Durango Local News

Durango's 22nd Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths display opens Monday, Nov. 24. Start off the holiday season with song at the Durango Business Improvement District's annual community Christmas celebration, Singing with Santa. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/santa-claus-and-holiday-displays-coming-to-downtown-durango  This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County hosted a forum at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4031 in Durango, giving community members experiencing homelessness a chance to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and put a human face on homelessness. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/unhoused-community-members-share-stories-at-forum  This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and FLC Center for Innovation. Support the show

La Plata County experienced a 47 percent voter turnout with about 21,000 ballots cast out of more than 47,000 active voters for the 2025 local elections. The majority of voters were in favor of tax increases, mill levy changes, and reduced refunds from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights in exchange for improved county and city services. By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-taxpayers-support-civic-services-at-a-higher-cost  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and FASTSIGNS Durango.   Support the show

The City of Durango seeks applicants for the Affordable Housing Planning Focus Group. Calling all Christmas elves and merry-makers! The San Juan Mountains Association requests holiday volunteers for its biggest fundraiser of the year. And Fort Lewis College invites community members to learn how rural communities can use AI to their benefit. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/city-of-durango-seeks-applicants-for-housing-focus-group  This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.  Support the show

Five of Colorado's best photographers will showcase their work at the Colorado Pro Photographer Showdown. The Durango art scene prepares for holiday markets with open calls for artist applications. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/five-colorado-photographers-will-compete-for-no-1  This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-has-work-ahead-as-international-mountain-bike-championships-host This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart. Support the show

La Plata County operates on revenues based on a tax rate set more than 40 years ago. With rising costs of services and supplies, the county commissioners say it's time for an update and have asked voters to consider a yes vote for a proposed one-cent sales-tax increase. Without it, the county faces significant service cuts that will affect every county resident. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/the-impact-of-one-cent-on-county-services  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

Greyhound expanded its services in the Four Corners Region with a new bus route. Best of Fest 2025 showcases the best short films from the Durango Independent Film Festival. And celebrate the start of ski season at Purgatory Resort with opening day activities. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/traveling-from-albuquerque-to-durango-just-got-easier  This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino Resort.  Support the show

San Juan Circus is a Durango aerial studio that offers classes for acrobats of any skill level as well as performances at public events, private parties, and local venues. Owner and coach, Cynthia Bae, leads the development of this new aerial community. By Zachary Marqua. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/aerial-acrobatics-take-flight-in-durango  This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings and FLC Center for Innovation. Support the show

In 2022 voters passed proposition FF, the Healthy School Meals for All program, which funded free school meals for all students regardless of household income. The program became increasingly popular and has reached a funding shortfall. The program's continuation relies on voter approval of Proposition LL and Preposition MM on the November ballot. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-schools-await-ballot-decision-on-free-meals-program  This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and FASTSIGNS Durango. Support the show

Join Three Springs 19th Annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Durango Friends of the Library will host its third book sale of 2025 this November. And the Colorado State University Extension of La Plata County brings a statewide agriculture conference to Durango. By Rachel Hughes.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/women-in-ag-conference-comes-to-la-plata-county This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

What would happen if a book of spells came to life? Find out at San Juan Circus' aerials and acrobatics shows on Friday, October 31. The Young Professionals of Durango will host its annual “Falliday Party.” And learn how you can support music education at the iAM MUSIC's fundraiser. By Rachel Hughes.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/what-if-a-spellbook-suddenly-came-to-life  This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC. Support the show

Durango's Hive buzzes with energy as young people participate in after-school programs, art and music workshops, and work with mentors to learn to express themselves, build confidence, and find community. Check out the Hive's new space at its open house Nov 1. By Paige Sparks.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/sonic-booms-learning-through-failure-and-freedom-to-be  This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware. Support the show

Durango Fire and Rescue seeks voter support for a property-tax increase to fund a new fire station in Three Springs. Durango Fire Protection District Fire Chief Randy Black says the station could save lives and would cost less than a large Starbucks' pumpkin spice latté per week. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/faster-emergency-response-for-the-price-of-a-coffee  This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Dunkin' Donuts. Support the show

Explore artist studios and connect with local artists at the 2025 Durango Open Studio Tour. Authors, writers, and literature lovers are invited to Durango Public Library's Literary Festival. And the Payroll Department and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado launched an interactive grantmaking initiative that replaces “Meet Your Match.” By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-open-studio-tour-connects-art-lovers-with-artists  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Crystal Mart. Support the show

Some of Colorado's most magnificent trees are growing right here in Southwest Colorado. The Colorado Tree Coalition has documented more than 800 of these Champion Trees. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/colorados-champion-trees This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.Support the show

The 17th Annual Apple Days Festival will be at a new location this year. West Coast swing dancers from across the Four Corners are invited to learn from champion-level dancers at Swing Days Ablaze. And the La Plata Electric Association will host a series of free events this October. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/new-location-for-apple-days-festival  This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Payroll Department.Support the show

This week's News Roundup explores an exhibit of historical and contemporary Navajo weavings that will change the way you think artistic craft. Build-a-Palooza? What is it? And join the Bike Parade in anticipation of Durango's selection as host of the 40th annual International Mountain Bike Championship. By Deborah Uroda, LNN Chief News Officer. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/modern-navajo-weaving-disrupts-what-you-know  This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Tafoya Barrett & Associates. Support the show

The Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association held its annual Pickleball Tournament at Schneider Park. The Tournament raised funds to benefit the Durango Dementia Coalition. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-pickleball-tournament-raises-thousands-for-dementia-care  This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware. Support the show

Fort Lewis College has welcomed its first cohort of nursing students with the opening of its new nursing hall. The program addresses  the regional nursing shortage. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/fort-lewis-takes-a-shot-at-regional-nursing-shortage This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Sky Ute Casino.Support the show

The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District seeks voter support for a tax increase. The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency invites the community to learn about solar energy at its Beyond Solar Tour and Gathering. And HomeToGo highlights several Colorado destinations on its Fall Foliage Index. Learn more! By Rachel Hughes.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/upper-pine-river-fire-protection-district-seeks-tax-increase  This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Payroll Department.  Support the show

During the  2025 W.E. Rock Grand Nationals on Sept.5-7 in Chokecherry Canyon at Brown Springs, competitors from across the country tackled rocky ledges, massive drops, and boulder-strewn ascent courses in their specially made rock-crawling machines. Watch their courageous driving. By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at  www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/rock-crawlers-conquer-chokecherry-canyonThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Three Rivers Brewery. Support the show

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