“Crossroads: Change in Rural America” a Colorado humanities tour, runs through June 2nd at the Ignacio Community Library. The exhibit features local events designed to compliment the Smithsonian exhibition, which focuses on the importance of rural culture in southwest Colorado. Topics of exploration include environment, community and Ignacio’s timeline. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Freddies Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

Durango Transit and the City of Durango will once again offer free transit on all fixed routes and free parking along select streets in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and encourage public transit use. At a recent visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, Senator Michael Bennet and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Touton announced $2.3 million in funding for the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project. Durango High School Troup 1096 received four nominations at the annual Bobby G High School Theatre Awards, including the Bobby G equivalent of an Oscar nod. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and The Payroll Department.

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Students from Ignacio School District 11-JT have received awards and recognition from Masonic awards to Skills USA placement to student-athletes signing for collegiate-level play. The Ignacio Community Library is offering a Garden to Kitchen event to teach you how to grow your own food. And on April 30th the new broadband network on the Southern Ute Reservation was activated. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts and The Payroll Department.

May is motorcycle awareness month, and the Colorado Department of Transportation has a list of tips to keep both motorcyclists and drivers safe on the roads this summer. Nominations are now open for the Library Community Champion Award, celebrating the volunteer efforts that keep Durango Public Library running smoothly. And make sure to grab tickets for the 11th annual Gardens on Tour with the Durango Botanic Gardens. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

The La Plata County Office of Emergency Management conducted its annual emergency evacuation exercises, focusing on preparing businesses in Bodo Park for potential emergencies like fires. Participants engaged in immersive simulations to experience evacuation scenarios firsthand, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. While many have evacuation plans for their homes, the exercises highlighted the need for workplace evacuation plans. Strengthening communication between residents and local agencies remains a top priority, with CodeRED serving as an electronic emergency notification system for prompt dissemination of critical alerts. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Katie Terrell Ramos started Mesa Verde Lavender in 2021 after falling in love with lavender and finding inspiration to start farming in Montezuma County. In 2023, Mesa Verde Lavender received a Field Work grant from the LOR Foundation to expand their fields and add drip irrigation for water conservation. Find Mesa Verde Lavender around the region at coffee shops, bakeries, and apothecaries. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and TruWest Auto.

The USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships are being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico May 3rd-5th. The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Cycling Team returns to the National Championships with defending road race National Champion Kellen Caldwell. FLC Cycling Director Ian Burnett says the Skyhawks have multiple racers who can win in both the road race and criterium. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Lake Nighthorse will open for daily summer operations on May 10th. Prepare for delays around the entrance with planned construction improvements. Durango-La Plata County Airport will close part of the overflow parking lot for paving work this month, plan accordingly if looking to park for travel. The City of Durango E-bike rebate program is open for 2024 applications, and if you’ve ever wanted to be on the big screen, there is an open casting call for Kevin Costner’s latest movie Wednesday, May 15th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill in Colorado prioritizes funding for various areas, including a significant allocation towards universal preschool programs and early childhood services. While this allocation enhances access to early childhood education, there may be potential increased childcare costs for younger children due to rising labor expenses. However, the bill also includes positive implications, such as increased funding for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and a pay raise for early childhood professionals through the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program. Overall, the budget reflects a commitment to improving early childhood education and childcare services in the state. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings.