Local News

Budgets and budgeting

How is La Plata County putting 1A tax dollars to work?

Roughly $10 million in additional revenue has gone toward deficit, public safety, and road and bridge

March 17, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Election

La Plata County clerk warns SAVE Act could hinder voting access

Proposed legislation would require proof of citizenship, strict ID rules

March 17, 2026 • Jacob Mittleman — Herald Staff Writer

Construction and property

CDOT starts new culvert replacement project between Cortez and Mancos

The project started Monday

March 17, 2026 • Bailey Duran — Special to The Journal

Bayfield

Two finalists named in Bayfield’s search for police chief

Some residents question transparency in hiring process

March 17, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Local News

Mesa Verde prepares for upgrades ahead of busy season

Mesa Verde marks 120 years amid slight visitation dip

March 17, 2026 • Anna Watson — Journal Staff Writer

Emergency incident

Two men rescued while kayaking on Vallecito Reservoir

One man sent to hospital in critical condition with hypothermia

March 16, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Archuleta County

Colorado State Patrol seeks help identifying vehicle in Archuleta County hit-and-run

Pedestrian injured near Pagosa Springs; suspect remains at large

March 16, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Durango School District 9-R

Durango School District to launch online learning program

Superintendent says option will help students with anxiety, travel schedules or athletic pursuits

March 16, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Local News

High winds batter Vallecito, down power lines

50 mph gusts raise wildfire risk and hinder kayak rescue on reservoir

March 16, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Immigration

Compañeros warns of increased immigration enforcement in Durango

Advocacy group urges city leaders to defend civil liberties, support immigrant communities

March 16, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

American Legion

American Legion state, national commanders visit Durango Post 28

Leaders met with local veterans to discuss concerns and share support resources

March 15, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Government

Who’s asking for public records?

La Plata County data show increasing use of CORA from residents, journalists and corporations

March 15, 2026 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Local News

Mancos board approves anti‑speeding system, debates value statement

Residents split on town’s stance toward immigration enforcement

March 15, 2026 • Bailey Duran — Special to The Journal

Gas and Oil

Gas prices spike in Durango amid conflict with Iran

Station workers say customers increasingly filling fuel cans as costs rise

March 14, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Education

Fort Lewis College announces new Student Affairs vice president

New Mexico-based candidate to start July 1

March 14, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Basketball

Former Fort Lewis College basketball coach denies claims of ‘toxic’ culture

Bob Pietrack acknowledges sending texts using N-word but denies racism, academic misconduct

March 13, 2026 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Chapman Hill

Chapman Hill ski area shuts down for the season

Warm temperatures and thin snowpack end Durango hill’s winter run

March 13, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Colorado Department of Transportation

Rockfall mitigation work begins on Colorado Highway 3 in Durango

CDOT crews stabilize cliffs and repair damaged safety fence

March 13, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Durango School District 9-R

Durango School District explores additional workforce housing

Locations under consideration include near Three Springs, Twin Buttes and Springhill

March 13, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Durango

‘No Secret Police’ group gathers enough signatures to advance anti-mask initiative

Durango City Council could adopt proposal banning masked officers or send measure to voters

March 12, 2026 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

La Plata County Jail

Colorado House committee advances bill targeting sexual abuse in jails

Alleged victim says former La Plata County jail commander ‘fouled his oath and utilized his power to victimize women’

March 12, 2026 • Elizabeth Pond — Herald Staff Writer

Durango City Council

911 technology in Durango is going digital

Emergency communications director says AI isn’t replacing dispatchers any time soon

March 12, 2026 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Local News

BLM to conduct broadcast burns in La Plata County

Prescribed fires will remove fuel ahead of wildfire season

March 12, 2026 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer

Construction and property

Durango staff temporarily migrate out of Carnegie Building for HVAC work, potential asbestos remediation

Former Big Picture building slated for demolition in August

March 11, 2026 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer