Explore every episode of the podcast Durango Local News
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denkai Animal Sanctuary Opens in Durango | 14 févr. 2025 | 00:02:23 | |
Sanctuary Founder Floss Blackburn hopes the move will help it better serve both Montezuma and La Plata Counties. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Snowdown: Durango’s Week of Madness and Mayhem | 13 févr. 2025 | 00:02:17 | |
Forget the Super Bowl, forget the Oscars, Durango’s real main event is Snowdown! A week of wild costumes, questionable contests, and just the right amount of chaos. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| New “Low-Tox” Hair Salon Opens In Durango | 12 févr. 2025 | 00:02:44 | |
A new salon has opened in Durango! Sanct Salon promises a holistic approach, find out what that entails. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Durango’s Winter Bike to Work Day Rolls In | 11 févr. 2025 | 00:03:07 | |
There’s still time to catch the end of Soup for the Soul. Grab a bowl of soup while supporting end-of-life care. The City of Durango will celebrate sustainable transportation during Bike to Work day and Commuter Challenge. See how you can participate. Silverton Skijoring is back this President's Day weekend. It’s an action-packed event for the whole family, except for your dogs. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Snowdown By The Numbers | 07 févr. 2025 | 00:02:24 | |
From cycling supremacy to the Snowdown royalty, and a parade that drew thousands, get the numbers behind Durango’s biggest winter celebration. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Don’t Fill Landfills with Fast Fashion | 06 févr. 2025 | 00:03:35 | |
The fast fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution. Find out how you can shop sustainably for used clothing and sports gear at Durango Outdoor Exchange. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| The Dave Spencer Ski Classic Returns! | 04 févr. 2025 | 00:03:25 | |
Don’t miss out on this month’s First Friday and a featured artist who will show you how to make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Brett Dennen returns to Durango for his annual Lift Series joined by local singer-songwriter Julianne Marqua. Merely Players gears up to present the premiere of Rebecca Gilman’s new play. Registration for the 2025 Dave Spencer SKI Classic is officially open! Don’t miss out on this incredible Adaptive Sports Association fundraiser. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Local Skier Riding High | 31 janv. 2025 | 00:02:43 | |
Anderson’s American speed skiing record will turn 19 in April. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Snowdown 2025! | 28 janv. 2025 | 00:01:52 | |
Snowdown 2025 has arrived! Find out what’s happening and how to join the fun. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| DHS Welcomes New Baseball Coach | 24 janv. 2025 | 00:03:02 | |
Hibbeler plans to make the demons an athletic, aggressive group. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Miller Middle School Celebrates Grand Opening | 17 janv. 2025 | 00:02:31 | |
Miller Middle School welcomed the community to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening on Tuesday, Jan. 7, after a series of challenging events. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Be WinterWise and Drive Safe this January | 15 janv. 2025 | 00:03:52 | |
La Plata Electric Association opens applications for the Board of Directors election - find out how you can apply. Be WinterWise with top tips from the Colorado Department of Transportation this winter. Learn how you can help with snowtography studies this winter with the Mountain Studies Institute. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Five New State Laws In 2025 | 14 janv. 2025 | 00:02:31 | |
From stricter phone regulations while behind the wheel to new child passenger safety rules, here are five laws that could impact you. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Pro Cyclists Rally for Elementary Students | 10 janv. 2025 | 00:03:12 | |
National Champions Riley Amos and Todd Wells meet students at Durango School District 9-R’s smallest school. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Technology Turns Your Phone into A Rescue Locator | 07 janv. 2025 | 00:03:01 | |
Purgatory Resort aims to improve guest safety along with Ski Patrol efficiency by using AirFlare technology. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Community Serving Community | 27 déc. 2024 | 00:04:40 | |
How does a community address repeat offenders when it comes to often marginalized communities? An initiative called the Problem-Solving Court, a city-community partnership, is looking to develop systematic programming addressing the root issues in Durango and the surrounding area. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Keep Swinging at Choice Athletics | 24 déc. 2024 | 00:02:42 | |
Choice Athletics indoor facility provides year-round analysis, coaching for baseball and softball players previously sacked by snow. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| La Plata County Public Health Department Prepares for Relocation | 24 déc. 2024 | 00:04:06 | |
The La Plata County Public Health Department plans to relocate within the next few months. Find out the latest updates on this transition. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Four Corners Writers Launch First Anthology | 20 déc. 2024 | 00:02:37 | |
Four Corners Writers hosted their inaugural kick-off event on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Cortez Public Library to celebrate the upcoming anthology, Four Corners Voices, featuring writers from across the region. Look forward to a collection of regional stories, essays, and poetry, arriving soon at local bookstores. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Museum Wins Award | 19 déc. 2024 | 00:04:26 | |
| |||
| Colorado Gives Record Donations | 18 déc. 2024 | 00:03:49 | |
The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado announced record-breaking donations for this year’s Colorado Gives Day, with a 26% increase in donations to nonprofit organizations in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties. The annual giving day reported over $50 million in donations state-wide. The City of Durango is seeking interested individuals to join a stormwater focus group to pursue funding options for the current stormwater program. Applications to join the group are due Jan. 8, with meetings to begin in January. Applications for the MOLAS Scholarship - Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Achievement - are open. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado administers the scholarship and is open to all first-generation college students. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Christmas Trees for Conservation | 17 déc. 2024 | 00:03:19 | |
San Juan Mountains Association is holding its Christmas Trees for Conservation fundraiser. Come pick up your Christmas tree and support stewardship and conservation education on Southwest Colorado’s public land. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Internet Browser Gives Power to the People | 13 déc. 2024 | 00:03:01 | |
Matt Martensen is trying to change the paradigm of internet monetization. His tech startup, User Cooperative, is a user-owned internet browser structured as a member-governed cooperative. He says trillions of dollars and our well-being are on the line. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Big Picture Has a New Home | 12 déc. 2024 | 00:03:33 | |
Durango School District 9-R announced the purchase of a permanent home for Big Picture High School at the end of November. The new home, Unit 4 in the Coumbine Center, will provide the school with 12,698 square feet of space, which will be renovated before the school moves in Fall 2026. County Road 251, also known as 32nd Street, has re-opened for the winter after construction work began on the road redesign. The first half of the project included dedicated bike lanes, a shared-use path, landscaping, and drainage work from Holly Avenue to East Animas Drive. Next summer work will continue on the redesign from East Animas Village Drive to Metz Lane. The American Red Cross warns of increased fire risk during the holiday season, so keep homes safe from fire with a few safety precautions. Especially with people visiting and more indoor activities, it’s always a good idea to review your safety precautions, especially with holiday decorations. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital Leading Tech-Based Care | 09 déc. 2024 | 00:03:10 | |
Technological advances in health care allow for better outcomes. That is one reason CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital is embracing robotic technology in orthopedic surgery. The hospital is proud to provide the region’s largest array of robotics-assisted surgical technology. The advancements allow for less invasive surgeries, quicker recovery, and longer-term improvements. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Housing for Teachers | 05 déc. 2024 | 00:04:53 | |
La Plata County holds much appeal for many, but the high cost of living and availability of affordable housing is a barrier, especially for professions such as teaching and school support staff. Ignacio School District 11-JT has found a unique way to attract and retain teachers - providing low-cost housing for staff, teachers, and their families. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Stay Up to Date on Seasonal Vaccines | 04 déc. 2024 | 00:03:42 | |
All are invited to the Third Anual Round Dance and Native American Arts Market Saturday, Dec. 7. The event, presented by 9-R Native American Education and Native American Parental Advisory Council, will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Durango High School. Come learn about the traditional dance and support local Native artists! Cold and flu season is firmly here, so it’s time to make sure that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccines for the seasonal flu, COVID-19 boosters, and RSV. Make sure to consult with your primary health provider to see what ones are right for you and your family - and take advantage of La Plata County Public Health’s free and low-cost vaccine clinics. Visit Durango announced a proposal to merge with the City of Durango at the end of November. The proposed merger is intended to help further the mission of continually improving both the tourism experience as well as quality of life for Durango residents. The City of Durango will take over management of the downtown Welcome Conter in January as part of the merger. By Hannah Robertson. Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/stay-up-to-date-on-seasonal-vaccines | |||
| Festival of Trees and Wreaths Spreads Holiday Cheer | 04 déc. 2024 | 00:03:46 | |
Get into the holiday spirit with the 21st Annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths Dec. 6th through 8th! Put on by Community Connections and Our Own Lives, it’s a family-friendly fundraiser you can bring the whole family to. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Shop Local for the Holidays | 29 nov. 2024 | 00:02:18 | |
A beloved Durango tradition, Noel Night, returns on Friday, Dec. 6, in downtown Durango. Sponsored by 1st Southwest Bank and hosted by Local First, the event promises a day of fun with live music, s’more roasting, local shops and more! Find your holiday gifts and support local businesses this holiday season. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| FLC Cyclists Podium at MTB National Championship | 27 nov. 2024 | 00:03:37 | |
Despite delay, uncertainty, Skyhawks racers rallied to win multiple medals. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Giving Thanks In and Around Durango | 26 nov. 2024 | 00:04:30 | |
For anyone planning on traveling out of the Durango La Plata County Airport this holiday week, be aware of the new remote parking program that is new this year for Thanksgiving Week. Annually the busiest week for the airport, a new shuttled remote parking set-up is meant to help reduce parking angst in the airport’s current lots. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your travels to accommodate finding space for parking and increased traffic overall. For nearly 30 years, people have got their pre-turkey gobble on at the annual Turkey Trot, held Thursday morning at Fort Lewis College. The event, presented by Animas Surgical Hospital, offers a 1-mile fun run and a 5-mile option to get the blood pumping and the community starting. Sign-ups are available online and on the day of, and volunteers are always welcome! The Manna Soup Kitchen’s Community Meal will be offered between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day with both to-go and delivery available - courtesy of the Vineyard Church. Enjoy a menu full of Thanksgiving favorites with the rest of the community on Thursday. Santa’s reindeer have gotten loose! Children 12 and under are invited to help find Santa’s reindeer at participating downtown businesses before the annual Singing with Santa event on Friday, Nov. 29. The first 50 to find six of reindeer will receive a free mug for hot chocolate at Buckley Park before singing in Santa and the lighting of the community Christmas Tree. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Local Food & Farms Investment | 22 nov. 2024 | 00:03:03 | |
The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Stay Snow Safe and Smart This Winter | 21 nov. 2024 | 00:03:47 | |
Do you have some art that’s “Good Enough to Eat”? Ignacio Community Library wants to showcase you with its newest exhibit, opening Dec. 2. Submit your art between Nov. 23-30 for inclusion in the show - all mediums are welcome, and there’s space for everyone! Show off your work for the community to enjoy. The IDEA LAB, Ignacio’s very own makerspace, is gearing up for a year of making and exploring in 2025. Each month will feature a new project, with build sessions every Friday and Saturday. Engineer and code robots, create a stop-motion masterpiece, film a YouTube video, and more! There’s something for everyone next year, check the calendar so you don’t miss a session! Winter weather may be beautiful, but it also comes with a fair bit of danger on those slippery roads. Brush up on winter driving safety with tips from the National Safety Council. With the recent snowfall, brush off your school snow day FAQs with Ignacio School District 11-JT and make sure that all contact information is up to date in the event of a snow-relate delay or cancellation. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Snow and Holiday Season Settling In | 20 nov. 2024 | 00:04:54 | |
Come walkin’ in a winter wonderland during Noel Night Friday, Dec. 6 in Downtown Durango. The beloved tradition kicks off the holiday shopping season with a day and evening full of activities, special events, and sales from local artists, vendors, organizations, and more. The Durango Business Improvement District’s Holiday Rewards program also kicks off the same night - your holiday shopping has never been so rewarding! Fort Lewis College is the recipient of two grants totaling $6.7 million to support the development of a diverse teacher workforce and multilingual education. One of the grants will fund Project BLOOM - Building Language and Opening Opportunities for Multilingualism - to help reverse the decline in native language speakers. The other grant will help establish the CEDAR Initiative - Center for Educator Diversity, Achievement, and Responsiveness - to help prepare Indigenous educators and educators of color to serve students in rural, charter, and Tribal schools. With the recent snowfall, brush off your school snow day FAQs with Durango School District 9-R and re-familiarize yourself with the snow day decision process. The school district coordinates with multiple local and regional organizations to decide if and when to close schools or delay the start to keep students, staff, and the community safe during inclement weather. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Fort Lewis College Golfers Wrap Historic Season | 15 nov. 2024 | 00:03:24 | |
Skyhawks golf waited nine years for a single win. It now has three in one season. Traejan Andrews, Tyler Tyson and Dimery Plewe all earned individual medalist honors in 2024. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Strengthening Durango’s Economy | 14 nov. 2024 | 00:04:00 | |
Ever wondered how small towns like Durango keep their economy thriving? Much of it comes down to local organizations like the Economic Development Alliance of La Plata County. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Kick Off Your Holiday Season with Song | 13 nov. 2024 | 00:02:42 | |
Kick off the holiday season with Singing with Santa on Friday, November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Buckley Park, presented by the Durango Business Improvement District. The Blue Star Moms of Durango is seeking sponsors for the Wreaths across America campaign to honor fallen military veterans. Southwest Colorado’s America 250 - Colorado 150 launch party will begin on Wednesday, November 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the Durango and Silverton Railroad Museum. The La Plata Family Centers Coalitions’ Project Merry Christmas, formerly called the Holly Jolly Toy Drive, has begun and is now accepting donations. By Rachel Hughes. | |||
| Esoterra Ciderworks expands into Winemaking | 12 nov. 2024 | 00:04:25 | |
Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Scrums, Rucks & Locks: Ready to Try Rugby? | 08 nov. 2024 | 00:03:16 | |
Durango local Charlie Newton grew up playing rugby in Missouri. Now he’s starting a rugby club of his own in Durango. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Colorado Gives Day Kick-Off Month | 06 nov. 2024 | 00:03:24 | |
Durango Transit has seen yet another record-setting year, and is on track to exceed the all-time record number of rides set in 2023. However, without new grants or other sources of funding, the local transportation organization will go into the negative in 2026, and will need to start cutting back services. The Multimodal Advisory Board has come up with possible solutions, and will continue to do so to keep the Durango Transit running. While school is solidly back in session, that doesn’t mean kids are out of options for activities! Durango Parks and Recreation have recently doubled scholarship allotments for qualifying youths 17 years and younger - scholarships can be used for Parks and Recreation activities or for facility passes. Looking for a good cause to support this holiday season? Southwest Colorado Gives through the Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado has a full list of local nonprofits across all five counties it serves. Kick off the giving event Friday, Nov. 1, and watch the fun all the way until Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 10. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Maria’s Bookshop Launches New Nonprofit | 05 nov. 2024 | 00:02:51 | |
Everyone deserves a good book! Maria’s Bookshop is marking its 40th anniversary by launching Maria’s Literary Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to expanding book access across the community and Southwest Colorado. The foundation will focus on donating brand-new books to underserved communities. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Election Week Rally with Adam Frisch | 01 nov. 2024 | 00:02:54 | |
There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Road Closures and Delays as Intersection Improvements are Underway | 30 oct. 2024 | 00:03:11 | |
Colorado Department of Transportation and Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are continuing work on the US Highway 550, Main Street, and 14th Street intersection. As of Oct. 27, the intersection will be closed for about 11 days while D&SNGRR replaces the railroad tracks as part of overall safety improvements to the intersection, so be prepared to take alternative routes during the closure. An open call to artists in the Four Corners from the Durango-La Plata County Airport went out last week for three installations in the new baggage claim area. The selection committee will be looking for artwork featuring the Four Corners region's cultural, geographical, and historical diversity. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. Dec. 17. The City of Durango will begin construction on a new trail at Twin Buttes to create more accessible routes to two trails. The new trail will expand the terrain available for Class 1 E-Bikes and provide an alternative to the current challenging route connecting the Cliffrock Loop and Upper Twin Buttes Trail. By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Common Spirit Mercy Hospital Leading Tech-based Care | 29 oct. 2024 | 00:03:10 | |
Technological advances in health care allow for better outcomes. That’s one of the reason’s Common Spirit Mercy hospital is embracing robotic technology in orthopedic surgery. The hospital is proud to provide the region’s largest array of robotics-assisted surgical technology. The advancements allow for less invasive surgeries, quicker recovery and longer term improvements. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Mary Monroe Brown’s Legacy: 19 Years of Trailblazing with Durango Trails | 25 oct. 2024 | 00:03:01 | |
After nearly two decades of building and maintaining world-class trails in Durango, Mary Monroe Brown is stepping away as executive director of Durango Trails. Find out how her leadership has transformed outdoor recreation in the region, the impact she’s had on volunteers and the community, and what her legacy means for the future of Durango’s trails. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Leaves, Halloween, and Grand Openings | 24 oct. 2024 | 00:03:20 | |
If the tree in your yard likes to hold onto leaves past the Annual Fall Clean-Up, never fear! The City of Durango has partnered with Table to Farm Compost to offer free curbside pick-up of leaves through Nov. 29th. The 21st Annual Festivals of Trees and Wreaths is on the lookout for sponsors for the holiday event. This year, the festival will benefit both Community Connections and the new non-profit Our Own Lives, which was previously the direct services part of Community Connections before the reorganization earlier this year. If you would like to sponsor a wreath or a tree, sign-ups are available online. School is back in session, in school, for Miller Middle School students, but the community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the school Friday, Oct. 25th. The celebration will include performances by students, prizes, a scavenger hunt, and more! Looking for a safe, fun way to celebrate Halloween? Downtown Durango’s Children’s Halloween is back Thursday, Oct. 31st with over 75 participating merchants. Trick or Treat up and down Main Avenue, and don’t forget to stop by the Trunk or Treat event hosted by TBK Bank. A carnival with free activities benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County helps round out the night! By Hannah Robertson. | |||
| Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture | 23 oct. 2024 | 00:04:50 | |
Durango’s arts and culture scene is growing stronger, thanks to the support of the Lodgers' Tax. Funding from the tax has brought new murals and sculptures to public spaces, supported events like the Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and provided financial backing for local artists, non-profits, and businesses. It’s not just about adding visual appeal—this tax is driving professional training, economic development, and creative opportunities that weren’t available before. The result is a thriving cultural community that enriches the city and supports its long-term growth. By Sadie Smith. | |||
| Highway 160 Improvements Finally Funded | 22 oct. 2024 | 00:03:08 | |
The seven-mile stretch of Highway 160 east of Elmore’s Corner has been the focus of local officials for nearly ten years. Now, thanks to funding from the bi-partisan Federal Infrastructure Bill, improvements will begin in 2027. A Colorado Department of Transportation study found that, over a four-year period, there was one deadly accident and four serious ones on this particular stretch of road. Improvements will include wildlife fencing, a roundabout at the most dangerous intersection, and dedicated turn lanes. By Connor Shreve. | |||
| Swinging Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters | 17 oct. 2024 | 00:02:24 | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado provides youth in the county with mentorship, community, and opportunities that they might not otherwise have.And it’s not just the kids who benefit - the mentors do too! After the very successful Big Swing Tournament fundraiser at the end of August, Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with First Tee Four Corners and the Fort Lewis College golf team for a day at Hillcrest Golf Course where the Bigs and Littles got to try their hands at golf. With plenty of laughter and sunshine to go around, the day was a success for everyone. By Hannah Robertson, Steven Sigillito. | |||
| Get Your Sherlock Holmes On! | 15 oct. 2024 | 00:04:16 | |
Vampires, mystery, and theater, oh my! Ignacio Community Library invites you to the Halloween Mystery Dinner Saturday, Oct. 27. Can you sleuth out the answer to the mystery before time is up? Restock your TBR at the Ignacio Friends Bookstore. A constant revolving door of new books, there’s sure to be something that will keep you company whether you’re in the mood for some romantasy, a chilling thriller, or something else! Refresh your bookshelves by donating old books to make room for your new reads! Ignacio’s FFA Chapter received a $2,602 “Grants for Growing Program” this September. The grant will help fund the creation of a coop at the school farm, fostering collaboration between different student programs and agricultural education projects for students. Prep your households for winter with the free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The event, held every two years by the City of Durango and La Plata County, allows residents and businesses to safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous household waste like batteries, paints, flammable fluids, and more. Large, commercial dops will be available Friday - sign up in advance. By Hannah Robertson. | |||