The Stillwater Foundation has been teaching music since 2005. Now the non-profit is fundraising to add a two-thousand square foot performance space for the community. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

After an accident when Dexter Dog Ouray was a puppy left him with three legs, the industrious pup decided he wanted to get back to moving as fast as he could, by teaching himself to walk on his back legs. Living in Ouray, he has amassed a large fan base across the world through social media, and took a little jaunt down to Durango during the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering to bring some light, laughter, and smiles to the town. This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

After ten tons of red and white grapes are picked, it’s time to party at Wines of the San Juan’s annual Harvest Festival. Visitors arrived by the thousands for the two-day event to enjoy wine, art, food, live music, and the celebrated Great Grape Stomp. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and Boon’s Family Thai BBQ

The Durango High School boys soccer team started this season undefeated, now prepares for stretch run as the region’s top team. The Colorado High School Activities Association has ranked DHS as one of Colorado’s top teams this season. This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and 2130 Lighting & Design

The City of Durango has announced the schedule for the fall clean-up, make sure your lawn debris is set out for clean-up. Early Bird pass deals for the Durango Independent Film Festival end at the end of the month, and the City of Durango won a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health to increase the accessibility of secure bicycle parking around town. This story is sponsored by Kroeger Ace Hardware and TBK Bank

After over a decade, hot air balloons returned to the Farmington skies for the first annual Four Corners Balloon Rally, September 23rd – 25th. 18 balloons representing the Four Corners states managed mud and wind to jump-start what looks to be a yearly festival in Farmington. From candlestick balloon glows to actual flights, concerts and chilly mornings, the rally was deemed a success by organizers and participants alike. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

Bond Issue 4A provided a boost of funds for schools in Durango, including Mountain Middle School. Through funding provided in part by the bond, Mountain Middle School added an additional 12,000 square feet of classroom space – including an outdoor classroom, a digital Makerspace, and more. The new construction finished just in time to welcome the 300 students, staff, and teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and 2180 Lighting and Design

Durango High School announced the start of construction for the new IMPACT Career Center with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 19th. The new center will provide new space for career and technical exploration at the high school. The building, funded by Bond 4A funds, will provide new spaces for CTE classes, breakout spaces, and more. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage

Dial-A-Ride, a part of RoadRunner transit, has announced expanded service areas to better serve rural La Plata Residents. Table to Farm Compost is offering three months of free compost service in exchange for filling out a short survey, and LPEA is looking for area builders to partner with. Watch this story again and more at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/dial-a-ride-expands-service-fall-balloon-glows. This story is sponsored by Tafoya & Barrett & Associates and the Man Cave Barber

Get ready to celebrate all things bicycle with the inaugural Spoketober celebration, a month-long series of citizens tours, jump-jamming, and more that highlights Durango’s reputation as a top cycling destination in the nation. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley