Durango Local News

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

The Four Corners largest annual bike swap features used apparel, bikes, components and gear. The cycling sale serves as the most important fundraiser of the season for Durango Devo. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/local-cyclists-tuned-up-for-bike-swap This story is sponsored by FastSigns Durango and FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

Spring is here and the bears are out. Find out what Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises residents should do to be bear aware this season. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/bear-season-begins This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and FLC Center for Innovation.Support the show

Learn how the Regional Housing Alliance plans to strategize and relieve the affordable housing challenge in La Plata County at the 2nd annual Southwest Housing Summit. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/2nd-annual-southwest-housing-summit-returns-to-durango This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Durango School District 9-R will use $60 million from November bond passage to fund the design, construction of a  replacement elementary school in Three Springs. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/9-r-begins-work-on-new-school This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and FastSigns Durango.Support the show

The CodeRED alert test, originally set for April 20, has been updated to April 21 in consideration of Easter Sunday. World-renowned illusionist Leon Etienne will be performing at the Community Concert Hall.  And Fort Lewis Senior, Lacey Miller will debut her exhibit Herpetofauna Of The Center: A Collection Of Scales at the Center of Southwest Studies. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/codered-alert-test-updated-to-april-21  This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.  Support the show

According to Indivisible Durango, more than a 1000 people showed up to protest the Trump administration at the Hands-Off protest Saturday April 5. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/hands-off  This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Dunkin Donuts. Support the show

The La Plata County Public Health Department rolled out a new program called the Healthy Homes Program which helps homeowners stay safe from toxins within their home. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/la-plata-county-public-health-launches-healthy-homes-program This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and M&R Plumbing.Support the show

On April 20, the La Plata County Office of Emergency Management will send out a CodeRED notification. The county urges residents to sign up to CodeRED to stay informed in the event of an emergency. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/la-plata-county-to-test-emergency-alert-systemThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Support the show

Be Bear Smart as bears come out of hibernation. CDOT begins construction on US 160 in Pagosa Springs. And Durango Wine Experience returns at the end of the month. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/be-bear-smart This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.Support the show

The Community Concert Hall has introduced a number of international artists to the region while also recognizing local talent. Find out how director Charles Leslie curates the perfect lineup for every season. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/community-concert-hall-hosts-local-and-global-talent This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango.Support the show

Families don't have to care for a dying loved one in isolation. Hospice of Montezuma offers medical, social and emotional support to help with a loved one's end-of-life care. By Deborah Uroda.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/when-your-family-needs-end-of-life-care This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and LOR Foundation.Support the show

Devo will offer the bikes to scholarship recipients and as seasonal rentals. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-devo-offers-new-bikes This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings. Support the show

Get a fresh start Spring cleaning with help from the City of Durango, Durango has big plans for Earth Day and learn more about the return of Durango Restaurant Week. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/spring-cleaning-starts-now This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.Support the show

La Plata County is in the midst of an affordable housing challenge. Rising costs and limited availability increase housing costs making it difficult to retain a workforce. Pine River Commons and Rock Creek Housing Project hope to alleviate the housing shortage with new workforce housing. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/affordable-housing-lightens-economic-pressures-in-la-plata-county This story is sponsored by La Plata Economic Development Alliance.Support the show

Zac Keeler has high goals for his new team, after serving as an assistant for the DHS boys team in 2024. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dhs-girls-soccer-digs-in-for-home-stretch This story is sponsored by Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation and Crystal Mart.Support the show

Downtown parking meters will soon accept payments from the ParkMobile app. LPEA seeks college interns, La Plata County prepares for wildfire season, and a comedy show supports local businesses and nonprofits. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/downtown-meters-add-mobile-pay-option This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.Support the show

Recent storms have done little to raise snowpack and water levels while 2024 monsoons built fuels to set up a potentially dangerous 2025 fire season. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/four-corners-fire-season-set-to-ignite  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

Looking for a furry feline friend? Check out Cat Care Durango for adopting, boarding, or even participating in cat yoga! By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/no-kennels-just-comfort-at-cat-care-durango-wonderful-alliteration  This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Support the show

Wrap up Women's History month with the Women's Resource Center's Extraordinary Woman Award dinner and April brings a number of music festivals to Durango. Learn more about the Durango Ragtime Festival and the Durango Bluegrass Festival. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/celebrate-womens-history-month This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and M&R Plumbing.Support the show

Bi-partison legislation would eliminate barriers that kept government from awarding full claims in 2015, 2016. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/lawmakers-consider-gold-king-mine-compensation This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing.Support the show

Colorado Parks and Wildlife's southwest regional office will begin construction on a new building that will combine customer service and administration offices. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-to-begin-new-office-construction   This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and FASTSIGNS Durango. Support the show

Ska Brewing Company will celebrate its 30th anniversary party on Sept. 6. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/30-years-of-ska-brewing This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.Support the show

Durango Police Department plans to install automated speeding cameras within city limits.Celebrate Celtic culture with the Celtic Festival at the end of the month.And kick off spring with the Fly Fishing Festival at Duranglers and the International Fly Fishing Film Tour . By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-police-to-install-speed-enforcement-cameras This story is sponsored by  Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.Support the show

Project leaders call 2025 the most important year yet for Durango Mesa Park as they roll toward 2027 grand opening. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-mesa-park-progress-picks-up-steam  This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and Dunkin' Donuts. Support the show

A bipartisan bill could offer free state park entry for Ute tribal members. A heavily used section of the Animas River Trail closes for eight months for upgrades. Get the details on the detour and improvements. Southwestern Water Conservation District's 41st Annual Seminar, 'Water Reimagined: Strategies for a Changing World,' explores key water management issues. It kicks off March 28th at Sky Ute Casino. 4CORE and Shaw Solar launch Project SunShare to make rooftop solar affordable for income-qualified homeowners in Southwest Colorado. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/bipartisan-bill-waives-colorado-state-park-fees-for-ute-tribe-members  This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing.   Support the show

United Way of Southwest Colorado using new ALICE study to better understand the region. By Connor Shreve.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/economic-hardship-on-the-rise-in-sw-colorado  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. Support the show

On President's Day weekend, Silverton turns Blair Street into a high-speed, high-stakes race course that includes fast horses and skilled skiers who negotiate hair-raising jumps and obstacles to compete for a total of $15,000 in prizes. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/skijoring-action-heats-up-the-snow-in-silvertonThis story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.Support the show

Southwest Colorado nonprofits received a major funding boost! Find out how $5.2 million from the Southwest Community Foundation has made a difference. Fort Lewis College hosts the 2025 Confluence Water Seminar, featuring a keynote on Indigenous leadership in the Grand Canyon. Meet some of Durango's most influential women during the  Durango Women's Leadership Conference at Fort Lewis College.   Book lovers, mark your calendars! Friends of the Library will host its annual spring book sale with great deals for a great cause. By Sadie Smith.  Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/community-foundation-invests-5-2m-in-local-nonprofits  This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings. Support the show

The 2005 Half-Cent Sales Tax is on the April 2025 ballot for reauthorization. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/what-to-know-about-sales-tax-renewal This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Stakeburgers.Support the show

DHS Career Connect introduces students to local business leaders, experiences. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dhs-students-get-sweet-career-advice  This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and FLC Center for Innovation. Support the show

Bucking on the Rez, a short film by a Rocky Mountain PBS Journalist premieres at Fort Lewis College Submit your artwork for the 103rd Southern Tribal Ute fair logo contest And the Ignacio Community Library will offer free legal clinics. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/bucking-on-the-rez-premieres  This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Crystal Mart. Support the show

Sanctuary Founder Floss Blackburn hopes the move will help it better serve both Montezuma and La Plata Counties. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/denkai-animal-sanctuary-opens-in-durango This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy's Pizza and Wings.Support the show

Forget the Super Bowl, forget the Oscars, Durango's real main event is Snowdown! A week of wild costumes, questionable contests, and just the right amount of chaos. By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/snowdown-durangos-week-of-madness-and-mayhem This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Dunkin Donuts.Support the show