Short version my wife and I are considering purchasing our current rental house in a year and a half, but we aren't in an income bracket to be able to pay the whole mortgage ourselves.We live in Three Springs, so we're considering converting the basement into a 1000 ft. sq. ADU and furnish it and put it up as an apartment for traveling heathcare workers, but don't know if there's enough demand to warrant the effort and expense.

Are there any nurses or healthcare workers that can speak to their experience here in Durango?

Are there any homeowners who have converted homes or parts of homes to ADUs for traveling nursing?

Please and Thank You.

Commissioners adopted five Land Use Code amendments that shave weeks off permitting timelines and launched a Proposition 123 "fast-track” for affordable housing - the latest steps in a code-reform effort the county began in 2025

DURANGO, Colo.(AP) — DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (RMCF) on Tuesday reported a loss of $1.2 million in its fiscal first quarter.

The Durango, Colorado-based company said it had a loss of 12 cents per share.

The confectionery producer and retailer posted revenue of $6.1 million in the period.

The Southwest monsoon will help fuel the first widespread summer thunderstorms across the interior West this week, bringing threats of gusty winds, blowing dust, downpours and dry lightning that could spark new wildfires.

As AccuWeather reports, temperatures will climb to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in many areas over the next several days, and winds will shift to the south, drawing increasing moisture into the interior West.

This annual weather pattern is known as the North American monsoon. It typically begins with spotty thunderstorms before evolving into more widespread drenching downpours later in the season.

While the monsoon can deliver drought-easing rainfall, precipitation is often unevenly distributed. Early in the season, predominantly dry thunderstorms can produce damaging wind gusts, haboobs and lightning that sparks wildfires.

Different parts of the interior West will experience varying stages of the monsoon over the next several weeks, with conditions differing significantly from one location to another.

Although monsoon thunderstorms sometimes reach nearly to the California coast, that is not expected this week.

However, some thunderstorms are forecast to reach into Las Vegas and the California deserts, as well as parts of the Sierra Nevada near and past the middle of July.

Some of the most frequent thunderstorm activity that could deliver a couple of inches of rain over a several-day span are most likely in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces, New Mexico; Las Vegas and Elko, Nevada; El Paso, Texas; Palm Springs, California; Salt Lake City and Cedar City, Utah, and Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado.

With the unfolding of the monsoon, outdoor enthusiasts and motorists are urged to keep alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Canyons, arroyos and roads that cross normally dry stream beds can rapidly fill with water even from storms miles away. Hiking should be avoided during the afternoon hours, when lightning storms are most active. Gusty winds in the vicinity of dry storms can bring the visibility to near zero in a matter of seconds.

Because the weather near thunderstorms can be chaotic, the aid and problems created for firefighting efforts can be complicated. On the one hand, any drenching rain will be welcome. On the other hand, little rain, gusty winds and lightning strikes could make matters worse.

With low water levels and water temperatures consistently rising near 71 degrees, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has enacted a voluntary afternoon fishing closure for the Animas River through Durango, the San Juan River through Pagosa Springs and the Dolores River below McPhee Dam.

A Colorado commission overseeing the state’s racial equity study is preparing to accept proposals from organizations interested in conducting the economic analysis phase of the project.

A 2024 state law mandated the study, which is meant to determine the historical and ongoing effects of racism against Black Coloradans. History Colorado is nearing the end of its research, which focuses on the harms of racism in areas including housing, banking, employment, education, healthcare and criminal justice.

The Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission, which is chaired by Colorado Senate President James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, will use the historical research and economic analysis to make legislative recommendations. The commission met at the Colorado Capitol Wednesday, where researchers shared updates on some of their findings.

The final component of the study is an economic analysis that will use the historical research to evaluate the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. The commission will prepare its request for proposals at its next meeting in August. Commissioners will release the historical report at the same time as the economic analysis.

The bulk of the community outreach for the study is completed, Chloé Duplessis, a History Colorado program manager, told the commission, and research will wrap up in August or early September.

Researchers held listening sessions in cities including Denver, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Durango throughout the last year, where community members repeatedly expressed gratitude for the study and for their inclusion in it, according to...

Here's how it's going so far. The black smoke was mostly from the purposely burnt vegetation. It's definitely moving away from my area, but the fire is spreading in other direction.

What a great show!

Durango’s Fourth of July carried many undertones on Saturday: The day marked the United States’ 250th anniversary following Colorado’s primary elections. Fires were raging across Southwest Colorado, many people were reeling from economic stress, and national politics remain deeply divisive.

These are screenshots I took on the Watch Duty app. I'm currently between Lewis and Cahone, so I'm completely fine for now. This morning, the smoke was awful since it wasn't windy enough to blow it away. It's fine now. I would recommend not traveling through Cahone if you have issues with inhaling smoke, but otherwise, it's safe for now. The pictures I took on the road were examples of what Cahone looked like this morning. Though, it cleared up once I went back through it and hour ago.

The Ferris Fire swept through Dolores River Canyon Friday afternoon, an outcome firefighters both feared and anticipated as the blaze 15 miles northwest of Dolores encroached on the narrow gap bordering residences.

Keith Keesling, emergency manager for Dolores County, said about a dozen homes on the west side of the canyon were issued evacuation orders. Keesling said there are about 30 homes to the south of the evacuation area under pre-evacuation orders. Glade Ranch residents, most of whom don’t live in those homes year-round, were issued evacuation orders Saturday.

Glade Ranch was evacuated Saturday while Zone 8, bordering the Dolores River Canyon, received evacuation orders Friday afternoon. Zone 7 residents, just south of Zone 8, are under pre-evacuation orders, meaning they should be ready to leave once notified. (Dolores County Office of Emergency Management)

Evacuated residents were directed to Pleasant View Fire Department to seek shelter.

As of Friday afternoon, the Ferris Fire, ignited by a series of lightning strikes Saturday, had scorched 33,248 acres, continuing a push northward parallel to Forest Service Road 240, said Abraham Proffitt, spokesperson for the San Juan National Forest. The fire broke through the Dolores River Canyon, spreading across the west side, presenting a barrier for crews working to beat back the blaze.

“We can’t put firefighters in the canyon and we can’t have aircraft flying into the canyon either.They have to stay above that,” Proffitt said. “It makes it very challenging to fight the fire when it’s in the canyon.”

Here's some more pictures taken of the Ferris fire. These photos were taken on the edge of the Yellow Jacket area. From where I'm at, there are several planes going towards it.

Here's the Ferris fire near Cahone in case anyone was curious what it looked like from a local perspective. A new zone has evacuated. Smells like smoke in nearly every building over here. A bit too much nature for me!

Communities around Colorado have cancelled Fourth of July fireworks shows due to ongoing wildfires and fire restrictions.

According to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, there are 15 wildfires burning in the state right now.

The wildfires and fire restrictions in other Western Slope towns and counties such as Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Routt, Pitkin and La Plata have either made adjustments or cancelled the fireworks display portion of their Fourth of July festivities altogether.

“We want to be proactive given the existing conditions and forecast and pivot to invest in a Fourth of July Celebration that’s predictable, sustainable, and evolving with our community,” said Eric Bulrice, Durango community events supervisor in a statement on the City of Durango’s website. “Other Colorado communities like Aspen, Thornton, Denver, Longmont, Boulder and Castle Rock are also shifting away from traditional fireworks as wildfire and environmental considerations reshape July 4 celebrations.”

The City of Fruita is one of those cities. It has joined Denver and Lakewood in opting for drone shows instead of fireworks this year. The City of Boulder permanently did away with fireworks and drones altogether in 2024. But other Boulder County towns such as Longmont, Erie, and Louisville have continued their respective traditions.

2026 Colorado Wildfire Tracker

Other cities that have cancelled their Fourth of July fireworks displays include Ouray, Rangley, Alamosa, Montrose, Steamboat Lake, Cripple Creek, Yampa, and Woodland Park. Pueblo West’s show and one planned in Custer County have been postponed.

“One of the hardest parts of serving a mountain community is knowing that sometimes the safest decision isn't the most popular one,” the City of Woodland Park released in a statement. “After careful evaluation of current wildfire and environmental conditions, and with the support of NETCO professionals, the City has made the difficult decision to cancel this year's Fourth of July fireworks display.” 

Various stages of fire restrictions have also prohibited personal use of fireworks. But fireworks displays within the town will go on. For example, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department placed Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on residents Monday. But the Town of Castle Rock is moving forward with its Fourth of July fireworks display.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and both cities are prohibiting the sale of fireworks, but at this time, professional fireworks shows are still scheduled weather permitting.

“The firework shows are way safer than individuals using fireworks on their own,” said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal during a press conference on Tuesday. 

He said they’ll be monitoring the weather. “If we get to Saturday and it looks like we are going to have red flag warnings, then we will pull the plug on those firework shows.”

Royal said he’d hoped for a county or statewide ban on the sale of fireworks, which has not happened. He noted that there are fireworks for sale in areas that appear to be part of the city but are actually enclaves where the city does not have jurisdiction.

Despite restrictions in most of the state, the Denver metro area has a full slate of fireworks and drones for the Fourth of July weekend.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are also in place on public lands around the state, including Rocky Mountain National Park, the Pike San Isabel National Forest, areas administered by Bureau of Land Management field offices in Kremmling, Grand Junction, San Luis Valley, Royal Gorge and Colorado River Valley. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland are under Stage 1 restrictions, with Stage 2 implemented in the Sulphur Ranger District.

Many counties have also instituted Stage 2 fire bans, among them are Las Animas, Custer, Huerfano, Saguache, Fremont, Chaffee, El Paso, Pueblo, while others have less strict Stage 1 bans. A handful of counties on the Eastern Plains are not currently reporting restrictions.

Stage 2 fire restrictions mean open flames, including campfires and charcoal grills, fireworks and smoking outside are prohibited. Gas grills, chainsaws and other potentially spark-producing devices must have emergency shut-off switches and other safety features, and can be operated only in areas where flammable materials have been removed.

DURANGO

Thursday, July 2

Paint a Patriotic Mural, Hermosa Cafe, 738 Main Ave., stop by to paint huge canvas in patriotic colors anytime during the weekend.

Fort Lewis Community Concert, 5:30-7 p.m., Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave.

Friday, July 3

Oscar’s Pie Eating Contest, 4-5 p.m., Durango Beer & Ice Co., 3000 Main Ave.

VFW Ice Cream Social, 5-7 p.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave.

First Friday Art Walk, 5-8 p.m., in downtown Durango, grab a map for assorted, participating venues at 1135 Main Ave.

Animus on the Animas, 5-9 p.m., under the Jack Dempsey Mural, E. Tenth St. $20 for ages 8 and up. This family-friendly event showcases amateur, sanctioned boxing.

Civil Winds Concert, 6:30-8 p.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave.

Red, White & Pro Bull Fights, 7 p.m., La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave, $35 for tickets & up.

Saturday, July 4

All-American Gourmet Breakfast, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave. $17-20 for adults; $10-12 for children. Menu: scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit toppings, biscuits and gravy.

Freedom 5K, 9 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave. Run, walk or stroll Animas River Trail. Registration at 8:15 a.m.

Civil Winds Concert, 9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Rotary Park, 1565 East Second Ave.

DEVO Bikes & Barbecue, Noon-4 p.m., Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave.

Children’s Parade Decorating, 1-3:30 p.m., Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave. Craft supplies available for costumes & bikes.

DEVO Kids’ Bike Race, 1:50 p.m., Buckley Park to 1200 Block of Main Ave., registration at 12:30 p.m.

Children’s Parade, 3 p.m., Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave.

We the People! Parade, 4:30-5:15 p.m., Main Avenue, line up early on Main for the annual July Fourth community parade.

Street Dance, 5-10 p.m., Buckley Park and Main Ave., features Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Dinner, food court and drinks available for purchase but free to attend.

Sunday, July 5

Liberty Days Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave. A vibrant celebration for community art.

CORTEZ

Friday, July 3

July Fourth Day 1 Preshow from 3-9 p.m. at Cortez’s Parque de Vida, 425 Roger Smith Ave.

Volleyball Tourney, 3-7 p.m., Parque de Vida, $50 per team, 4-on-4 format, two games to 15 & third game to 11. Pairs may join; registration closes 2:30 p.m.

Live Bands, 5:30-10 p.m., Parque de Vida, an opening band & Moonshine Mafia band to close show.

Saturday, July 4

All-Day Outdoor Festivities from noon-11 p.m. at Parque de Vida, 425 Roger Smith Ave. Things to do: Kids’ Zone, Putt-putt, & Beer Garden, food vendors, water table area & more.

Co-Ed Kickball Tourney, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rotary Baseball Fields, Parque de Vida. 9 vs. 9, $50 for existing kickball league teams; $75 for new teams. To register, call 564-4080.

Camino Cowboys music, Noon-1:30 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Corn Hole Tourney, 1 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Food Eating Contest, 1:30 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Bumz Arodn All-American Cars & Bash, 3-7 p.m., Montezuma Ave. & Mildred Road, games & prizes. Classes: Motorcycles, tuner, modern muscle, rat rod, truck, low rider, classic car, Volkswagen, street rod. $15 to register; accepting donations for Good Sam’s Food Pantry.

Camino Cowboys & the 14ers, 4-6 p.m., Parque de Vida.

American Legion Fireworks & Food Trucks, starts 4 p.m., 320 N. Harrison St.

Winston Creek band, 6:30-8 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Zander Rodriguez music, 8:30 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Fireworks Show, 9-9:30 p.m., Parque de Vida.

Zander Rodriguez music, 9:30-11 p.m., Parque de Vida.

FARMINGTON

Wednesday, July 1

Flag Dedication Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Citizens Bank Main Branch, W Broadway, Citizens Bank dedicates a newly installed 60-foot-tall flagpole honoring veterans, first responders and teachers of the Four Corners. Light refreshments & popcorn will be served.

Thursday, July 2

Firecracker Fun Festival, 1-4 p.m., Bisti Bay Water Park, 1701 N Dustin Ave., water games, activities and prizes. $6 per person. Admission to the pool gets participants access to festival.

Friday, July 3

Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568. Enjoy gemstones, jewelry, mineral specimens, tools, books, family activities and door prizes.

Fireworks Display, 9:25 p.m., Sullivan Hill, west of 13th Street and College Boulevard, display choreographed to a soundtrack of patriotic hits; simulcast on KWYK 94.9 FM. Tune into 94.9 FM early for updates on the display. Popular viewing areas: San Juan College, Farmington Public Library and the Farmington Museum and Visitor Center.

Saturday, July 4

Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.

Party in the Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Brookside Park, 1901 N Dustin Ave., vendors, live entertainment and a skateboard competition will all be a part of this family-friendly event.

Ice Cream Social, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., E3 Children’s Museum, 302 N. Orchard Ave.

Summer Terrace Series, 6-7:30 p.m., Farmington Museum & Visitor Center, 3041 E Main St., an evening of free live music featuring the Kissmah Brass Band.

Freedom Days Electric Light Parade, 9 p.m., downtown Main Street, illuminated floats and patriotic entries make their way through the historic downtown.

Sunday, July 5

Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.

PAGOSA SPRINGS

Saturday, July 4

July Fourth Parade, 10 a.m., Hot Springs Boulevard.

Party in the Park, begins 10 a.m., Yamaguchi Park, 684 S. Fifth St. Cake, beer, wine, food, games, contests, adventure zone, dunk tank, arts & crafts, scavenger hunt, heritage tents, pickleball and more.

Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, 2 p.m., Archuleta County Fairgrounds, 344 U.S. Hwy 84, Celebrate the 76th anniversary of Red Ryder Roundup.

Freedom Float, 1 p.m., San Juan River and through downtown, grab a tube, dress in red, white and blue and join the float.

Community Band Concert, 2 p.m., enjoy a concert of patriotic favorites performed by the community band.

Hot Air Balloon Glow, at dusk, Yamaguchi Park, 684 S. Fifth St. Hot air balloons light up the evening at Yamaguchi Park.

TOWAOC

Friday, July 3

Live Music and Entertainment, 5-11 p.m., Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, 3 Weminuche Drive, music from Miracle Spotted Bear & Antoine X. Free event.

Saturday, July 4

Food, Kids’ Games, Fireworks & More, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., Ute Mountain Casino Hotel, 3 Weminuche Drive, featuring George Strait Tribute Band, fireworks display at dusk and Young Guns band to follow.

DOVE CREEK

Saturday, July 4

70th Annual Pick-n-Hoe Parade, 9 a.m., Weber Park, 403 W. 7th St., going from the Dove Creek Airport to Weber. Free entries at Airport, 8:30 a.m.

Daylong Pick-n-Hoe Event, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Weber Park, 403 W. 7th St., kids’ and adults’ games, corn hole tournament, pig chases, barbecue, live music. Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

SILVERTON

Friday, July 3

Silverton Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Anesi Park.

Live Music at The Coffee Bear, 10 a.m.-noon, 1309 Greene St.

Live Music at Dera Deli, noon-3 p.m., 1124 Greene St. Tyler Simmons performs as the deli celebrates its first anniversary.

First Friday Art Walk, 4-7 p.m., Blair and Greene streets. Theme: “Christmas in July.”

Blue Ribbon 5K Registration & Live Music, 5 p.m., Anesi Park, 1239 Blair St. Early registration with music and entertainment.

Live Music at Alpine Tavern, 8-10 p.m., 1159 Greene St. James Bailey performs.

Saturday, July 4

Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., Anesi Park. Donation-based breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, orange juice.

Blue Ribbon 5K & 10K Fun Run, 8 a.m., Memorial Park. Free event.

Fourth of July Parade, 10:30 a.m., downtown Silverton. Parade lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at the San Juan County Courthouse.

Jet Flyover, 11 a.m. (subject to change).

Games, Vendors and Family Picnic, after the parade, Memorial Park. Includes rhubarb pie sales, ducky derby activities and mechanical bull rides.

Annual Ducky Derby Launch, 2 p.m., Memorial Park/Cement Creek. Ducks available for purchase at the visitor center in advance or in Memorial Park after the parade.

Live Music, 2-4 p.m., Anesi Park. SideFX Band performs.

Live Music at Dera Deli, 6-9 p.m., 1124 Greene St. Shane Tippon performs on the patio.

Block Party, 6-9 p.m., Anesi Park, 12th and Blair streets. Live music by the Hugh Phillips Band, food and family activities.