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 montezumalocal.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 montezumalocal.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 montezumalocal.news.

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. 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 montezumalocal.news

Cortez Livestock has served Montezuma County since 1959, providing a place for local ranchers and Native American producers to buy, sell, and trade livestock. As family farms and ranches continue to decline, this longtime auction barn remains a critical part of preserving Western heritage and supporting local agriculture.

By Sadie Smith.

Watch this story at durangolocal.news

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.
By Paige Sparks.

Watch this story at durangolocal.news

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Sunray Park & Casino.

A new documentary is shining a light on the power of local journalism and its role in a healthy democracy. Truth Be Told screened in Durango this week, hosted by COLab, marking the first stop on a statewide tour. The film explores how local news helps sustain informed communities and why its future matters. The screening tour was made in collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative, a nonprofit newsroom strengthening local journalism across Colorado. By Paige Sparks and Sadie Smith.

Watch this story again and more at montezumalocal.news.

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.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cortez-residents-are-invited-to-shape-their-communitys-future

This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.