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 Sparks

Watch this story at durangolocal.news

This 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.news

This 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 PC

Watch 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.news

This 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