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Stewards of the Land

A day in the life: Behind the scenes of a field trip adventure

Imagine stepping into a snow-covered forest, where every tree whispers stories of resilience, and the crunch of snowshoes underfoot is the only sound breaking the winter silence …and, oh yea...

DATE: Jan 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Change is constant

“The only constant in life is change.” This quote, attributed to Heraclitus, comes up frequently in conversations with San Juan Mountains Association’s staff members. As cliché as it is, it ...

DATE: Dec 13, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

San Juan Mountains Association's Annual FUNdraiser, Christmas Trees for Conservation

I got the first text from a friend to go skiing on Oct. 21 this year. Safe to say with this early cold snap, we’re all looking forward to the winter rituals after a hot summer. I’ll say, I’m...

DATE: Nov 8, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Protecting the heart of Colorado’s high-alpine wilderness

The Alpine Loop, a rugged byway winding through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, is renowned for its stunning vistas, rugged terrain, and remote beauty. But behind its breathtaking landscapes ...

DATE: Oct 11, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Securing San Juan stewards

With school back in action, and students returning to classrooms for the fall semester, SJMA will be joining right alongside them. Education staff look forward to teaching local students abo...

DATE: Sep 17, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Erosion: The Power of Water

Wherever you are from, I’m sure you’ve had out-of-towners ask you, “Is this weather normal?” Here in the San Juan Mountains, the answer is always yes. From a blizzard in July to 70 degrees i...

DATE: Aug 7, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Include contingencies in your recreation plans

Ahhh, summer in the San Juan Mountains. I’ve lived all over the country, and there really is no better place to be in the summer. San Juan Mountains Association’s Forest Ambassadors can atte...

DATE: Jul 10, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Stewardship is for all. A small gesture can go a long way.

Looking back, the last few weeks were a blur. I am not sure where the month of May went, but June was quick to take its place. Starting the season off strong, SJMA welcomed our seasonal stew...

DATE: Jun 9, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Day in the life of SJMA volunteer trail ambassador

A group of eight people walked up to us from the parking lot – kids and parents – with a small backpacks, wearing tennis shoes and holding a couple plastic water bottles. “Welcome to Ice Lak...

DATE: May 12, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Creating More “Stewards of the Lands” through SJMA’s Visitor Centers

As a conversation starter, often visitors or folks who have recently moved here ask “Where are you from?” or “How long have you been here?” I respond with a confident “I grew up here.” So wh...

DATE: Apr 14, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Winter Escapades: Embracing a Versatile Winter Wonderland

As winter blankets the landscape with its pristine coat of snow, adventurers of all kinds eagerly await the opportunity to delve into the snowy wonderlands. Weather-conscious locals make the...

DATE: Apr 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Spreading outdoor education throughout the Four Corners

As we zoom into February, San Juan Mountains Association’s education team has donned winter gear and snowshoes to continue our programs among the snowy landscape. Some highlights for our edu...

DATE: Feb 11, 2024 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Videos & Photos

Photos: Wrestling at Durango High SchoolDurango High School boys wrestling beat Bayfield High School Tuesday night20101421Asher McKennie of Durango High School and Logan Valencia of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 138-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Elijah Ponce of Durango High School and Mason Valencia of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 126-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10522010Ryan Dugan of Durango High School and Connor Martindale of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 120-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)34092604Asher McKennie of Durango High School and Logan Valencia of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 138-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14212010Keenan Aragon of Durango High School and Coan Naranjo of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 144-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16322010jm@durangoherald.comJulius Arredondo of Durango High School and Noah Westbrook of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 175-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14742010Julius Arredondo of Durango High School and Noah Westbrook of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 175-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16121500Wesley Megorden of Durango High School is pinned by Hudson Taylor of Bayfield High School as they wrestle in the 113-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15992010Wesley Megorden of Durango High School and Hudson Taylor of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 113-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)27004096Ryan Dugan of Durango High School and Connor Martindale of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 120-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16182010Elijah Ponce of Durango High School and Mason Valencia of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 126-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14072010Cole Pontine of Durango High School and Cade Grover of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 157-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21221500Cole Pontine of Durango High School and Cade Grover of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 157-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15801500Wyatt Bartel of Durango High School and Daemon Christner of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 150-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12082010Wyatt Bartel of Durango High School and Daemon Christner of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 150-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20421500Ryder Martyn of Durango High School and Payson Blouin of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 132-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15961500Asher McKennie of Durango High School and Logan Valencia of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 138-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20441500Keenan Aragon of Durango High School and Coan Naranjo of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 144-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15082010Ryder Martyn of Durango High School and Payson Blouin of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 132-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13902010Ryder Martyn of Durango High School and Payson Blouin of Bayfield High School wrestle in the 132-pound weight class on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19171500
Photos: Wrestling at Durango High School
Durango High School boys wrestling beat Bayfield High School Tuesday night
Photos: Where there's smoke there's firefightersDurango firefighters take advantage of the old River City Hall building for training30002000Durango Fire Protection District firefighters carry a dummy from inside the River City Hall building on Friday, March 8, 2024, during a training exercise. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building, allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002106Durango Fire Protection District firefighters walk inside the River City Hall building on Friday, March 8, 2024, during a training exercise. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building, allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango Fire Protection District firefighters train on punching holes through walls and climbing through on Friday, March 8, 2024, in the old River City Hall building. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002133Durango Fire Protection District firefighters train on punching holes through walls and climbing through on Friday, March 8, 2024, in the old River City Hall building. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001989Durango Fire Protection District firefighters meet up outside the River City Hall building on Friday, March 8, 2024, and discuss their training that is taking place inside of the building. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001939Durango Fire Protection District firefighters train on punching holes in the ceilings on Friday, March 8, 2024, in the old River City Hall building. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002269Durango Fire Protection District firefighters train on getting through a steel door on Friday, March 8, 2024, in the old River City Hall building. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001977Durango Fire Protection District firefighters walk inside the River City Hall building on Friday, March 8, 2024, during a training exercise. The city of Durango relocated offices from the building, allowing firefighters to take advantage of the scheduled demolition of the old River City Hall in preparation of new construction starting soon. The building was set up with artificial smoke/fog machines for the drills. Crews focused on hose deployment, search and rescue of victims, and forcible entry on doors/walls. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Where there's smoke there's firefighters
Durango firefighters take advantage of the old River City Hall building for training
Photos: Durango plays Montezuma-Cortez in boys, girls high school basketballDurango girls and boys basketball teams defeat Montezuma-Cortez at DHS14682047Marcus Cullum of Durango High School steals the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) Otto Aalland of Durango High School goes up to block the shot of Ah-dae Lang of Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21081500Sariah Jackson of Montezuma-Cortez High School puts up a shot against Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14992010Noah Miles of Durango High School dunks the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1408975Asher Bennetts of Montezuma-Cortez High School goes up to block the shot of Marcus Cullum of Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18981500Tay Wheat of Montezuma-Cortez High School drives against Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17562010Lilly Fitzpatrick of Durango High School drives to the basket while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14542010Marcus Cullum of Durango High School steals the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20471468Taj Batiste of Durango High School steals the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22411500King Kerlin of Durango High School splits the Montezuma-Cortez High School defense on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20331500Caidin Leonard of Montezuma-Cortez High School looks to pass the ball against Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15082010Marcus Cullum of Durango High School puts up a shot while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19031500Claire Goodwin of Durango High School puts up a shot while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20951500Tay Wheat of Montezuma-Cortez High School puts up a shot against Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21151500Ryne Neiman of Durango High School grabs the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14642010Noah Miles of Durango High School puts up a 3-point shot while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1312975Ellie White, left, and Mariah Maestas of Durango High School tie up the ball while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16292010Mariah Maestas of Durango High School puts up a shot while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17841500Durango High School girls varsity basketball head coach Lauren Moran coaches her team while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17601500Kyndall Schmitt of Montezuma-Cortez High School drives to the basket while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20441500Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School puts up a shot against Montezuma-Cortez High School Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1940975Montezuma-Cortez High School girls varsity basketball head coach Brad Wright talks with his players on Tuesday while playing Durango High School at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14252010
Photos: Durango plays Montezuma-Cortez in boys, girls high school basketball
Durango girls and boys basketball teams defeat Montezuma-Cortez at DHS
Year in photos: A look back at Southwest Colorado in 2024Each year brings some of the new and some of the old – breaking news and cherished traditions. It is the people, their emotions, different cultures and varied forms of entertainment that make for impactful images. Add to that Southwest Colorado’s gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife and range of weather events, and you have the makings for stunning photos. We hope you enjoy Photo Editor Jerry McBride’s photos from 2024.30001998Bo Deans Towing and Repair uses two heavy tow trucks April 18 to recover the semi truck and trailer that drove off U.S. Highway 550 at the Cascade Creek turn. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002088Sidney Charles, 11, of Albuquerque, hangs onto a sled Jan. 4 as she wipes out flying down the hill at Buckley Park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002228Roberto Delgado Reyes, a mixologist at El Moro Spirits & Tavern, makes a flaming cocktail tower Jan. 18 at the tavern. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002143Debbie Kurz on Jan. 31 at Snowdown Fashion Dos & Don’ts in the Exhibit Hall at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002076Team Cheech & Chong empty out of the outhouse after squeezing in 19 people on Jan. 27 during the Snowdown Outhouse Stuffing competition at Gazpacho Restaurant. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001945An American Airlines passenger jet is de-iced Feb. 8 before takeoff at Durango-La Plata County Airport. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002146Durango High School robotics team Robo Demons members, Kai Brocker, 16, left, Peri Wright, 17, center, and Linus Prothero, 15, make adjustments to their task-completing robot on Feb. 15 at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002106Durango Fire Protection District firefighters train March 8 inside the River City Hall building. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002150Grace Harrington, 18, is pulled up Chapman Ski Area on March 6 by the historic big tow that was retired at the end of the ski season. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001962Brian Hayward fills out his ballot on March 5 at the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)52143467From left, Tony Blevins, IDR Contracting, Kasey Correia, executive director of Dancing Spirit, Tammie Winterhawk, volunteer, Shawna Hein, adult pottery teacher and Todd Gaver, of Clearheart Designs, meet inside the new Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts Gallery and Studio on Feb. 16 in Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)55513892 Members of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stand in front of steam engine 481 on March 23 for its last time pulling cars on the tracks powered by coal. The locomotive was converted to burn oil. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001947Dozens of children take off at the start of the city of Durango’s Easter Egg Scramble on March 30 at Santa Rita Park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002166 Fireman Jonathan Neuer, with Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, shovels coal into the firebox of steam engine 481 on March 23 before pulling out of the depot for the last time powered by coal. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001782Durango Fire Protection District firefighters spray a foam and water mix on a car that caught fire April 3 at the Marathon gas station at Carbon Junction and Camino del Rio near Walmart. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Becky Guillet stands shaken up and in disbelief after a vehicle crashed through the wall of her Shear Mischief studio hair salon on April 30 at 2929 Main Ave. # A7 while she was working on a client. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001988Sabrina Lopez, with Ballet Folklórico de Durango, dances up Main Avenue during Durango’s Earth Day Parade. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001893Dalhia Viramontes holds her son Santiago, 4, wrapped in blankets before a Rio Rapids Durango Soccer Club game on April 6 with temperatures in the low 30s at Riverview Sports Complex. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002080Julie Constan, Colorado Department of Transportation Southwest regional director, speaks on May 9 on top of the Gulch A bridge during a public preview and drive-thru of the U.S. Highway 550 realignment project. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001968Sharon Kusenberger smokes a cigarette on April 25 at Orios Roadhouse in Durango. The bar went smoke-free in 2024. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Fort Lewis College graduates throw mortarboards into the air May 4 at the end of the commencement ceremony on the Ray Dennison Memorial Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001930Mild to Wild Rafting guide trainees climb onto an upside down raft on June 6 during boat flip training day on the Animas River, flowing at 3,200 cubic feet per second. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001883Alisha Cargill plays with the family dog, Taz, on April 4, at the Spanish Trails Inn where she stays with her husband and two children. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)29102151Law enforcement from several agencies participate in active threat training on June 27 at Park Elementary School. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001958A canoeist makes his way down the Animas River that is flowing at 1,950 cubic feet per second on June 28 after peaking earlier in the day at 2,250 cfs thanks to heavy rains that fell in the mountains. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001939Durango celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks for the first time since 2019. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002006Carter Robinson, 12, is serious about winning the Oscars Pie Eating Contest at Durango Beer & Ice Co. on July 5. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002170Ahmed Bernard, of Tripple Threat, lands a punch on his opponent Jose Quiroz, Knockout Cancer, on July 6 during the Animus on the Animas: 1st Annual Durango Boxing Classic at the Durango Main Mall hosted by The Good Fight Boxing Gym in Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Emmett Greer, 13, rests on his cow No. 85 while Henry Greer, 8, talks with him as Mykah Meshew, 14, left, and Emma Stephenson, 14, relax against the cow during the La Plata County Fair on Aug. 10 at the fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/ Durango Herald)15002165Amand Coleman Montoya helps clean St. Iglesia De San Antonio Catholic Church in preparation for a wedding on Sept. 13, in Tiffany southeast of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002193Fireweed begins to change to its red fall colors on Sept. 17 along Missionary Ridge north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001879The new weather radar at Durango-La Plata County Airport will be able to see storms like this one brewing on Aug. 23. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15002147A Mountain Blade Runner helicopter carries a 70-foot-tall light pole that weighs 1,500 pounds on Oct. 9. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002050Barbara Middleton winds a barbwire fence on Oct. 10 that community members took down on the disputed U.S. Forest land northeast of Mancos that was put up by the Free Land Holder Committee blocking off 1,460 acres near Chicken Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002250The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, are seen looking over Haviland Lake on Oct. 10 north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002019Durango High School students walk out of classes on Oct. 15 and walk to Buckley Park protesting a decision by Durango School District 9-R to ban certain flags in school. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002179Durango High School senior Leo Stephenson, 18, along with Katya Spiecker, center, and Sarah Sanchez Armstrong sit with taped mouths during the Durango School District 9-R board meeting inside the Impact Career Innovation Center at Durango High School. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002129Durango Fire Protection District and Silverton San Juan Fire & Rescue Authority personnel remove two occupants from a car on Oct. 18 that went down an embankment on Coal Bank Pass off the west side of U.S. Highway 550. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002053La Plata County Sheriff’s Office investigators prepare to enter the house where a fatal stabbing took place on Oct. 24 in the Southwest Horizon Ranch subdivision southeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002212Cody Petersen adjusts some of the hundreds of halloween decorations in his front yard at 15 Edgemont Way on Oct. 24 in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002125Riders participate in the Fort Lewis College and community cyclecross practice on Nov. 6 as fresh snow covers the campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002162Deer hang out in the trees on Nov. 6 as snow falls in the county south of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002004Michael Sirochman, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Frisoco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation manager, releases three bear cubs on Nov. 20 into an undisclosed area in forest lands. The cubs spent time at the facility to be fattened up for their release into the wild. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 29551987A tree-lined driveway is seen Nov. 6 as snow falls south of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000La Plata County Detention Center inmate Shante Webb at his bunk in the trustees unit of the facility. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)28132055Juniper School students Ruby McCall, 11, and Lorelei Morgan, 10, skateboard during recess on Sept. 4 at the school. The school added skateboarding and scooters as a form of social emotional learning and physical education. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002023Aaron Pryor and Brandon Baue battle it out in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Oct. 13 as the sun sets behind the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002053Cowboys and cowgirls lower their heads in prayer at the start of the Montezuma County Fair Ranch Rodeo on Aug. 2 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds in Cortez. (Jerry McBride/ Durango Herald)30002144Tosh Black, Open Space ranger with the city of Durango, talks with a person he found at an illegal camp on July 11 along the Animas River. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001956Animas High School math teacher Andy Lloyd manually launches a prototype water rocket on Sept. 5 after a remote launch malfunction at the Smith Sports Complex at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001979Shane Evans, a Fort Lewis College student enrolled in the Ranching Apprentice program at the Old Fort, is seen July 31 at the Old Fort south of Hesperus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002154Darryl Burton, co-founder of the Miracle of Innocence Project, greets a packed Good Fight Boxing Gym as he takes the ring on Sept. 10 to tell his story of wrongful conviction and incarceration, exoneration and transformation. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002178Jim Kennedy takes down a barbwire fence on Oct. 10 along with others on the disputed U.S. Forest Service land northeast of Mancos that was put up by the Free Land Holder Committee blocking off 1,460 acres near Chicken Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002227Rozin Archuleta, 5, is ready for his nap on Aug. 8 during the La Plata County Fair. (Jerry McBride/ Durango Herald)30002165Durango resident Heather Haaland watches her son, Myles Drinker, 3, swing while holding her baby Reece Drinker, 12 weeks, on June 26, at the playground in Three Springs. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002143 Vietnam veteran Byron Dare salutes while taps is played after a wreath was placed at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Iris Park on March 30 during a National Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Year in photos: A look back at Southwest Colorado in 2024
Each year brings some of the new and some of the old – breaking news and cherished traditions. It is...
36002043Christian Hatfield is interviewed at the scene of his crash, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and San Juan County Road 5099, about 1:15 a.m. Aug. 30. (Screenshot from body camera)Montezuma County DA Christian Hatfield charged with DWICharges come 16 weeks after crash near Farmington, New MexicoMontezuma County District Attorney Christian Hatfield was charged Friday with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs 16 weeks after he crashed his SUV on U.S. Highway 64 outside Bloomfield.The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office charged Hatfield, 59, with petty misdemeanor charge of DWI and an open container in connection to the Aug. 30 single-car crash.The charges come after results from a blood test by the New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory showed alcohol and a drug in Hatfield’s body after the crash.8671528Christian Hatfield“The results show that at the time of the blood draw, which was approximately eleven hours after the time of the crash due to medical issues, were 0.05 g/100 ml of Ethanol and 0.04 mg/L of Zolpidem (Ambien). Both Ethanol and Ambien are Central Nervous System Depressants,” the law enforcement report states.Two vials of blood were taken from Hatfield at 1:33 p.m. Aug. 30, which was more than 12 hours after the crash occurred about 1 a.m. Those vials were received by the New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory at 10:26 a.m. Oct. 11, which was six weeks after the crash, according to records from the lab.An investigation into the blood warrant by The Journal newspaper in Cortez, Colorado, showed that the blood sample sat in a refrigerator at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office until Oct. 3, because paperwork to send it to the state laboratory was not processed.“I think it’s a non-prosecutable case because of all the errors made by law enforcement,” said Arlon Stoker, a high-profile defense attorney secured by Hatfield to fight the charges.26461890A screenshot from a law enforcement body camera shows Christian Hatfield, 59, after an alleged DWI crash on Aug. 30 on U.S. Highway 64 outside Bloomfield. (Screenshot from video)The charges made by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office are “based on the observations made by law enforcement officers on scene and the presence of intoxicating drugs and liquors in Christian's blood,” according to the report that was given to The Journal by the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government.Amanda Lavin, legal director for NMFOG, assisted The Journal in accessing public records from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in Aztec. The records had been redacted, leaving out Hatfield’s name and information about the blood warrant filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.Public records requests by The Journal and the Tri-City Record went unresolved for 14 weeks.The Journal requested body camera footage and lapel camera video on Sept. 3.The Tri-City Record requested any and all warrants, investigative reports and laboratory reports as well as photos, lapel cam videos and dash cam videos on Oct. 23.On Dec. 9, Lavin made the same requests.0VideoYouTube480360The Journal received access to photos and videos in an email on Dec. 19, and Lavin, after making a legal argument for unredacted information, received the full report Dec. 19 and was advised that charges would be forthcoming.The report detailing the crash states that Hatfield was found “unresponsive and barely able to stand” about 1 a.m. Aug. 30 near the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and County Road 5099.Investigators and medics noted a “pungent” odor of alcohol coming from Hatfield, and investigators found “an open 12-ounce can of Mexican Lager with residual liquid inside,” an “empty wine glass,” and a “bottle of Ambien prescribed to Christian,” according to the report.The affidavit for search warrant for blood submitted by sheriff’s deputy Avery Killifer states he had an “opinion that the defendant was driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance.” The deputy “placed the defendant under arrest” at the time, but Hatfield was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center, because of “extensive injuries.”A summons was issued for Hatfield, and an arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 8 in Aztec Magistrate Court.33661884The intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and San Juan County Road 5099, where a Toyota 4Runner reportedly driven by Montezuma County DA Christian Hatfield struck the guardrail around 1 a.m. Aug. 30.
Montezuma County DA Christian Hatfield charged with DWI
Charges come 16 weeks after crash near Farmington, New Mexico
Photos: Wreaths Across America honors fallen veteransDurango residents on Saturday honor those who served their countryWreaths were placed on headstones after the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19893000Durango Fire Protection District uses a ladder truck to display the American flag during the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1834975The Honor Guard is seen at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20253000The Wreaths Across America ceremony was held Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)38005483Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21133000Jill Williams, president of Blue Star Moms of Durango, speaks during the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20543000La Plata County Sheriffs Office Sgt. and veteran Chris Burke salutes after placing a wreath at a headstone during the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year for the event put on by Blue Star Moms of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1543975Vanessa Ruggles places a wreath on the grave of her father in-law, Jack Gerold Ruggles, after the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year for the event put on by Blue Star Moms of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20512930Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21713000Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21503000The Honor Guard is seen at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19153000Veteran Joe Perino, left, recites some of his poetry and George Malarsie offers the prayer during the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17842010The Honor Guard is seen at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22573000The Wreaths Across America ceremony was held on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery, honoring and remembering veterans who have served their country. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13243000Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)2004300030002004Volunteers place 1,175 wreaths on the grave sites of veterans on Saturday at Greenmount Cemetery after a Wreaths Across ceremony honoring veterans. This is the fourth year Blue Star Moms of Durango has put on the event. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Wreaths Across America honors fallen veterans
Durango residents on Saturday honor those who served their country
Photos: Skyhawks men’s and women’s basketball Fort Lewis College men’s and women’s basketball lost to Regis on Saturday20101451Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Laisha Armendariz, left, and Samantha Wattawa of Fort Lewis College play tough defense against Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18381500Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College steals the ball while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)26311500Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20051500Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14512010Samantha Wattawa of Fort Lewis College goes up against tough Regis University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15372010Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18701500Tru Allen of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21481500Deniece Ryan of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20491500Trista Hoobler of Fort Lewis College has her shot blocked by Taylin Serlen of Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22131500Livia Knapp of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19831500Tru Allen of Fort Lewis College drives around his Regis University defender on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20681500Keither Florence of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20161500Tru Allen of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18681500Malachi Coleman of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21061500Livia Knapp of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing Regis University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18131500
Photos: Skyhawks men’s and women’s basketball
Fort Lewis College men’s and women’s basketball lost to Regis on Saturday
Photos: Durango and Ignacio do battle in boys basketballDemons defeat Bobcats 62-47 on Friday at DHSDurango’s Noah Miles goes in for a reverse layup against Ignacio on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)16312250Durango’s King Kerlin attacks the basket against a trio of Ignacio defenders on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)17682400Ignacio's Trace Crane and Durango's Brady Hoerl fight for the ball off a rebound on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)19172100Ignacio's DJ Hendren drives in for a fast-break layup as Durango's Mason Miller watches on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)16002400Durango's Marcus Cullum puts up a shot against Ignacio's Cayson Burcham (10) on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)1932210021001917Ignacio's Trace Crane and Durango's Brady Hoerl fight for the ball off a rebound on Friday at DHS. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)
Photos: Durango and Ignacio do battle in boys basketball
Demons defeat Bobcats 62-47 on Friday at DHS
Photos: Durango, Farmington girls basketball face off at DHSFarmington came away with a 49-45 win20101358Durango High School plays Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School steals the ball while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20641500Mariah Maestas, left, and Claire Goodwin of Durango High School trap Alidah Thomas of Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21341500Claire Goodwin of Durango High School plays defense against Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18681500Mariah Maestas of Durango High School pushes the ball while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17781500Aaliyah Archuleta of Farmington High School puts up a shot while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21811500Mariah Maestas of Durango High School puts up a shotl while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20741500Chenoa Parrish of Farmington High School steals the ball while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15131500Caris Dale of Farmington High School puts up a shot while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21941500Chenoa Parrish of Farmington High School steals the ball while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22111500Ellie White of Durango High School tries to get rid of the ball as Kjani Anitielu of Farmington High School plays defense on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20771500Mariah Maestas of Durango High School puts up a shot while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22551500Ellie White puts up a shot as Kjani Anitielu of Farmington High School tries to block it on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17901500Jaelyn Alston of Durango High School steals the ball while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)24482010Mariah Maestas of Durango High School drives to the basket as Aaliyah Archuleta Farmington High School plays defense on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21481500Lilly Fitzpatrick of Durango High School drives to the basket while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20721500Lilly Fitzpatrick puts up a shot while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19661500Ellie White puts up a shot while playing Farmington High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15551500The Farmington High School bench celebrates a basket while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13152010
Photos: Durango, Farmington girls basketball face off at DHS
Farmington came away with a 49-45 win
Photos: Running up an appetite on Thanksgiving Runners take off at the start of the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 1-mile kids run on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 19943000Runners take off at the start of the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 1-mile kids run on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17431500Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race runners finish Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20373000The Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race takes off on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 18223000Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race runners finish Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 14632010Zia Fadil wins the women’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 39042736Luke Swenk places third in the men’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15682010The Durango Turkey Trot on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 19903000Bearron Kee places second in the men’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 21961500The Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race takes off on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 12673000The 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17511500Wayde Hall wins the men’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 16312010The Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race takes off on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17593000Runners take off at the start of the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 1-mile kids run on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17441500Runners lineup for the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 10532010Runners lineup for the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 11513000Runners take off at the start of the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 1-mile kids run on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 1133975The 2024 Durango Turkey Trot on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 16401500Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race runners finish Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 11432010Ryan Kirk finishes the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 13372010Kevin Brown finishes the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17731500Maggie Yount places third in the women’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17412010Paul S. finishes the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15301500Caitlin Jones places second in the women’s Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17621500Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race runners finish Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 16911500Christian Castellon, 14, shows up for the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 22501500Richelle Entenmann, left, and Meagan Peach run in the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 24423000Runners take off at the start of the 2024 Durango Turkey Trot 1-mile kid’s run on Thursday on the Fort Lewis College campus. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 2065300030001822The Durango Turkey Trot 5-mile race takes off on Thursday at Fort Lewis College. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Running up an appetite on Thanksgiving

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