Durango, along with Purgatory Resort, is set to host a YETI Natural Selection DUEL during the first stage of the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. The brainchild of snowboarder Travis Rice, the Natural Selection Tour showcases the world’s top riders competing at venues around the world. Durango is one of two completely new sites for the tour this season. Natural Selection DUELS feature six mountain locations, where head-to-head competition between two top riders will decide who moves on to the next stages in the 2024 Natural Selection Tour. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

San Juan County has received financial excellence awards at both state and national levels for the fiscal years 2021-2023. The Farmington Museum system is set to release its long-term strategic plan, concluding a process that began in December 2019, and the community is invited to "Art for Everyone" classes at the Sycamore Park Community Center, offering a creative and inclusive experience led by local artist Crystal Hazen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine & Spirits and SunRay Park and Casino.

There’s something exciting about seeing a movie or a tv show and recognizing the landmarks. With the opening of a film backlot - a place created to provide a backdrop for a scene - in San Juan County, Four Corners residents may soon be able to see the place we call home featured on-screen. With growing interest in the film industry and tax breaks for New Mexico, San Juan County hopes to draw in both the shows themselves, but also the people who make the movie magic happen. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and Home2Suites.

The 2024 Theatre Ensemble Arts season is set to kick off, featuring three plays: "The Murder Room" in February; "Almost, Maine" in April; and "Death of a Salesman" to close the season. Work on the mountain biking park south of San Juan College, including a pump track and restrooms, is expected to start in spring, funded by a bond issue and an Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. Durango's 45th annual Snowdown, themed "Peace, Love, and Snowdown," will take place from January 26th to February 4th, offering various events to shake off the winter blues. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai BBQ and Ace Hardware of Farmington.

During the holiday season, Northern Edge Casino employees participated in their annual Toys for Tots drive and an Angel Tree initiative, doubling up on donations to support local families in need. The Angel Tree program involved ornaments representing local families with lists of items, ranging from clothes to toys. In addition to these initiatives, Northern Edge Casino, which is celebrating its 12-year anniversary in 2024, also conducts an annual food drop-off in collaboration with its sister, Flowing Water Casino, benefiting affiliated Navajo chapters. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Traeger’s Bar and Ace Hardware of Farmington.