We Are Water hopes to inspire conversations about what water means to communities within the Four Corners region. The exhibit has partnered with Ignacio Community Library, which is serving as the place to meet and share, explore and learn about water in our community. The exhibit runs through October 29th. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

The Durango Demons High School football team fell just one win shy of the 3A Colorado State Championship game in 2022. Following the season, Head Coach Todd Casebier retired from coaching, ushering in a change for D.H.S. Football. Head Coach Matt Burton has taken over, bringing with him a more modern spread offense. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

The Supreme Court’s June 29th ruling that race-based affirmative action in admissions is unconstitutional was disappointing for many educators, but not necessarily a surprise. But the rulings don’t impact how local institutions such as Fort Lewis College operate. Additionally, the rulings don’t impact how schools conduct outreach or recruit. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

The City of Durango has launched a new campaign to encourage pet owners to clean up after their pets. Two new housing developments are recipients of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance’s Housing Catalyst Fund. The Good Food Collective wants to help reduce food waste through its gleaning program, and if you own an electric vehicle, the City of Durango wants to hear from you what it’s like driving in Durango. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

Brandarius Johnson knows the importance of mental health, especially among students. The Fort Lewis College alum visited Durango School District 9-R before the start of the school year to discuss how to talk to students – especially pre-teens and teens – about mental health. Johnson, a published author, runs several programs through his organization Day 1 Ambition. By Hannah Robertson and Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

The City of Durango has finalized the donation process for an additional 50 acres of land next to the Oxbow Preserve, donated by Bill and Maddy Waters. The design phase for ADA improvements along North Main has begun, and learn more about the “Grain Chain” through a program by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Grain School. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire – but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

Do you know an exceptional woman who deserves the recognition? Nominate her for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Merely Players present the premiere of “A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven” by Javon “Ja’Moon” Jones, a visual storytelling experience, and Durango School District 9-R has open board seats for the November election. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks football team has lots of new faces heading into Head Coach Johnny Cox’s second year at the helm of the program. Coach Cox’s rebuild will continue in year two with three new coaches and many more new players. Though improvement in some statistical categories didn’t translate to wins on the field in 2022, coaches and players are hoping year two brings more wins. The Skyhawks open their season with two road games, starting with a clash against William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, September 2nd. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Centura Health is now CommonSpirit with the consolidation of parent companies. Fort Lewis College and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance have announced a new program for high-priority jobs in the La Plata region. Trails in the Horse Gulch and Durango Mesa system are nearing completion, and add rafting to work to your list of things to do this week! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware