Nominations are now open for the Durango Education Foundation Outstanding Employee – make sure to nominate a teacher or staff member who has made a difference this year. Work on the reconstruction of North College Drive has begun – the summer-long project will update water and sewage systems and resurface the road. And San Juan Symphony has a summer line-up full of opportunities, from concerts to workshops and more. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Freddy Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The six-episode series chronicles how the craft brewing industry navigated the pandemic shutdowns. It revisits a series of virtual get-togethers that industry tastemakers attended to discuss issues related to the uncertainty of the era. The podcast was produced locally and features two Southwest Colorado brewing institutions, Ska Brewing and Dolores River Brewery. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino.

Amidst the COVID-19 aftermath, Medicaid unwinding poses a critical healthcare challenge. La Plata County Public Health aids residents in navigating this transition, ensuring equitable access to healthcare options. Despite an extension, misconceptions persist, potentially impacting millions nationwide. Through collaboration with the Department of Human Services, smooth transitions to alternative coverage options are facilitated, offering personalized assistance and translation services to all residents. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Last year, the Durango Education Foundation funded STEM sets for all seven elementary schools in Durango School District 9-R Now every elementary student in the district can experience STEM through tasks such as coding, podcasts, digital novels, circuit building, and 3D print design. The modern curriculum helps students, collaborate, create and problem-solve. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Freddies Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

Downtown Durango is bustling with upcoming events, including the return of First Fridays in May, where local artists and businesses collaborate for community art showcases. Meanwhile, road improvements on 32nd Street will cause closures until late 2024, aiming to enhance safety and accommodate high traffic volumes. Fort Lewis College will host the inaugural Four Corners Climate Summit on April 27th, featuring presentations by environmental experts and policymakers discussing climate change impacts in the Southwest. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Davis joins Fort Lewis College after leading the Northwest College Trappers for three Seasons. Her Junior College squad improved during Davis’ tenure as Head Coach. A native of Loveland, Colorado, Davis played at Thompson Valley High School before starting her college playing career at Gillette College in Wyoming. She transferred to finish her playing career as team captain at Division II Wayne State College. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Tafoya, Barrett & Associates.

The Durango Spring Rewards Program is back as of April 1st where shoppers can earn gift cards by spending money locally at participating stores. The 28th Annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown is happening the weekend of April 19th through the 21st. Durango Sustainable Goods invites you to an Earth Day film screening of Fashion Reimagined on April 12th at 6 p.m. New presidents have been appointed for Fort Lewis College and Pueblo Community College. Fort Lewis College has appointed Steven Schwartz as interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Pueblo Community College has named Dr. Chato Hazelbaker as president. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Dunkin’ Donuts

The Wildwood Dance Project, a collective of local dance artists, is hosting a free film screening at the Smiley Building on Friday, April 12th at 7 pm in the Move Studio. The original films showcase the company’s philosophy of engaging new audiences with dance through collaborative multimedia projects. The company will also be holding open auditions for new dancers on Saturday, April 20th from 1-2:30 pm at the Smiley Building. More information about the Wildwood Dance Project can be found online. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Sky Ute Casino Resort.

Aztec Adventures three-race gravel series runs from April through October featuring the unique terrain outside Farmington, Aztec, and Blanco. The Galactic Grinder opens the action on April 6th with three distance options for riders of all abilities. Reliant on the energy sector for decades, the sandy washes and windy ridges surrounding Aztec and Farmington offer a scenic and challenging cycling arena easily accessible from a large portion of the Four Corners region. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Home2Suites and Northern Edge Casino.

Animas High School’s Osprey Theatre Company is staging a showcase of original student work at the Durango Arts Center on April 5th and 6th. The evening will feature two student-authored one-act plays and a guest appearance by the AHS improv troupe. The AHS theatre program follows the school’s project-based approach, fostering student creativity and collaboration in all aspects of production. Tickets can be purchased on the Durango Art Center’s website. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ.