San Juan College and San Juan Regional Medical Center celebrate their nursing program partnership with the Commitment to Community award from the New Mexico Hospital Association. Phases One and Two of the Boundless Adventures All-Abilities Park were presented at a September city council meeting, and the Enterprise Center at San Juan College has received a $50,000 grant for new technology and training. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by SunRay Park and Casino and Pop’s Truck & RV Center

The balloons floated quickly up and across Farmington Lake in a last-ditch effort to fly a mass ascension on the first brisk morning of the Four Corners Balloon Rally. The second annual event attracted 26 balloonists from the four-state region, with dozens of local volunteers and sight-seers soaking in the thrilling vistas. There are still plenty of opportunities to catch balloons rising in the fall sky - the Animas Valley Balloon Rally will take place in Durango from October 20th through the 22nd. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Traegers Bar and Distill Beer Wine and Spirits

Dancing with the Durango Stars is an annual fundraiser for the Durango Derailers’ Patient Assistance Fund. This couple’s dance competition is choreographed by Leslie Carlson and is one of Durango Derailers biggest fundraising events and a whole lot of fun! In the fund's 17-year history, they have fund-raised over $1 MILLION in aggregate support. This fund is available to children and families living in SW Colorado to help with travel expenses when they need to go to a pediatric hospital or pediatric specialist for a higher level of pediatric specialty care (outpatient or inpatient). The fund provides gas cards and hotel assistance. By Kristi Dean and Andy Wingerd. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

This past September, Pueblo Community College Southwest moved back into the Commons Building in Durango from its Durango High School location. The move will provide more opportunities for community involvement between the school and Durango, as well as provide opportunities to expand existing programs and add new programs. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the move, PCC staff and administrators expressed excitement about the move and the opportunities now available to the school and its students. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

San Juan County has announced the return of Dumpster Days with a grant extended the day to two days this year to help more folks clean out in preparation for the winter. This Fire Prevention Month, the county is urging folks to “Cook with Caution” to better prevent cooking-related fires, and help your city earn the Mr. Potato Head Trophy with the ECHO Food Drive this month and next. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewery and Northern Edge Casino