Durango Local NEWS by LNN

Completion of Phase One Development for SOIL Outdoor Learning
Sep20

Completion of Phase One Development for SOIL Outdoor Learning

The City of Durango voted unanimously to annex nearly 2,000 acres of land from the Durango Mesa Park Foundation. If you’re a poet, and you know it, applications are open for the first-ever Durango Poet Laureate position, there is an adult and youth position available, both are three-year terms And come celebrate with SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab with the completion of Phase One development. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Sky Ute Casino

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Inaugural Bike Race to Take Off
Sep14

Inaugural Bike Race to Take Off

The Durango Derby hosts its inaugural event Saturday, September 23rd, looking to add another option for amature and pro mountain bikers in Colorado. Traffic has switched once again on the US Highway 550 project as construction to connect the highway with the existing US Highway 160 interchange. Durango Kennel Club invites you to sign up for its Rattlesnake Avoidance training this Saturday to keep your furry furiends safe, and don’t forget to enjoy the Kiwanis Club of Durango’s pancake breakfast all day Saturday! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

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Dive into the World of Water at ICL
Sep14

Dive into the World of Water at ICL

We Are Water hopes to inspire conversations about what water means to communities within the Four Corners region. The exhibit has partnered with Ignacio Community Library, which is serving as the place to meet and share, explore and learn about water in our community. The exhibit runs through October 29th. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

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Durango High School Football Enters New Era
Sep14

Durango High School Football Enters New Era

The Durango Demons High School football team fell just one win shy of the 3A Colorado State Championship game in 2022. Following the season, Head Coach Todd Casebier retired from coaching, ushering in a change for D.H.S. Football. Head Coach Matt Burton has taken over, bringing with him a more modern spread offense. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

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Local Colleges Largely Unaffected by Supreme Court Ruling
Sep12

Local Colleges Largely Unaffected by Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court’s June 29th ruling that race-based affirmative action in admissions is unconstitutional was disappointing for many educators, but not necessarily a surprise. But the rulings don’t impact how local institutions such as Fort Lewis College operate. Additionally, the rulings don’t impact how schools conduct outreach or recruit. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

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It’s Time for Back to School!
Sep06

It’s Time for Back to School!

The City of Durango has launched a new campaign to encourage pet owners to clean up after their pets. Two new housing developments are recipients of the La Plata Economic Development Alliance’s Housing Catalyst Fund. The Good Food Collective wants to help reduce food waste through its gleaning program, and if you own an electric vehicle, the City of Durango wants to hear from you what it’s like driving in Durango. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

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“X” Marks the Spot for Mental Health
Sep05

“X” Marks the Spot for Mental Health

Brandarius Johnson knows the importance of mental health, especially among students. The Fort Lewis College alum visited Durango School District 9-R before the start of the school year to discuss how to talk to students – especially pre-teens and teens – about mental health. Johnson, a published author, runs several programs through his organization Day 1 Ambition. By Hannah Robertson and Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett and Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

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Oxbow Preserve to Expand
Aug31

Oxbow Preserve to Expand

The City of Durango has finalized the donation process for an additional 50 acres of land next to the Oxbow Preserve, donated by Bill and Maddy Waters. The design phase for ADA improvements along North Main has begun, and learn more about the “Grain Chain” through a program by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Grain School. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Tafoya Barrett and Associates

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A Wildfire Success Story: Plumtaw Fire
Aug28

A Wildfire Success Story: Plumtaw Fire

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire – but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

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Nominate An Exceptional Woman
Aug24

Nominate An Exceptional Woman

Do you know an exceptional woman who deserves the recognition? Nominate her for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Merely Players present the premiere of “A Slow Crawl Towards Heaven” by Javon “Ja’Moon” Jones, a visual storytelling experience, and Durango School District 9-R has open board seats for the November election. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

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Fort Lewis College Football Eager for Improvement
Aug23

Fort Lewis College Football Eager for Improvement

The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks football team has lots of new faces heading into Head Coach Johnny Cox’s second year at the helm of the program. Coach Cox’s rebuild will continue in year two with three new coaches and many more new players. Though improvement in some statistical categories didn’t translate to wins on the field in 2022, coaches and players are hoping year two brings more wins. The Skyhawks open their season with two road games, starting with a clash against William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri on Saturday, September 2nd. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

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Durango Mesa Park Trails Close to Completion
Aug16

Durango Mesa Park Trails Close to Completion

Centura Health is now CommonSpirit with the consolidation of parent companies. Fort Lewis College and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance have announced a new program for high-priority jobs in the La Plata region. Trails in the Horse Gulch and Durango Mesa system are nearing completion, and add rafting to work to your list of things to do this week! By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroegers Ace Hardware

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The Tool Lending Library
Aug15

The Tool Lending Library

This story was previously posted February 14, 2022 Ever been working on a home improvement project and find out you’re missing a specific tool? Durango Tool Library is here to help you find all the tools you need without breaking the bank. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and The Payroll Department

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Back to School!
Aug12

Back to School!

Durango School District 9-R goes back to school on August 22nd – get your students ready for school with check-ins and in-person or online registration. Animas Museum invites you to learn about the history of the Buffalo Soliders in the southwest, and nominate yourself or someone you know for the “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” competition by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

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A Community in Symphony
Aug12

A Community in Symphony

There is a subtle excitement hearing the tuning note as a symphony is about to start, and San Juan Symphony wants to bring that excitement to everyone, performer or concert-goer. Through community-based programs, working within local schools, and supporting other local music groups, San Juan Symphony is bringing professional-grade music to the small towns and communities, breaking down barriers to access. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

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Pavement Treatments and Road Planning Ahead
Aug12

Pavement Treatments and Road Planning Ahead

The City of Durango reviewed bids for the County Road 250 and County Road 241 improvement project at the latest City Council meeting. Pavement treatment projects are underway across town – make sure to plan your trip accordingly and be prepared for possibly delays and roadwork. And the Durango Adult Education Center would like to invite you to join its annual Literacy Luncheon fundraiser and celebrate the past year’s achievements. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Kroegers Ace Hardware

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Get Your Fix On at Repair Café in Ignacio
Aug12

Get Your Fix On at Repair Café in Ignacio

An international organization, Repair Café has recently opened shop at Ignacio Community Library to help folks fix everything from zippers and electronics to toasters and bicycles for free. Tools and materials are on hand, along with a variety of volunteer experts doing and teaching the fixing. Join the crew the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

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Painted Feathers: Native American Artists Demonstrate their Crafts
Aug12

Painted Feathers: Native American Artists Demonstrate their Crafts

The fifth annual American Indian Art Festival was held under the trees at Aztec Ruins National Monument. It was nearly a hundred degrees in the shade, but the artists remained cool through the two-day event. Weavers, potters, painters, and jewelers came from all over the Southwest regions of the Four Corners, including Teec Nos Pos in Arizona and the ancient pueblo of Acoma, three hours south of Aztec. The artists demonstrated their various techniques and also sold their crafts. The event was supported by the Chaco Culture Conservancy. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

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Exchange Student Leaves Durango with New Home, Outlook
Aug01

Exchange Student Leaves Durango with New Home, Outlook

18 year old Tinashe Vareta has dealt with food insecurity his entire life. He overcame many challenges to even get to Durango to participate in an exchange program sponsored by Durango High Noon Rotary Club. Now, thanks to the generosity of club members and others throughout the community, Vareta’s family has a new home. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

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Ignacio Farm Celebrates Summer with Locals Specials
Jul27

Ignacio Farm Celebrates Summer with Locals Specials

After operating as a successful agri-tourism farm and entertainment venue for two Autumn seasons, Jackalope Acres Farm is expanding offerings for its first summer in business. Hayrides allow visitors to see much of the farm’s 60 acres located outside Ignacio. Sunflower and Zinnia festivals are scheduled for August and September and will lead Jackalope Acres into the fall-fest season it’s become associated with. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

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