News

Merely Players is in the middle of a diverse and interesting 2023-24 season, currently showing the regional premiere of Hands on a Hardbody at the Merely Underground at 789 Tech Center Drive. Hands on a Hardbody is a 2013 country rock musical based on a 1997 documentary about a group of Texans who compete to win a new truck by keeping their hands on it the longest. This unconventional musical, with a book by Doug Wright and music by Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio of Phish, explores a wide array of human experiences and emotions, as the contestants reveal their stories through an upbeat score that fuses country, blues, and rock. Featuring an ensemble cast of local talent and an actual full size working truck, this show is fun for the whole family. By Jessica McCallum This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and The Payroll Department

The Local NEWS Network offers our condolences to the friends and family of Sgt. Michael Moran, and to the City of Cortez and the Cortez Police Department.

Growing from a small group of ski instructors to a 200-stong volunteer organization, Adaptive Sports Association has expanded over the past 40 years. Founded on the principles that sport and outdoor recreation are tools that can be used to better people’s lives, Adaptive Sports offers programs ranging from skiing lessons in the winter to whitewater rafting and mountain biking in the summer. The programs are made possible with the dedicated efforts of volunteers as well as enthusiastic participants, and with 40 years of programing, Adaptive certainly has a lot to celebrate. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

Durango Reading Club is being recognized for more than 140 years of serving Southwest Colorado. Examples of the group’s philanthropy include library fundraising, protecting land and cataloging local history. The Reading Club of Durango founded Durango’s original library in 1889 and has carried out its mission to guard tradition in contemporary ways ever since. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings

With a new Head Coach, a new Quarterback and a new offense the DHS football team continued racking up wins in 2023. Durango ended the season with players in the top-5 of Colorado’s rushing and passing stat leaders. A 39-30 loss to Lutheran in the quarterfinals of the Colorado 3A tournament bracket marks the final season Durango will play in Class 3A as the Demons are scheduled to jump to 4A beginning next season. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barett & Associates

Ignacio High School saw a historic fall season with both the women’s volleyball team and the men’s cross country team making it to state in Class 2A. Taste of Christmas is back, with special events like the DIY Christmas tree from Ignacio Community Library, and San Juan Basin Public Health will officially close at the end of the year – sign up to receive the newsletter from the newly established La Plata County Public Health Department. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Visit Durango is asking La Plata County residents for their input on tourism in the county – especially on environmental impacts and local business and economy. The City of Durango’s “Leasing for Locals” program at Gauge Apartments has extended the deadline to apply, and with the onset of snow, the City is launching a pilot program for downtown parking to better address snow plowing. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

An impressive season has earned the Fort Lewis College Men’s Soccer Team an eight seed at the NCAA Division-2 National Tournament. The Skyhawks matchup against a familiar foe from The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in Round One, the Mountain Lions from The University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The two teams split their two previous contests this season. Undefeated Midwestern State awaits the winner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and The Payroll Department