issue they plan to “grow our own”with local health-care partners to retain a local workforce. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/growing-our-own-1-3m-plan-to-train-local-healthcare-workers  This story is sponsored by La Plata Economic Development Alliance.Support the show

School districts climate literacy program recognizes students who show initiative on environmental issues. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dhs-grads-lauded-for-climate-action  This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and FLC Center for Innovation. Support the show

La Plata County invites you to the annual “Driving” Tour and Colorado Governor Jarid Polis launched a public dashboard that displays federal funding reductions across Colorado counties. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/return-of-the-annual-driving-tourThis story is sponsored by M&R Plumbing and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

Heartwood Cohousing celebrated its 25th anniversary with a groundbreaking ceremony to begin phase two, a project that will expand the cohousing community with 14 new homes. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/heartwood-cohousing-breaks-ground-on-major-expansion-after-25-years  This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Payroll Department. Support the show

Project aims to improve downtown infrastructure, road surface, experience. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/construction-continues-on-pagosa-springs-main-street  This story is sponsored by Fredie's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Dunkin' Donuts.Support the show

Expect delays and intermittent closures on the Junction Creek Durango Trailhead this summer as it undergoes construction, the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show is just around the corner, and Durango-based band Desiderata is set to perform at Animas City Theater. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/junction-creek-trail-access-limited-this-summer-due-to-construction  This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and San Juan Regional Medical Center.  Support the show

The Durango Creative District wants volunteers for a special mission - mapping every mural, sculpture, and installation across the city. The Public Art Recon Mission will update the city's art inventory for the first time since 2015. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/volunteers-needed-to-document-durangos-growing-public-art-scene  This story is sponsored by M&R Plumbing and Kroegers Ace Hardware.  Support the show

The warm weather signals more than the start of summer; it also introduces the Farmers Market season. Support local farmers and small businesses and keep your dollars in the local economy. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/farmers-market-sprouts-for-summer-season-in-durango  This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sky Ute Casino. Support the show

The City of Durango invites community to comment on the Downtown's Next Step project, Southwest Safehouse celebrates its 40th anniversary with an event at Four Leaves Winery, and the Southern Ute Behavioral Health calls youth artists to submit artwork to be featured on a mural in Ignacio. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-invites-community-comment-on-downtowns-next-step  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

Former state representative Barbara McLachlan and retired Physician Mary Gerodetti hope to effect positive change on a hyper-local level. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-residents-lead-new-charity-effortThis story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and M&R Plumbing.Support the show

Durango Transit offers free public transportation all summer,, celebrate Durango's western heritage with the True Western Roundup rodeos every Wednesday,, and don't miss Gardens on Tour at the end of the month. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-transit-offers-free-rides-all-summer  This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

Current phase of expansion adds new gates, security checkpoint and baggage area by the end of 2026. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-la-plata-county-airport-expansion-on-schedule  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

After a scary and lonely battle with cancer, Val Russel, owner of the Flying Hatter, wants to use her experience to help others undergoing cancer treatment. Hats for the C Word gives cancer patients the opportunity to design a free custom hat. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/hats-for-the-c-word  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Crystal Mart.  Support the show

The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Heather J. Shotton as the college's next president at its meeting on April 11. Shotton formerly served as the college's Vice President of Diversity Affairs and the Acting Dean of Student Engagement. She will be FLC's first-ever indigenous president. By Ryan Simonovich. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/flc-appoints-new-president  This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and San Juan Regional Medical Center.  Support the show

Police were called to capture Irwin, a pet kangaroo, after he made his second escape this year. Concerts in the Park starts back up in June. And the City of Durango asks residents to be mindful with water consumption after a dry winter. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/irwin-the-pet-kangaroo-listed-as-repeat-offenderThis story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

On May 15, Park Elementary students showcased projects celebrating Better World Week. As part of the EL Education (Expeditionary Learning) curriculum, a nonprofit that partners with K–12 public and charter schools to boost student achievement through a holistic approach, they engaged in service-based learning projects demonstrating how they contributed to making the world a better place. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/park-elementary-students-work-toward-a-better-world  This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and M&R Plumbing.  Support the show

The TABOR and Gallagher amendments to the Colorado Constitution, along with several recent legislative tweaks to property tax law, have plummeted property tax revenues in La Plata County. Outgoing County Manager Chuck Stevens warns that county residents may have some tough choices ahead about the quality and quantity of services they want. By Deborah Uroda & Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/lpco-residents-face-values-decision-in-near-future  This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Kroegers Ace Hardware. Support the show

In a small rural town like Ignacio, opportunities for creative expression are limited. Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts wants to fill that gap. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dancing-spirit-builds-community-through-creativity  This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea. Support the show

Cyclists are gearing up for the return of the Iron horse Bicycle Classic, and LPEA receives a $2 million grant to launch a new battery storage project. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/iron-horse-bicycle-classic-returns This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.Support the show

Cody and Ryan Dudgeon are the owners and operators of Desert River Guides, the only rafting company in Farmington. Flows on the Animas River may not be record-breaking this year, but Dudgeon is still optimistic about good times on the water. By Ryan Simonovich.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/desert-river-guides-optimistic-about-rafting-season  This story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and M&R Plumbing.Support the show

The historic tradition of the Southern Ute Bear Dance in Ignacio returns at the end of May. The Colorado Department of Transportation started construction projects on U.S. Highway 550, and the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado will host two workshops for nonprofit leaders. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/southern-ute-bear-dance-returns-end-of-may  This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation. Support the show

A survey conducted in February 2025 confirmed a growing need for workforce housing among educators in the School District 9-R. The District has taken the first steps toward securing workforce housing. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-school-district-9-r-addresses-educator-housing-crisis This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

Student athletes at Fort Lewis College can now level-up their game with the debut of a new 12,000 square-foot Sports Performance Center. The project took two years and cost $6 million, with CommonSpirit Health as the major donor. By Ryan Simonovich.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/flc-unveils-6-million-commonspirit-sports-performance-center This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Crystal Mart.Support the show

The 30th annual Common Spirit Durango Shootout Soccer Tournament will return to Durango May 9th through May 11th. La Plata county Commissioner Martha Porter-Norton will deliver a keynote address to discuss the mental health crisis. And Manna's Soup Kitchen will hold their 3rd annual plant sale on Mother's Day weekend. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-soccer-shootout-boosts-local-economy This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

The La Plata County Office of Emergency Management conducted its fifth annual wildfire preparedness exercise. Find out how emergency personnel have honed their skills ahead of wildfire season. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/la-plata-county-prepares-for-wildfire-seasonThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

The Durango Wine Experience took place over the last weekend of April. Hosted by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado, the event raised funds to support 10 local nonprofits. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-wine-experience-pairs-sips-with-support  This story is sponsored by M&R Plumbing and Payroll Department.  Support the show

The following promotional message is a special announcement from the Local NEWS Network about an exciting new partnership with Skidattl. The Local NEWS Network will put the icing on the Durango Shootout Soccer Tournament's 30th anniversary cake with a new augmented reality app that will help participants find soccer-field locations, restaurants, medical services and more. By Deborah Uroda. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/find-soccer-tourney-locations-with-new-map-app  Support the show

Zia Taqueria has exciting plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Purchase tickets today for the iAM Music Festival. The Durango Chamber of Commerce seeks comment on a potential wage increase, and just in time for Mother's Day, Pagosa Springs has been ranked third among the best 'Mom-cation' destinations in the United States. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/zia-taqueria-celebrates-20-years  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.  Support the show