The Ignacio School District has relaunched its rodeo club, providing students a unique opportunity to train in various events. Unlike traditional teams, this club offers individualized coaching, preparing students for independent competition. With a focus on skill development and community involvement, the club aims to foster a love for rodeo across La Plata County. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The City of Durango has reached an agreement in principle with Durango School District 9-R for the purchase of Buckley Park. Celebrate Arbor Day this month with an exhibit of local artists at the Durango Recreation Center, and design your own at the Tree Coloring Contest with Durango Public Library. Small business owners can take a free Sales Tax Fundamentals course, designed by OEDIT and the Colorado Department of Revenue, and the El Pomar Foundation is looking for applicants for the 2024 Penrose Organizational and Professional Leadership Experience (PeOPLE) program. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings.

Mancos Common Press sits at the intersection of art and historical preservation. Over the past decade, the organization has revived the old Mancos Times-Tribune building and supported a thriving artist community around letterpress and printing. Now, they are expanding into affordable housing, with the new Mancos Commons project which will be completed in May. The Mancos Commons includes three one-bedroom apartments and additional studio space for the Press. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Lor Foundation.

The City of Durango’s annual spring clean-up, starting April 1st, encourages residents to prepare items like furniture and large appliances for collection, reminding them to separate yard waste from scrap metal and follow guidelines for placement. United Airlines is launching seasonal nonstop flights from George Bush International Airport in Houston to Durango-La Plata County Airport, providing more travel options for passengers from Southeast Texas. Colorado’s fishing license sale for 2024-2025 introduces a new regulation for Hermosa Creek, while Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado invites everyone to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala on April 18th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Dunkin Donuts.

A look inside the La Plata County Fairgrounds, a historic hub of community events and engagement in Durango, Colorado. Learn about the array of activities offered, from rodeos and 4-H fairs to educational programs facilitated by Colorado State University Extension. Discover the fairgrounds’ commitment to affordability and accessibility, making it the perfect venue for all types of gatherings. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Warmer days mean a switch in cocktail menus across the southwest. As National Cocktail Month gives way to April, bar managers add fresh and light flavors to their menus. San Juan Sips Owner Stephanie Sarussi takes a floral approach to spring drinks. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ.

The 8th annual benefit for the Uncompahgre River and 18th Annual F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour recently took place in Ridgway, Colorado, supporting the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Attendees enjoyed diverse fly-fishing films while contributing to restoration projects and education initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of the watershed. Policymakers, including State Senator Cleave Simpson, emphasized the importance of protecting water resources amidst legal and environmental challenges. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

La Plata County has introduced the Wildfire Resource Center, an online platform providing comprehensive information on wildfire mitigation efforts, risk assessment, and preparation techniques for residential properties. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s annual spring clean-up is scheduled for April 18th-19th, offering services for tribal members and tenants within the tribal boundaries to dispose of household items. The community is invited to join the Easter Egg Hunt on March 23rd at SunUte Park, featuring categories for various age groups, food from local vendors, and games with prizes alongside the egg hunt festivities. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware.

Dr. John Hoerl of Durango High School has been awarded the 2024 Colorado Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives, recognizing his substantial contributions to the school’s progress. La Plata County has launched the Wildfire Resource Center, an online hub providing residents with crucial information on wildfire mitigation efforts, funding opportunities, and techniques to protect residential properties. The upcoming Engage Durango forum on March 26th will feature updates on the Durango La Plata County Airport improvements, while families can enjoy the Easter Egg Scramble at Santa Rita Park on March 30th. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,526 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2023, which is a 21 percent decrease from previous years. That’s largely due to healthy natural forage production last season. It’s still too early to tell how 2024 will shape up. The vast majority of calls involve bears trying to access human food sources, with trash remaining the number one source of conflicts. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Dunkin’ Donuts.