The 2023 annular solar eclipse will pass directly over Colorado, one of nine states that will be able to see the “Ring of Fire” astronomical event in its entirety. Find some of the best viewing towards Mesa Verde National Park, or join the fun in Durango at the Chili Chase at Backcountry Experience. And come join Bode Miller and filmmaker Brett Rapkin at the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado’s Making a Difference Speaker Series. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southwest Colorado was recently voted Small Agency Board of the Year at the national Big Brothers Big Sisters convention. Rebuilding after the challenges of the pandemic, BBBS of Southwest Colorado has implemented a new three-year strategy that emphasizes leadership and development within the staff and board. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

Merely Players brings Shakespeare to life for modern audiences and contributes to a thriving local theatre scene in Durango. Talented actors, artists, and technicians in the local community come together to create collective art that celebrates imagination, innovation, and creativity. Merely Players has a diverse and interesting season ahead in 2023-24, kicking off with a Shakespearean classic, the Bard’s final play, The Tempest, showing from October 6th – October 15th at the Merely Underground in the Durango Tech Center. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Kroegers Ace Hardware

San Juan National Forest has released its annual Fall Colors Report, catch the leaves when you can! Cowboys abound this weekend with the 35th annual Cowboy Gathering, bringing poets, musicians, artists, and cowboy enthusiasts to downtown. Spoketober starts October 1st, catch the kick-off concert at Durango Hot Springs on October 4th, and there is no hazardous waste collection event this fall. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

On a sunny fall Saturday, 140 dogs and their owners took part in a rattlesnake avoidance training course, hosted by Durango Kennel Club. Professional Trainer Terry Chandler (Rugerheim Kennels) has over 35 years of experience training field dogs, and he brings that expertise from Las Cruces, New Mexico to help keep dogs and their owners safe while hiking in the southwest. The aim of the training is to replace curiosity with founded fear, and keep dogs from getting bit by rattlesnakes. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center, like the artistic endeavors of its founders and participants, is a constantly evolving work. While its roots as an artistic co-op have not been forgotten, the non-profit has grown into a community center for visual and performing arts, offering classes, co-op space, and opportunities for the community of Ignacio to express themselves through art. The newest evolution – Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, has broken ground to create and develop a location that will house galleries, performances, and more – and is built with the ongoing support of the community it serves. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

With school in full swing, Ignacio School District 11-JT would like to remind parents to fill out the free meals form so that every student can get free lunch. There is still the option for corporate sponsorships with the school district – support the students with athletics, clubs, and more! The Ignacio Community Library has added new events to its line-up heading into fall, with a teen night and Silly Science Saturdays happening once a month! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Durango School District 9-R teachers achieved their certification for teaching Native American Games over the summer, thanks to a three-day training program through the Montana Office of Instruction. The traditional Native American games offer students of all grade levels various challenges and benefits, mental and physical. Title VI Program Manager Orlando Griego believes the addition will bring a sense of belonging to Native American students in the district. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

The City of Durango voted unanimously to annex nearly 2,000 acres of land from the Durango Mesa Park Foundation. If you’re a poet, and you know it, applications are open for the first-ever Durango Poet Laureate position, there is an adult and youth position available, both are three-year terms And come celebrate with SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab with the completion of Phase One development. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino

The Durango Derby hosts its inaugural event Saturday, September 23rd, looking to add another option for amature and pro mountain bikers in Colorado. Traffic has switched once again on the US Highway 550 project as construction to connect the highway with the existing US Highway 160 interchange. Durango Kennel Club invites you to sign up for its Rattlesnake Avoidance training this Saturday to keep your furry furiends safe, and don’t forget to enjoy the Kiwanis Club of Durango’s pancake breakfast all day Saturday! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware