Local News https://www.durangoherald.com/section/local-news/feed/ Stay informed with the latest breaking news, local stories, sports, business, weather, and community events from Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the Four Corners region. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:23:39 -0600 en-us 30 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/65-of-durango-adus-are-compliant-with-citys-program/ Councilors ask what they’re hoping to achieve with requirements such as owner occupancy Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:12:31 -0600 6ED07C3E-B2AF-4D86-AB70-2F42C2F20442 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/check-out-our-new-website/ Dear Readers, We are excited to share the newly redesigned DurangoHerald.com with you. We’ve created a fresh, modern experience designed to make it easier to access the local news and information you rely on every day. Along with improved navigation... Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:54:14 -0600 2A9346EA-5740-4786-AF4F-2C85ADF67A63 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/waterslide-at-durango-community-recreation-center-closed-reopening-date-uncertain/ City hopes to have slide back in commission ‘very soon,’ spokesman says Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:50:40 -0600 4C28A5C6-5525-44C5-904A-EA04E4AA4250 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/pest-removal-is-batty-in-the-best-way-for-founder-of-animas-wildlife-solutions/ Matthew Territ deals with woodpeckers, rattlesnakes, skunks and raccoons, but removing bats is his true moneymaker Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 5BD77C95-2B30-4040-82D5-C88E537CBB3C https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/milling-and-paving-project-to-impact-florida-road-traffic-this-week/ Thoroughfare will remain open, but delays expected through Monday Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:58:15 -0600 C5A22275-126B-47D1-B6E7-67D0E177B653 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/air-quality-advisory-issued-as-wildfire-smoke-blankets-southwest-colorado/ Young, elderly and those with heart disease and respiratory illnesses should consider staying indoors Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:17:37 -0600 0E69BEF1-3F11-4A7A-A6D5-17D860E609F8 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/ferris-fire-grows-to-nearly-48000-acres-dry-lightening-a-concern-today/ Blaze was 22% contained following Monday’s mitigation efforts Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:28:02 -0600 6C0682CD-D83F-4F0D-8FFC-BAB3B2217091 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/towaoc-man-sentenced-to-seven-years-in-prison-for-assault/ Bentley Watts Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against a former partner in 2024 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0600 C6E27B19-A65F-4630-B099-924C6E3D4AC1 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/new-rocky-mountain-chocolate-factory-interim-ceo-wants-to-make-chocolate-fun-again/ Al Harper plans to move RMCF away from ‘corporate’ model, address financial woes Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 CB2A56EA-DDED-4EC9-8C67-668EB255CA00 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/public-meetings-for-the-week-of-july-6-10/ City of Durango Tuesday, July 7 City Council Study Session, 2 p.m., Smith Council Chambers, City Hall, 949 East Second Avenue. City Council will receive an update about accessory dwelling units along with other items. City Council Regular Meeting, 5:30... Sun, 05 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0600 01B3AF49-3824-491D-B8F2-AB6F366CCE9A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/durangos-independence-day-parade-attendance-rivaled-snowdowns-city-says/ Thousands brave summer heat to celebrate America’s birthday Sun, 05 Jul 2026 13:38:43 -0600 2ECB342D-8607-49A7-9E05-D14514C3911A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/car-owners-put-americana-on-full-display-for-cortezs-july-4-celebration/ More than 70 old cars and modern models gleamed in the sun for the 250th celebration of the United States at Parque de Vida Sun, 05 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 2DF1E2AD-3C7D-4A2A-B955-06275ABC6244 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/teen-tribal-members-invited-to-apply-for-colorado-youth-advisory-council/ 40 students connect with Colorado lawmakers to influence state policy Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0600 D9E45D1A-DC66-4DA7-803C-FA28C518C1E4 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/ferris-fire-crosses-dolores-river-canyon-prompting-further-evacuations/ Residents can go to Pleasant View Fire Department to seek shelter Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:39:29 -0600 6378D266-275D-4B5C-B2F0-A9C212644368 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/la-plata-county-law-enforcement-agencies-warn-against-personal-fireworks/ Fines can rack up to $750, not considering if a blaze is started Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:10:51 -0600 41ED0389-86EE-4278-B11D-B226930D1EBD https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/durango-councilor-wants-remedies-for-businesses-hit-by-city-projects/ Business Improvement District, other organizations show support for fund Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:58:09 -0600 FAA27124-EA5D-42CA-ABD0-32ED1357A9EB https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/gunnison-meeker-bayfield-and-cortez-plan-july-fourth-fireworks-shows/ ‘We know how to mitigate the risks,’ Gunnison County fire chief says Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:24:51 -0600 2C9E9976-6DB0-4179-A501-4784CD3A4A45 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/democratic-ballots-outpace-republican-votes-in-la-plata-county-primary/ What do results say about voters’ preferences heading into November? Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:10:14 -0600 8E0F3565-6A2C-4CB4-B2F1-6486B5316E73 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/gold-mountain-fire-near-ouray-makes-northeast-run-more-evacuations-in-place/ Blaze has grown to over 18,000 acres Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:54:52 -0600 D2107BBF-E2A6-462F-BB70-56917A94810F https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/bayfield-plans-to-hold-official-fireworks-show-warns-of-legal-trouble-for-recreational-use/ Silverton, Ouray, Durango, Pagosa Springs displays canceled amid heavy wildfire activity Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:00:37 -0600 18F1ADA8-76BA-4AC8-B62A-9A32DF3319B5 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/motorcyclist-dies-in-crash-at-electra-lake-north-of-durango/ Landon Tew, 18, was visiting from St. Mary’s, Georgia Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:34:26 -0600 4E870811-3135-49D0-B58C-34E4624986C9 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/ferris-fire-resources-focused-to-west-dolores-rim-to-fight-spread-protect-homes/ Blaze grows to 27,380 acres Thursday morning Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:25:11 -0600 B2BB0B18-FEE2-4761-8CC3-8BEAED80E9F0 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/gallery/photos-a-rich-meal/ A bumblebee crawls around on a thistle flower on Friday. Various types of thistles are in bloom in Durango and La Plata County, offering a significantly higher amount and richer source of nectar and pollen than flowers for insects and... Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:22:40 -0600 ED74FC90-DC10-4411-84B6-7D95A0DDC0B0 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/durango-residents-share-concerns-excitement-for-camino-crossing-underpass/ City says construction is slated for 2029 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 8E8FAFFC-20ED-442A-836A-CB2CA880B77A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/eight-on-metz-conceptual-development-plan-gets-durango-city-council-approval/ Residents ask for parking considerations with single-family ‘duplex’ proposal Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:06:06 -0600 843CAFD7-3AAC-4450-850A-6B9C08645DC6 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/despite-regional-fires-cortez-still-plans-to-host-july-4-fireworks-show/ While multiple blazes burn in the Four Corners, Cortez officials say the show will go on, weather permitting Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:20:16 -0600 0573EC7F-0A1C-4E9A-8250-8F72FF8D2468 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/gallery/photos-dont-speed/ Drivers make their way past two new permanent automated speed enforcement cameras on Florida Road on Tuesday between Oak Drive and Elm Place. The cameras will take photos of speeding vehicles, and once the photographic evidence is reviewed and verified... Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0600 63D0F323-D3EB-4022-B429-A059680AEA0B https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/mandatory-composting-in-durango-city-council-will-decide-this-fall/ Early survey results show support for improved existing services over new costs Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 F462122D-7ED4-46F9-9FE5-673E332A6622 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/fourth-of-july-celebrations-to-fill-four-corners-with-parades-music-and-fireworks/ Communities to mark America’s 250th with festivals, family activities Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0600 1B2DCE6E-8E67-432B-A22F-F6DCFA9EE004 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/news/la-plata-county-voters-favor-weiser-marx-in-gubernatorial-race/ Turnout expected to be about 36% – lower than predicted Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:30:30 -0600 5E1C213B-C829-4CC5-AA2E-72F33524CDB7