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.

The Durango Arts Repertory Theatre presents Hand to God, an irreverent dark comedy written by Robert Askins and directed by Fort Lewis College Theatre Professor Michael McKelvey. Hand to God runs from March 15th through March 31st at the Durango Arts Center. This play carries a parental advisory for its adult language and content and is not suitable for all audiences. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Durango Arts Center box office. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Durango is abuzz with sustainability initiatives and community development. Durango Green Drinks offers monthly gatherings for networking and learning about local sustainability efforts, hosting nearly 30 organizations throughout the year. La Plata Open Space Conservancy received accreditation, joining a nationwide network focused on land conservation. The Durango City Council approved an agreement for the development of 30 affordable housing units at the former Animas High School site in Twin Buttes, while Durango Transit expands its on-demand microtransit service hours due to increasing ridership. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The Payroll Department.

The Durango High School The Demons hockey team captured the 4A State Championship by beating Summit 4-2 in Denver on March 5th. The accomplishment came just two years after Durango moved from a club team to a sanctioned varsity team under the Colorado High School Activities Association regulations. The win marks a banner year for Durango Hockey, which celebrated major accomplishments across most of its age designations in 2023/24. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas B-B-Q.

Durango-based non-profit Wheelie Cool operates with one goal: get more kids on bikes as early as possible. In past years, founder Fynn Funke has built trails near local schools to accomplish that mission. In 2024, Funke’s non-profit will host a series of week-long bike rodeos at Durango elementary schools to teach young students how to ride. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Freddie’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has three upcoming projects occurring in La Plata County this coming summer. Projects range from chip seal operations on US Highway 160, safety improvements along Main Avenue including single replacement and traffic flow enhancements, and completing the US Highway 160 and 550 connection project. The connection project at Grand View will improve safety and accessibility and will include wildlife underpasses and a planned extension to a four-lane highway. Julie Constan from the Colorado Department of Transportation provides insights into these crucial infrastructure developments, underlining safety precautions for travelers navigating construction zones. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.

Durango’s The Women’s Resource Center is celebrating Women’s History Month with a series of events emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The month kicked off with a chocolate and wine tasting on March 7th, followed by a photo exhibit at the Durango Public Library on March 12th. Additional events include a diversity panel on March 18th, a WomenAid fundraiser on March 20th, and the culminating Extraordinary Women Award Dinner on March 27th at the DoubleTree hotel, honoring women who exemplify the theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Soil Outdoor Learning Lab has reached its fundraising goal of $75,000 and plans to begin construction on a new Grow Dome, a geodesic greenhouse for year-round gardening, before the end of the school year. The City of Durango is seeking artists and creative teams to contribute art installations along three stretches of the Animas River Trail, with applications due by March 29th. Durango Hot Springs is reintroducing live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March, featuring various artists. Additionally, the Durango La Plata County Airport is recruiting up to 75 volunteers aged 18 and older for an emergency exercise training on April 17th, simulating a mock plane crash scenario. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Sky Ute Casino.

Ignite Reading emerges as a force against declining literacy, delivering personalized virtual tutoring for significant student advancement. With a focus on individual needs, Ignite closes reading proficiency gaps and revolutionizes educational outcomes. Ignite Reading recently held a showcase at Sunnyside Elementary School to offer 9R School District leaders the chance to learn more about the program. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings.