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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. 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. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.

The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies is documenting an unusually low snow year in Colorado. The team monitors how dust layers and temperatures affect snowmelt patterns, building on over two decades of data collection. Their research helps explain the relationship between dust, climate, and the snowpack that provides 70% of Colorado's water. This nonprofit shares their findings for free, offering valuable insights for water managers and helping us understand what's happening in our mountains. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Keesee Motor Company.

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 (CPB). 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. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Tafoya Barrett and Associates PC.

Cortez Livestock has been a cornerstone of Montezuma County agriculture since 1959. For more than six decades, the auction barn has served local ranchers, farmers, and Native American producers as a place to buy, sell, and trade livestock — and to keep a way of life going. As family farms and ranches continue to decline, this longtime auction barn remains a critical part of preserving Western heritage and supporting local agriculture. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is expanding its Range Rider Program as part of the state’s gray wolf restoration efforts following voter-approved Proposition 114. The program places highly trained riders in key regions to help reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock while supporting long-term coexistence. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sunray Park & Casino.

"Truth Be Told," a new documentary highlighting the vital role of local journalism in a healthy democracy, began its statewide tour this week with a screening in Durango. Directed by Brian Malone, the film explores the importance of local news in strengthening communities and why its continued existence is critical. The screening tour is a collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bolstering local journalism throughout Colorado. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and the FLC Center for Innovation.

The City of Cortez seeks nominees for city council. Ring in the new year at the Great Four Corners Glitter-Shuffle Groove-a-Thon and End-of-Year Sparkle-Blast DJ Party. And the City of Cortez sales and use tax rate will decrease starting Jan. 1, 2026. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Pueblo Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.