Local NEWS Network Supercast!

Today we're spotlighting one of Farmington's finest — Loren Healy, a born-and-raised San Juan County native who turned a love of desert rock crawling into a full-blown professional motorsports career. Loren has won the King of the Hammers multiple times, captured five consecutive Baja 1000 victories in the stock class, and now runs RTR Off-Road Shop right here in Farmington. He's currently building a trophy truck with dreams of an overall Baja 1000 win — something he's called a boyhood dream. If you want to follow the build and catch live race streams with in-cab cameras, find him on Facebook and Instagram under Loren Healy. And keep an eye out — an open house at the new RTR Off-Road Shop is coming up, and the whole community is invited.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Four Corners Regional Airport.

The Garden Guys are back with practical advice for Southwest Colorado gardeners. Tom Bartels and Darrin Parmenter break down planting timing, drought prep, compost versus fertilizer, and what to look for when buying transplants this spring.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and the Payroll Department. 

iAM Music celebrated its 11th annual Music Fest in downtown Durango from April 30th through May 3rd, bringing 25+ artists across eight stages throughout the city. Founded in 2015, every ticket sold supports iAM Music's mission of funding scholarships, performance opportunities, and music education for youth across the Four Corners region.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by the FLC Center for Innovation and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.

A new hospital is now open in Farmington, New Mexico — and the community response has been nothing short of remarkable. Exceptional Community Hospital celebrated its ribbon cutting after more than four years of planning and three years of construction, opening its doors Feb. 18 to the public.Since that first day, the facility has been seeing 50 patients daily — a pace that hospital leadership says has never been matched across any of their nine operating locations nationwide. The hospital focuses on acute care, treating patients for conditions like chest pain, difficulty breathing, cuts, infections and more. They also have the capacity to admit patients for conditions such as pneumonia or minor abdominal infections, and will transfer more critical cases to higher-level facilities when needed.Leadership describes their model as concierge-style medicine — getting patients into a room quickly and delivering warm, personalized care. And judging by the numbers, Farmington is all in.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.news. This story is sponsored by Graff Orthodontics and Arkins Juice Tavern.

It's a great week ahead in Durango with the 4th Annual Manna Plant Sale running Friday and Saturday, May 8th and 9th, the first Durango Farmers Market of the season on Saturday, May 9th, from 8 AM to noon, a community tennis fundraiser benefiting the Durango High School Boys Tennis Team also on Saturday May 9th from 10 AM to 1 PM, and a free Women's Mountain Bike Basics Clinic at Purgatory Sports on Monday May 11th.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware  and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

High on the slopes of Galena Mountain at 12,500 feet, the Old Hundred Mine's 1908 boarding house stood as a testament to the audacity of Colorado's early miners — until decades of heavy snow and neglect brought two-thirds of its roof caving in. In 1996, Beverly Rich and a consortium of partners launched what they called "extreme preservation," airlifting supplies by helicopter up a precarious mule trail to save the historic structure before it plummeted 3,000 feet into Cunningham Gulch below. Workers stayed a week or two at a time, rebuilding the roof and securing the building to the rock cliff with cable. A year later, the tram house was also restored. The effort was immortalized in a documentary, Castle in the Clouds: The Saving of the Old Hundred Boarding House — a tribute to the immigrants from around the world who left everything behind to chase the promise and adventure of America in one of its most remote corners.The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage.By Beverly RichThis story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater HotelWatch the full Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado series on our YouTube.

Beverly Rich was born in Silverton in 1950 and has been involved with the local Historical Society since she was 14 — making her one of the most dedicated keepers of San Juan County's storied past. In her article, Rescuing Relics: Extreme Preservation and the Old Hundred Boarding House, she reflects on what made Silverton remarkable from the very beginning. Few people realize that Silverton is nearly ten years older than Durango, and that without Silverton, Durango wouldn't exist. In its heyday, this remote mountain town was the Silicon Valley of its era — a hub of technological innovation, incredible wealth, and relentless ambition. But like all mining towns, Silverton rode a cycle of boom and bust, its fortunes tied closely to World Wars and commodity prices. The hardest blow came in 1991 when the Sunny Side Mine shut down, taking half the town's population with it. What followed was a period of honest reckoning — and visioning. Silverton leaned into its two greatest assets: spectacular scenery and fascinating history. Today, for the first time ever, Silverton is no longer primarily a mining town. It has become a thriving high-mountain destination, with a booming recreation industry, rising property values, and a new generation discovering what Beverly Rich has known her whole life — this place is something special.The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage.By Beverly RichThis story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater HotelWatch the full Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado series on our YouTube.

It's a packed week ahead in Durango with the iAM Music Fest taking over downtown April 30th through May 3rd featuring 25 plus artists across eight venues. On May 1st, the La Plata County Humane Society teams up with Durango Motor Company for a special National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day adoption event from 12 to 2 PM. And also kicking off May 1st Love Locals Week runs through May 10th with deals and events at over 40 downtown businesses including a BOGO Heart of Durango Dollars gift card promotion.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q

On what would have been his 93rd birthday, friends, family and fellow leaders gathered in Ignacio on April 13th to honor the life and legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Those who knew him best reflect on a man who transformed Native American representation in American politics, championed tribal sovereignty, and proved that anybody can make a real difference.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.

Fort Lewis College has launched a new dietetics program, clearing a key milestone toward national accreditation and opening new career pathways for students across the Four Corners.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings 

A packed weekend ahead in Durango! The Durango Wine Experience kicks off Friday April 24th with a Walkabout Tasting through downtown from 4 to 6:30 PM, followed by the Grand Tasting at Buckley Park on Saturday April 25th from 3 to 6 PM. Also this weekend the Devo Bike Swap runs Friday and Saturday  from 9 AM to 7 PM. And Friday evening Lively Boutique hosts its 8th Annual Fashion Show at the Henry Strater Theater with shows at 5:30 and 7:30 PM, with all proceeds benefiting iAM Music's youth programs.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.

Southwest Colorado spans dramatic terrain from desert floors to towering mountain peaks — and the wildlife that call it home have a story as compelling as the landscape itself. By the late 1800s, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, turkeys, and native trout were pushed to the brink of vanishing entirely. What followed was one of the most extraordinary conservation turnarounds in the American West. Today, Colorado boasts the largest elk population of any western state, wild turkey numbers have rebounded from just 250 birds to over 35,000, and native bighorn sheep once again navigate the craggy high country. But the story isn't over. Gray wolves are returning, Gunnison sage grouse are being protected, and the native Colorado Pikeminnow is being restored to the Colorado River Basin. All thanks to the ongoing efforts from communities that care.The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage.By Patt DorseyThis story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel.Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Retired Colorado Parks and Wildlife manager Patt Dorsey spent 28 years protecting the wildlife of Southwest Colorado. Now, in honor of Colorado's 150th birthday, she's telling the region's untold wildlife story — digging through old biological reports and vintage archives to uncover history that even surprised her. Her core message: wildlife needs people. Without public connection and care, species disappear from our landscapes forever. To read the full article, visit coloradol50southwest.org. The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage.By Patt DorseyThis story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel.Watch the full series, Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.

Maria's Literary Foundation is hosting its second annual Read-a-Thon from April 10th through April 20th, raising funds for the Reading Room — a free bookshop and reading nook for Durango youth. This year's goal is $25,000 with all donations up to $10,000 matched by Maria's Bookshop. By Sadie Smith Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

Three events worth putting on your calendar this week — an Arbor Day Celebration at the Durango Recreation Center on April 17th, Durango's Earth Day celebration with a parade and live music on April 18th, and Durango Montessori School's annual Electronics Recycling fundraiser on April 22nd.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and the FLC Center for Innovation

Ragtime music — a blend of European styles and African American rhythms considered the forerunner of jazz — has found an unlikely home in Durango, Colo. For nearly 70 years, the Diamond Bell Saloon at the historic Strater Hotel has featured live ragtime piano, making it one of the only venues in the country where audiences can hear the music performed regularly. A pianist who holds a master's degree in historical musicology from the Peabody Conservatory plays up to six nights a week on an 1902 upright grand piano, calling the experience "time travel" for audiences.Now, that same musician has launched the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival, now in its second year as a nonprofit. The festival brings approximately seven of the country's top ragtime and early jazz musicians to Durango each year, with the goal of preserving the music and introducing it to new audiences. Organizers say Durango's size, rich ragtime history and the Strater Hotel — built during the ragtime era — make it an ideal home for the festival. For more information, visit durangoragtime.com.By Paige SparksThis story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Keesee Motor CompanyWatch this story at durangolocal.news

Native historian Johnny Valdez sheds light on a largely untold chapter of Colorado's history — the Brunot Agreement of 1873 and the treaties that transferred Ute ancestral lands to the United States government. Writing for the U.S. 250/Colorado 150 Power of Place Magazine, Valdez draws on both his formal education and his heritage to reveal what most Colorado schoolchildren were never taught: that the Ute people, the Nuuchiu, did not simply "give" or "sell" their land, but did so under the threat of annihilation, amid miscommunication and cultural misunderstanding.The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage. Valdez reminds us that this land — the mountains, rivers, forests, and valleys — is sacred, and that understanding its true history makes each of us a better steward of this place.Watch the full series — Voices of the Past: Southwest Colorado.This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel.

Here are three events worth putting on your calendar this week — Stillwater Music's Battle of the Bands at Miller Middle School on April 10th, the 30th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown running April 10th through 12th, and the Colorado Black Equity Study Community Listening Session at Fort Lewis College on April 11th from noon to 2 p.m.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

How do we get to where we are — and how important is every little story? Native historian Johnny Valdez reminds us that we are each the product of a hundred generations, and that any one of those stories going differently means we wouldn't be here at all. That perspective, he says, is exactly what makes listening to someone else's story so powerful — because in their story, you find your own.Writing for the U.S. 250/Colorado 150 Power of Place Magazine, Valdez draws on his heritage as a member of the Ute Tribe to explore a largely untold chapter of Colorado's history: the Brunot Agreement of 1873, the treaty that transferred Ute ancestral lands to the United States government. It's a story most Colorado schoolchildren have never heard — they know the beautiful mountains, the great hikes, the fishing and skiing — but not the history beneath their feet.This is the land of the Great Spirit. That's what the Ute Tribe has always called it. And Valdez believes that knowing its true history transforms visitors and residents alike into protectors of this place.The Power of Place Magazine is a special initiative of the Colorado 150 Southwest organizing committee, featuring 20 articles by professional historians and local writers exploring Southwest Colorado's rich and complex heritage.This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Sky Ute Casino and Strater Hotel.Watch this story at durangolocal.news.Part 2 coming soon!

The city's annual Spring Cleanup is now underway, running through April 30th, with city crews moving through residential neighborhoods picking up furniture, appliances, yard waste, and more. Coming up April 2nd through 4th, the Duranglers Fly Fishing Festival returns with three days of films, clinics, demos, and deals, kicking off Thursday night at Animas City Theatre with the Fly Fishing Film Tour. And sign-ups are now open for Maria's Literary Foundation's Second Annual Read-a-Thon, running April 10th through 20th, benefiting youth literacy in Durango.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

Colorado's new Wildfire Resiliency Building Code requires fire-resistant materials and vegetation management for new construction and major home renovations in wildfire-prone areas. The town of Pagosa Springs plans to adopt the code April 1, with full implementation by July 1. Organizations like Wildfire Adapted Partnership offer free property assessments to help homeowners reduce their risk, even if the code does not apply to them yet.By Christi BodeWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Blondies Trophy Room.

There's a full week of community events happening in the Four Corners. On Wednesday evening, San Juan College hosts author David Ryan for a free presentation about his book on New Mexico's hidden gems — 6 to 8 PM at the Connie Gotsch Theatre. Sister Act the Musical is still running at the Farmington Civic Center through March 29th, with shows Thursday through Sunday. On Thursday, gardeners can catch the latest session of the Building a Better Backyard Garden workshop series in Aztec — free to attend with tools and giveaways. Off-road motorcycle fans can head to Glade Run Recreation Area this weekend for the Chokecherry Scramble II, part of the 2026 Desert Championship Race Series. And on Friday, the whole community is invited to celebrate the launch of Farmington's 2nd Harvest Enhancement Project with a free Chalk Artwalk and ribbon cutting at 1961 Positive Way from 4 to 6 PM.By Paige SparksWatch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and Big Idea Maker Space at San Juan College.

This week in Durango, the Durango-La Plata County Airport is collecting non-perishables, hygiene products, and infant supplies for TSA workers who have been without pay during the federal government shutdown — drop off donations at the airline ticketing lobby inside the main entry doors. On Wednesday, March 25th, Durango Comedy brings March Sadness to the Durango Arts Center — doors open at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:00, tickets are $25. And the Spring in the Rockies Arts and Crafts Festival closes out the month at the La Plata County Fairgrounds — Saturday March 28th from 9:00 to 3:00 and Sunday March 29th from 10:00 to 2:00, featuring 70 local artists and crafters along with food and door prizes.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by The FLC Center for Innovation  and Dunkin Donuts.

Durango artist Matt Clark of Little Bud Designs and mural artist Parker Ledford created Ebb and Flow — a public mural along the Animas River trail pulling from Clark's collage and illustration work. Clark says he wanted the piece to have something for everyone in the Durango community.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Durango Gelato Coffee & Tea.

On Friday, March 20th, local artist Shanda Akin invites the community to a free evening of art and conversation at Four Leaves Winery starting at 6 p.m. — drinks, light bites, and an artist talk are all included. Also opening March 20th, the Durango Arts Center presents Trey Parker's Cannibal: The Musical, a darkly comedic retelling of the true story of Alferd Packer, running through March 29th. And looking ahead to March 27th, the Southwestern Water Conservation District hosts its 42nd Annual Water Seminar at Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, bringing together community leaders for a full day of panels on the future of water in the Southwest.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and RMW  Tafoya Barrett & Associates 

The City of Farmington's Bonnie Dallas Senior Center has launched the High Desert Games, its annual Senior Olympics program, with opening ceremonies marking the start of a multi-month competition schedule running through May. The event series, organized through the city's Parks and Recreation Department, features activities including shuffleboard, cornhole, table tennis, pool, pickleball and more. Adult Programs Manager Martin Moulton said the primary goal is for participants to have fun while staying active and socializing. "It gives seniors an opportunity to socialize, get together with their friends, and participate in team sports or individual sports," Moulton said. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for May.By Tanner WaiteWatch this story at famingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sunray Park & Casino and Four Corners Regional Airport

Durango wasn't always the tree-lined community it is today — in the late 19th century, the landscape was largely barren — but now, climate change and rapid development are threatening the 12,000-plus trees that define it. The DurangoScape 2026 Climate Conference, hosted by the Durango Botanic Gardens brought together local and regional experts to help residents understand how to protect their community forest through smarter planting, root system awareness, and early action.By Paige SparksWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea

What happens when one woman's curiosity about disappearing birds grows into a global movement? For Kelly Miller, founder of Follow the Birds, a simple question about winter silence along the Animas River trails became a three-day gathering connecting scientists, artists and storytellers from across the world. The Bird Migration Gathering — held each March and October — drew participants from 16 countries at its inaugural October event, exploring migration through ornithology, conservation, art, storytelling and technology. Past contributors include celebrated naturalist Scott Weidensaul, wildlife advocate Craig Foster of Cape Town, South Africa, and bird language expert Jon Young. The next gathering takes place online March 13-15, 2026.By Paige SparksWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Dunkin’ Donuts

On Wednesday, the Cortez Public Library celebrates Women's History Month with a free author talk from local author Margaret Kirk, presenting her book "They Persisted" — a historical nonfiction collection about empowering women from the past. Then on Thursday, the Sunflower Theatre hosts its Spoken Word Open Mic at 7 p.m. — bring original poetry or writing and share it with a welcoming audience for a suggested donation of five dollars. And on Saturday, the Sunflower Theatre closes out the week with MoCo Improv Comedy Night — unscripted, fast-paced comedy starting at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30. By Sadie SmithWatch this story at montezumalocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Big O Tires

Farmington Parks and Recreation is making spring break one to remember with a lineup of family-friendly events across the city this week. Whether you are looking for something fun for the kids or the whole family, there is plenty happening around town. Head to the link in the show notes to watch the full story and get all the details.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Durango Motor Company

This week on Local NEWS Network, we're rounding up three events happening in Durango between March 11th and 17th. Rocky Mountain PBS brings its Mini-Film Fest to Fort Lewis College on Wednesday night — a free screening of short films exploring identity, belonging, and community, followed by a facilitated discussion. On Friday and Saturday, the Friends of the Durango Public Library hosts its annual Spring Book Sale at the Durango Public Library, with thousands of titles starting at just one dollar. And closing out the week on Tuesday, March 17th, hip-hop artist Grieves brings his Out Cold Tour 4 to Animas City Theatre, joined by Blueprint and Benz Shelton.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings  and the FLC Center for Innovation

Arenacross racing returns to the Four Corners region for the fourth consecutive year as Finish Line Promotions brings the Parnall Law Xtreme Arenacross back with Aztec Motocross, drawing amateur and professional riders from across the Southwest while offering roughly 40 classes for all skill levels, from toddlers on balance bikes to seasoned pros. Organizer Andrew Gallegos says the event's economic reach extends well beyond the track, with competitors and their families filling local restaurants, hotels and gas stations throughout the weekend, and sponsors like Dekon Environmental say the gathering gives Four Corners youth a positive recreational outlet while fostering a brand of community camaraderie rarely found in other sports.By Tanner Waite. Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Boon's Family Thai BBQ and Fitness World

West Coast Swing is more than a dance style — it's a lifestyle for members of West Slope Westies, Durango's nonprofit swing dance community. Known for its fluid, elastic movement and ability to complement almost any genre of music, West Coast Swing has drawn a growing and passionate local following.When the group began outgrowing their rented rooms at the Smiley Building, leadership made a bold decision: find a bigger home and trust the community to fill it. That leap of faith led to the creation of The Durango Collective, a downtown studio that now serves as a shared hub for multiple local dance communities all under one roof. As the group's president describes it, the space was built for people to connect, create and celebrate — and for anyone willing to push through that first moment of vulnerability on the dance floor, joy is waiting on the other side.By Paige SparksWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q

Durango has a full lineup of events this March. Our Own Lives presents its Second Annual Disability Art Show at the Durango Arts Center, featuring more than 30 artists. The McDonald’s Cardboard Derby returns to Purgatory Resort with creative downhill fun. And the Durango Bach Festival, presented by the San Juan Symphony, brings a week of “Mostly Mozart” performances to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

The Durango Independent Film Festival is celebrating its 21st year with the tagline "We're Legal," bringing independent films from over 50 countries to southwest Colorado from March 4–8, 2026. Known as a "Filmmaker's Festival," DIFF showcases adventure, documentary, native cinema, shorts, features, and more — creating a rare space where audiences are elbow to elbow with the filmmakers themselves. Among this year's selections is the Colorado-shot feature The Only Way Out Is Through, whose editor Misty Wilson is a Bayfield local, making the screening a homecoming celebration. Whether you're a film lover or just looking for that communal theater experience you didn't know you missed, DIFF is the place to find it. For more information, visit durangofilm.org.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Payroll Department

A longtime Durango tradition is evolving. Southwest Colorado Rocks celebrates community leaders, organizations, and businesses making a difference across the region. Formerly known as Durango Rocks, the event expanded this year to include Ignacio and Bayfield, highlighting the impact of leaders throughout La Plata County. Organizers say the celebration is about recognizing the people who are strengthening the community and inspiring others to do the same.By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango

This week in Farmington, local professionals have a chance to sharpen their skills at the Four Corners Conference for Professional Development on Feb. 26, while music fans can catch One Night in Memphis — a high-energy tribute to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis — at the Farmington Civic Center on Feb. 28. San Juan College is also hosting a free Health and Wellness Fair on March 3, open to students and the broader community. And for the creatives, Film Four Corners is accepting entries for its 2026 film contest now.By Paige Sparks. Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Dickey's Barbecue Pit and Fitness World.

The Durango Women's Leadership Conference returns February 26 at Whalen Gymnasium with panels, breakout sessions, and talks supporting women’s athletics at Fort Lewis College. Comedian Olivia Carter performs in Durango February 27 after appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the Durango Independent Film Festival returns March 4–8 with screenings across Durango.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and The FLC Center for Innovation.

Every February, volunteers walk the banks of the Animas River counting American dippers — small, bold birds that dive headfirst into rushing rapids and spend their entire lives along river corridors. Because dippers feed on the aquatic insects that can only survive in clean water, they serve as a living indicator of river health. The American Dipper Project launched in 2016 following the Gold King Mine spill, and citizen scientists have been tracking nesting behavior and success rates ever since, entering all data into Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch database. When nesting success declined after the 416 Fire in 2018 and subsequent flooding, the dippers reflected that environmental stress. By Paige SparksWatch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and The LOR Foundation

 Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made a stop in Durango this week to discuss his campaign for governor, touching on some of the most pressing issues facing the state. Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009, shared his vision for Colorado's future and what he says sets him apart as a candidate. Watch the full interview to hear where he stands.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.

For over two decades, the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies has been monitoring Colorado's snowpack from weather stations on Red Mountain Pass. Their team digs snow pits every few weeks documenting dust layers, measuring snow crystals, and tracking how the snowpack reflects sunlight. This year they're recording unusually low snow conditions across the state while studying how dust particles reduce snow's reflectivity and speed up melt timing. Since snowpack provides 70 percent of Colorado's water supply, understanding these patterns helps water managers plan for the seasons ahead. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Keesee Motor Company 

This week's Farmington bulletin features the return of the High Desert Games at Bonnie Dallas Senior Center with registration open through March 2nd for athletes 50 and up, a citywide job fair February 24th at the Farmington Civic Center with positions in Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Police and Fire, the Parnall Law Xtreme Arenacross and Stunt Show February 28th at McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, and the Sycamore Park Community Center Hosts Annual Daddy Daughter Ball. By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news.This story is sponsored by Ace Hardware of Farmington and San Juan Regional Medical Center.

This week in Durango highlights community leadership, small business support, and winter competition on the mountain.Southwest Colorado Rocks will host its Annual Awards Ceremony on February 19th at 5 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall, honoring outstanding businesses and leaders from across La Plata County.On February 20th, the Seeds of Success DFM Summit takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. The free event provides practical workshops and networking opportunities for farmers, food producers, makers, and small business owners, with breakfast and lunch included.And February 21st and 22nd, Purgatory Resort hosts the 23rd Annual Ski Bike Festival and Race in partnership with the American Skibike Association, bringing riders from across the country to compete in the longest-running ski bike festival in the United States.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and The FLC Center for Innovation

Durango's warming shelter is providing a lifesaving refuge for unhoused community members during the coldest winter nights. After years of discussion, the City Council unanimously approved the shelter following overwhelming neighborhood support with 88% of residents surveyed backing the initiative. The shelter opens when temperatures are forecasted to drop to 15 degrees or below, operating with trained coordinators and volunteers who provide transportation from the transit center, warm meals from Manna Soup Kitchen, and a safe place to sleep. Since opening this season, the shelter has seen growing demand, serving up to 24 people on recent nights, including families with children. The shelter is currently operating on a trial resolution, with hopes to secure a permanent ordinance if operations continue successfully. For those experiencing homelessness in Durango, this warming center represents more than just shelter — it's a compassionate response that literally saves lives.This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at durangolocal.news

KDUR, Fort Lewis College's radio station now in its 52nd year, hosts an annual cover night that has become a cornerstone event for Durango's music community. The tradition began when musicians from different genres came together to celebrate local talent by covering Neil Diamond songs, adopting the motto "local musicians unite." The event has grown so popular that tickets sell out within minutes. The fundraising event known as “Cover Night” brings together community members who play music for the love of it, not for profit. KDUR operates as both a college and community radio station, funded through student fees, fundraising and formerly the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. With CPB funding recently cut by the current administration, local donations and community support through events like cover night have become more critical than ever to the station's survival.Local musicians say KDUR serves a critical role in promoting area concerts and providing airplay for local recordings, making it essential to keeping Durango's music scene active.By Paige Sparks.This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Tafoya Barrett and Associates PCWatch this story at durangolocal.news

San Juan College's Native American Center brought the community together for two special evenings celebrating Késhjéé, the traditional Navajo Shoe Game. The learning session on Wednesday, Jan. 28, was led by Kevin Belin, Navajo language teacher at Navajo Preparatory School, who guided attendees through the game's rules, strategies, songs and cultural meanings. On Thursday, Jan. 29, teams gathered around rows of moccasins and shoes as players tried to find the hidden ball while using creativity and humor to distract opponents.By Tanner Waites.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Express Employment and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College.

This week in Farmington brings cultural exploration, comedy, and theatrical entertainment. On Thursday, February 12th from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, San Juan College Global Studies hosts a Chinese New Year Immersive Culture Experience at the Merrion Rooms in the School of Energy, where Qinqin Schoser will lead a welcoming introduction to Chinese culture and the Lunar New Year with presentations, hands-on crafts, and the opportunity to write your name in Chinese characters.Get ready for nonstop laughter at the Lovers and Friends Tour Comedy Show Saturday, February 14th at 8:00 pm at SunRay Park and Casino's Stingray's Room, featuring New Mexico award-winning headliner Zach Abeyta along with Tyler Lovely and Stef Darnell, hosted by Jamie Scott. Theater Ensemble Arts presents Ken Ludwig's comedy "Lend Me a Tenor" at the Connie Gotsch Theatre at San Juan College, with performances February 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm and February 22 at 2:30 pm. And the Farmington Museum invites visitors to explore "Atoms for Peace," an exhibit examining President Eisenhower's historic 1953 United Nations address and the global impact of nuclear science, on display through April 27th. For a complete events calendar, visit farmingtonnm.org/events.By Paige Sparks & Sadie Smith.Watch this story at farmingtonlocal.news.This story is sponsored by Dr. Graff Orthodontics and Home2Suites

Several events are happening around Durango this week, including a weekend of on-mountain activities at Purgatory Resort with live music, après-ski parties, Telemark Telefestivus, and a Venture Snowboards demo day. The Powerhouse hosts its Power of Movement event celebrating the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 16th and 17th. Looking ahead, REMS Southwest returns to Durango April 14th and 15th with radiation-free bone health screenings using FDA-cleared technology.By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.news.This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings and Crystal Mart

Snowdown featured freestyle skiing events at Chapman Hill hosted by the Durango Winter Sports Club. The competitions included multiple age groups, with entry fees supporting local youth winter sports clubs and facilities.By Sadie Smith.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Crystal Mart

Cortez Livestock has served Montezuma County since 1959, providing a place for local ranchers and Native American producers to buy, sell, and trade livestock. As family farms and ranches continue to decline, this longtime auction barn remains a critical part of preserving Western heritage and supporting local agriculture. By Sadie Smith. Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.