Snowdown is right around the corner with a brand-new theme and a big surprise for this year’s parade. Durango City Council locks in key decisions on 2026 lodgers’ tax funding, and your old Christmas tree can be recycled into mulch. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-prepares-for-47th-annual-snowdown

This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

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On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Chabad rabbis lit a public menorah in Durango in response to the Sydney terror attack that killed 15 people, including their colleague Rabbi Eli Schlanger. The event was one stop on the Hanukkah in the Rockies tour, with four Chabad rabbis traveling across the Western Slope to bring the warmth and light of the celebration to mountain communities. Each menorah lighting was dedicated to the memory of those murdered in Sydney. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-responds-to-sydney-terror-attack-with-menorah-lighting

This story is sponsored by Tafoya, Barrett & Associates and Payroll Department.

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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.

Watch this story at
www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/growing-community-culture-and-climate-adapted-crops

This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

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The Early Childhood Council of La Plata County seeks to raise $10 million to invest in early childhood development and care. Research for the council’s Strategic Investment Plan demonstrated a significant lack in available care in La Plata County and its effect on the local economy. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/childcares-effect-on-the-local-economy-and-workforce

This story is sponsored by Durango Gelato, Coffee & Tea and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

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Whole Foods Market may come to Durango as part of a plan to redevelop the Durango Mall site. Spine Colorado patients now have access to new spinal imaging technology. And Purgatory Resort announced its holiday event schedule featuring family-friendly activities and scenic winter experiences from December through the beginning of January. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/will-whole-foods-market-come-to-durango

This story is sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center SJRMC and Crystal Mart.

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The Festival of Trees and Wreaths kicked off the holiday season in Durango and Cortez as a fundraiser for Community Connections and Our Own Lives. By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/festival-of-trees-and-wreaths-kicked-off-holiday-season

This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Kroegers Ace Hardware.

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This holiday season, the artists of The ArtRoom Collective at the welcoming halls of The Smiley are turning compassion into action. With many of our community members facing uncertainty and hardship, the Collective is reminding us how deeply connected we are—and how art can be a powerful force for hope. 18 local artists have contributed over $7343.00 works to a silent auction, donating 100% of the proceeds to a charity of their choice. Local nonprofit beneficiaries include Manna, Companeros, Durango food bank, Cancer Community of the Southwest

Visitors are invited to follow the red balloons placed throughout the ArtRoom and nearby hallways—symbols of shared purpose and the belief that creativity can spark positive change. Bidding is open now through December 12 at 5pm, offering the community a chance not only to collect meaningful artwork but also to strengthen belonging right here at home.

To bid, simply stop by the ArtRoom to write in your bid before the event ends, or reach out to artists directly via their red name links to connect through social media or their websites. Your participation supports local nonprofits and highlights what makes this community shine: generosity, connection, and art with purpose. By Sadie Smith & Paige Sparks.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/art-with-purpose---silent-auction-for-charity

This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Dunkin' Donuts.

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The La Plata Electric Association announced that it will not increase rates for members in 2026 despite rising utility costs. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. And Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall’s holiday lineup includes performances by Santa Barbara’s State Street Ballet and the Bar-D Wranglers. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes.

Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/lpea-maintains-rates-despite-rising-costs

This story is sponsored by Serious Texas Bar-B-Q and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

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