As of January 1st, 2023, San Juan Basin Public Health will close its doors (metaphorically), and La Plata and Archuleta counties will take over providing public health services to their communities. La Plata Public Health Department has been working over the past year to develop the new department, staff the offices, and ensure the continuation of public health in La Plata County. While essential services like health insurance assistance, emergency clinic services, and wastewater testing will continue uninterrupted, other services will see a slight “pause” while La Plata County Health Department officially takes over in the first couple of weeks of 2024. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

Every year, 11,000 people suffer injury from snow shoveling alone. With more snow, ice and colder temperatures comes a higher risk for drivers, pedestrians and pets. The Four Corners region has unique conditions that can increase certain risks. The Local News Network with the help of Visit Durango has gathered some tips to keep you safe, from the high desert to the high alpine. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

Durango Theatreworks, a sponsored program of Fort Lewis College’s theatre department, staged and recorded a radio play version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol that ran from December 13 to December 17 at the FLC Mainstage Theatre. The recorded version of the radio play can be heard on Christmas Eve on KDUR 91.9/93.9 at 4PM and KPTE 92.9 The Point at 7PM. It will also be broadcast on Christmas morning on KKDG 99X at 10 AM. A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play was adapted for the stage and radio by Nathan Jerkins and was directed by Fort Lewis College Professor Michael McKelvey. The cast featured Matt Bodo, Conor Sheehan, Jenny Fitts-Reynolds, Mohriah James, Oliver Kennedy, Siena Widen, Hallie Denman, Kieran Peck, Melissa Mossinghoff, and Bella O’Bryan. After the Saturday night performance, the Christmas Carol cast members, along with director McKelvey, also performed a rollicking read through of a radio adaptation of another Christmas favorite, DieHard. Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Radiocast was also adapted by Nathan Jerkins. Durango Theatreworks was started nearly two years ago by Michael McKelvey in an effort to expand the capacity and community involvement of Fort Lewis College’s theatre offerings. Other Theatreworks productions include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Much Ado About Nothing, and Heathers the Musical, all which cast community members alongside Fort Lewis students. This will be the second year that the company has produced A Christmas Carol for the stage and the radio. By Jessica McCallum. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Submit your nominees for the Design and Development Awards for outstanding projects in the community for 2023. The City of Durango has a new, more modern look to the website along with improved accessibility. On January 1st, San Juan Basin Public Health will officially hand the reins to La Plata County Public Health Department and Archuleta County Public Health Department, with a slight transition period and important notices. And Santa Rita Park is once again the location for dropping off your Christmas Tree this year. By Hannah Robertson This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

The holidays are rapidly approaching and if you haven’t found something for the loved ones on your list, there are plenty of local options to choose from. Local artists and entrepreneurs offer everything from bags, to candles, clothes and more. Mancos based Thread, Metal and Stone repurposes fire hose to produce sturdy totes and slings along with jewelry for active people. Claire West Studio sells lavender products from a Cortez family lavender farm. Our region is full of second hand and consignment stores to uncover the perfect gift no one else will have. By Connor Shreve This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino

The Methodist Thrift Shop, located on 2nd Ave. in downtown Durango, is a well-known, local, establishment known for its offering of low cost, second hand, clothing, books, décor, and more. What’s lesser known is how essential this non-profit is to the community. Methodist Thrift’s proceeds go towards supplying vouchers to individuals experiencing financial hardship, as well as large sum donations to local humanitarian causes. By Zachary Marqua. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

The Durango Poet Laureate Committee announced the first poet laureate and rising poet laureate, who will serve three-year terms writing poems for special events and occasions. The City of Durango adopted the 2024 budget at the December 5th meeting, and United Airlines has announced it will be starting twice-daily trips with the Airbus A319, the largest plane currently serving the Durango La Plata County Airport. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The Four Corners Professional Women’s Summit has experienced significant growth over the past four years. The event encourages women from the Four Corners area and beyond to network, connect with professionals, and celebrate the community of Farmington. The recent summit, themed “Balancing ‘Act’,” focused on the challenges of maintaining balance in life. Speakers included Mary Bono, a former congresswoman, and Jennifer McCoy, an Air Force veteran and businesswoman, who shared insights on life’s balancing act. The summit coincided with the Business-to-Business Expo, showcasing Four Corners businesses and providing networking opportunities. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

Lola’s Place, a staple of Durango for gathering for a cup of coffee or fresh tacos, is refreshing the customer experience for an all-season event. Over the past couple of months, additions and renovations to the inside have allowed for an increase in service from the bar, and expanded menus from Cuevas Tacos and Rokko Izakaya mean more hours and more opportunities to gather. Everyone is invited to the winter re-opening December 15th to celebrate the new space. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

A low-cost spay and neuter clinic is coming to Ignacio this month, provided by the La Plata County Humane Society. Ignacio Community Library has a variety of craft opportunities this month to get that holiday spirit going (or to make that perfect gift!), and ring in the holiday break with Ignacio Schools’ Bobcat Jingle Jam. The Southern Ute Tribe has announced the dates for the run-off election for the tribal council seat and tribal chairman. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings