The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, coming off from last year’s celebrations, will open registration for the 2023 event. Durango Wine Experience Early Bird Tickets are available until December 31st, and Fort Lewis College will celebrate over 200 graduates at its Fall Commencement Ceremony. The Durango Police Department’s Drone Unit will celebrate a successful first year in January with over 100 flights. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

Over the course of 2022, the real estate market has seen some of the starkest effects of change in our monetary policy. With interest rates up and prices maintaining at record levels, it seems that the local market may finally be beginning to see cracks in the surface of the fast paced free-wheeling buyer demand. Winter has come, and the seasonal slowdown coupled with uncertainty is leading some buyers to pause the search while others persistently search out the right deal. What’s to happen in 2023? Watch this month’s episode of The Durango Real Estate Update to make your predictions. By Dan Korman. This story is sponsored by Alpenglow Properties, LLC

Hillcrest Head Golf Pro Brett Wolf is encouraging golfers to sign up for the indoor league. The first session begins December 20th. The league is played with two golfers comprising a team that competes over a variety of scoring styles. The 2022/23 season will mark the second year Hillcrest Golf Course has utilized its simulator for competitive golf. Golfers can also use the simulator for lessons. Hillcrest also rents the space for corporate and team-building events. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Tailwind Nutrition initially began when co-founder Jeff Vierling wanted to find endurance fuel that worked for him, after running several ultra-marathons with less-than-preferable side effects from other formats. Today, Tailwind Nutrition sells its products across the United States and the world, mixed, packaged, and shipped from their new facility right next to the Durango La Plata Airport. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and The Man Cave Barber

The La Plata Family Centers Coalition, a nonprofit organization that provides direct services and assistance to families in La Plata County through grants, employment opportunities, and more. The organization, where volunteers, employees, and participants feel like family, offers a wide range of services, one of anything you might need. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

Some extra-large eggs—a nest of six dinosaurs eggs were revealed to crowds of locals and their children at the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at San Juan College. Unbroken, and perfectly preserved, they were purchased and donated by Sean Dugan, son of Sherman, and grandson of Tom Dugan, an oil and gas family known for their generosity to San Juan County. By Donna K. Hewett This story is sponsored by Distill Beer, Wine, Spirits and CMIT Solutions

The City of Durango has installed a new self-help kiosk at City Hall to better assist city residents when the cashier is otherwise unavailable. Durango Parks and Recreation with Durango Fire Protection District are planning prescribed burns in Dalla and Overend Mountain Parks this December, and it’s already time to start planning Snowdown activities. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Tafoya Barret & Associates

TBK Bank has partnered with Housing Solutions for the Southwest to help bring the holiday spirit a little closer to home for 15 families this holiday season. Until December 16th, check out angel trees at various TBK Bank locations in Durango and Bayfield to adopt a family or donate gifts (financial and otherwise) directly to your closest branch. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and 2180 Lighting and Design Studio

SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab will replace the closed Ohana Kuleana community garden when it opens next spring at Riverside Elementary School. The project includes four phases and organizers are still looking for volunteers and donors. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

When Sarah Kautzman was looking for a new addition to her family, she had an idea of the type of dog she wanted. After going to the shelter, Kautzman found a sweet puppy the shelter said would be a labradoodle. After taking home their new family member, the family quickly realized that she was definitely not a labradoodle, but a loving addition to the family just the same. Kautzman decided to write the short story “Accidental Tiny Dog” about the experience, which will be hitting bookshelves near you this holiday season, with proceeds going to support local animal shelters and rescues, encouraging the message “Adopt, don’t Shop”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Service Master Restore