With a new Head Coach, a new Quarterback and a new offense the DHS football team continued racking up wins in 2023. Durango ended the season with players in the top-5 of Colorado’s rushing and passing stat leaders. A 39-30 loss to Lutheran in the quarterfinals of the Colorado 3A tournament bracket marks the final season Durango will play in Class 3A as the Demons are scheduled to jump to 4A beginning next season. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barett & Associates

Ignacio High School saw a historic fall season with both the women’s volleyball team and the men’s cross country team making it to state in Class 2A. Taste of Christmas is back, with special events like the DIY Christmas tree from Ignacio Community Library, and San Juan Basin Public Health will officially close at the end of the year – sign up to receive the newsletter from the newly established La Plata County Public Health Department. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Visit Durango is asking La Plata County residents for their input on tourism in the county – especially on environmental impacts and local business and economy. The City of Durango’s “Leasing for Locals” program at Gauge Apartments has extended the deadline to apply, and with the onset of snow, the City is launching a pilot program for downtown parking to better address snow plowing. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

An impressive season has earned the Fort Lewis College Men’s Soccer Team an eight seed at the NCAA Division-2 National Tournament. The Skyhawks matchup against a familiar foe from The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in Round One, the Mountain Lions from The University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The two teams split their two previous contests this season. Undefeated Midwestern State awaits the winner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and The Payroll Department

Join Visit Durango for the premiere of its first feature film, “Send it Like a Local” Friday, November 18th. The City of Durango’s 2023 Community Survey results are in – residents are overall happy with the recreational opportunities available, but concerned about general affordability, and the annual Singing with Santa event returns, with some fun new additions! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

Since its inception in 2016, Table to Farm Compost has grown its network of local and regional partners to build the region’s largest composting network. Recently, Ska Brewing signed on to provide 100% of its used grain to Table to Farm’s new facility. The partnership is helping both parties with their mission and outreach. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

For the first time ever, Fort Lewis College will send both a men’s and women’s team to the NCAA Division II National Championship meet in the same season. It marks the first time in ten years a men’s team from Fort Lewis has qualified. The men’s team punched its ticket by running to a sixth-place finish at the South Central Regional, an improvement from last season’s 11th place finish. The FLC women solidified their spot by running to a ninth-place finish at regionals. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Kroegers Ace Hardware

San Juan Basin Public Health will close this December, in accordance with agreements with La Plata and Archuleta counties, who will be responsible for providing public health services to their counties. Two Durango School District 9-R Board of Education members received the McGuffy Award for their service. Snowmaking has begun at Purgatory Resort in preparation for the 2024/25 ski season, and Noel Night is returning this December. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Daniel Seddiqui, titled the “Most Traveled Person in America” by Rick Steves, finally crossed Southwest Colorado off his list of places to visit. As of this fall, Seddiqui had visited every pinpoint on the U.S. map except for four. As part of his motto to “live the map,” Seddiqui makes it a priority to emerge himself in the culture and community of the places he visits: connecting with locals, working jobs, and participating in various activities. A career counselor by profession, Seddiqui also does public speaking and encourages teens and young adults to be curious and step outside their comfort zones. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

A new business in Dolores caters to outdoor enthusiasts traveling through Montezuma County. The Dolores Bike Hostel has 23 beds ranging from bunk rooms to private rooms and one private suite. Owner Jacob Carloni hopes his lodge helps travelers access the world class outdoor recreation the Four Corners has to offer. The Dolores Bike Hostel is pledging to work within local artists, organizations and businesses on future collaborations ranging from gallery nights to group events and anything in between. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Big-O Tires