Videos & Photos

Video: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad upgrading train tracksFinal phases of project underway at Camino del Rio and Main Avenue0VideoYouTube48036030002071Darren Whitten, superintendent of operations with Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, walks along the new tracks on Friday that have been put in place at the intersection of Camino del Rio and Main Avenue. The railroad took the opportunity to replace the tracks with stronger ties, track and the base underneath in conjunction with Colorado Department of Transportations signal and paving work at the intersection. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002050A Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad engine goes over the new tracks on Tuesday that have been put in place along with new signaling infrastructure at the intersection of Camino del Rio and Main Avenue. The railroad took the opportunity to replace the tracks with stronger ties, track and the base underneath in conjunction with Colorado Department of Transportations signal and paving work at the intersection. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 300300
Final phases of project underway at Camino del Rio and Main Avenue
Photos: Marching for women’s rightsDurango Women’s March on Saturday starts at Buckley Park, continues down Main AvenueAfter gathering in Buckley Park for the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, participants walk down Main Avenue to downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)37256000After gathering in Buckley Park for the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, participants walk down Main Avenue to downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19853000After gathering in Buckley Park for the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, participants walk down Main Avenue to downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21633000After gathering in Buckley Park for the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, participants walk down Main Avenue to downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20553000About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21092010About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Ava Allan, 17, one of several speakers during the Womens March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20273000Barbara McLachlan, term limited Colorado District 59 representative, speaks during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, morning at Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17423000Durango Rising Poet Laureat, Zoe Golden, reds some of her poetry during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 16282010About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 13752010About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20003000About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 10743000Vanessa George holds a sign during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21373000About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 19253000Kelly MacLaurin was one of several speakers during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15561500Tracy Jones was one of several speakers during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 13311500About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 22633000About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 18381500After gathering in Buckley Park for the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, participants walk down Main Avenue to downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15653000Beatriz Garcia was one of several speakers during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 15082010About 200 people gather on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park for the Women’s March listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)2024150030002137Vanessa George holds a sign during the Women’s March on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Buckley Park listening to several speakers before marching downtown Durango and then back to the park. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Durango Women’s March on Saturday starts at Buckley Park, continues down Main Avenue
Photos: Durango High School football DHS beat Vista Ridge 20-14 at home Friday night20101451Durango High School quarterback Cully Feeney looks to pass against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) Nathan Beal of Durango High School hits Vista Ridge High School quarterback on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 17151500Ryan Dugan of Durango High School runs against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15392010Durango High School quarterback Cully Feeney runs against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 21471500Mason Miller, center, of Durango High School celebrates with teammates his touchdown against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 14252010Kaedon Martinez of Durango High School breaks up a Vista Ridge High School pass in the end zone on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 18701500Durango High School quarterback Cully Feeney runs against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 14292010Durango High School quarterback Cully Feeney throws to his receiver while playing Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 16722010Dawson McInnis of Durango High School intercepts a Vista Ridge High School pass at the goal line on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 18651500Durango High School takes the field before the start of the Vista Ridge High School football game on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 13402010Durango High School marching band before the start of the Vista Ridge High School football game on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 20263000Durango High School marching band before the start of the Vista Ridge High School football game on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 12762010Durango High School quarterback Cully Feeney looks to pass against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 14512010Durango High School football varsity interim head coach Ryan Woolverton while playing Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 12892010Will Zahradnik of Durango High School catches a pass against Vista Ridge High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19061500Durango High School defense blocks a Vista Ridge High School point after attempt on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 11782010
DHS beat Vista Ridge 20-14 at home Friday night
Gallery: Animals, super heroes and other creatures take over Main Avenue62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)46583105Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)52883525Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)37235584Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)54123608Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)47203147Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)53763584Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)59773985Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)33635045Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)39505925Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)35615342Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)57583839Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Cindi, Jason, Alden and Soren in their creative Jurassic Park costume strolling down Main Avenue. Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)41606240Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)31514727Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)52933529Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)54833655Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)54693646Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)38115717Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)52623508Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)50293353Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)47103140Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)54853657Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)53633575Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)41606240Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)36065409The Firle Family – Brian, Lisa and Lucy – dress up as flamingos on Halloween to go trick-or-treating in downtown Durango. Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160Jacob and Kira Gullion hand out candy to trick-or-treaters in downtown Durango. Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)62404160The Kulovitz family, including Weston, Kimmy, Gwenivere and Genevieve, bring Dr. Seuss to life in their colorful costumes while trick-or-treating in downtown Durango. Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)34605190Arlo Davis proudly showcases his homemade Wall-E costume while trick-or-treating in downtown Durango. Dozens of children and their parents participated in downtown Durango's Children's Halloween event Thursday on Main Avenue and East Second Avenue, in which 75 businesses and other agencies handed out candy. (Wyatt Richards/Special to the Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Thursday during the downtown Durango Halloween trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)40006000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Sunday during the downtown Durango trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)60004000Children and parents stopped by The Durango Herald offices Thursday during the downtown Durango Halloween trick-or-treat event. (Durango Herald)
Photos: A fun and spooky day at schoolAnimas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13442010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13402010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13372010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19982010Animas Valley Elementary School Principal Michol Brammer and Vice Principal Alison Layman during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School paraeducator Rhyse Fairchild and students Tobin McSween, 5, left, and Tommy Lile, 5, during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22943000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21753000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21971500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13552010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19011500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19391500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14652010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13402010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16932010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14572010Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14551500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21991500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18991500Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19593000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21133000Animas Valley Elementary School students showoff their costumes during the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1943300030002113Animas Valley Elementary School students lineup for the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class sharing treats with parents and classmates.(Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001959Animas Valley Elementary School students lineup for the school’s Halloween parade on Thursday before going back to class sharing treats with parents and classmates.(Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Haunted house northeast of Durango gets bigger every yearCody Petersen’s Halloween hobby is his escape from the daily grind30002067Cody Petersen at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango stands in his front yard that is filled with hundreds of Halloween decorations. His Halloween scene grows larger each year, and he’s spent thousands of dollars on hundreds of decorations to give neighbors and his children proper holiday haunts and jaunts. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Durango resident Cody Petersen said when he moved into his home at 15 Edgemont Way several years ago, his house on the corner looked lonely and spooky.Today, it’s a madhouse. Halloween decorations are splayed practically on every inch of his lawn, in the trees and up and down his home.0VideoYouTube480360A group of school-aged kids stop in front of his house every day to pose with a little gothic doll in the lawn, he said. It’s the favorite attraction amongst hundreds of decorations Petersen bought locally and online as early as July in preparation for Oct. 31, Halloween.He said he doesn’t want to think about how much money he’s spent on fog machines, animatronics and Christmas lights, but the bill easily totals several thousands of dollars.15002025A small skeleton boils in a witch’s brew in the front yard of Cody Petersen’s home, which has hundreds of Halloween items on display at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)For trick-or-treaters on Halloween, whom he encourages to visit, jumpscares abound at Petersen’s home, featuring animatronic spiders, growling wolves and other monsters, he said.He’s working on his own animatronic coffin, which shakes and rattles, and a pulley system that will push and pull a ghost up and down the yard, but neither will be ready for this year’s Halloween.He said he has fond memories of his parents decorating for the holidays during his upbringing and he’s a huge horror genre fan. So he enjoys going all out on decorations for the spooky season. He justifies his hobby with the logic his kids will only be in high school a few more years, and it isn’t as cool to decorate the lawn for Halloween when one doesn’t have children living at home.But the neighbors enjoy his haunts as much as the rest of the community. He said his Halloween scene has gradually grown larger every year; at least 50 trick-or-treaters turned up at his home last year.“I'm a home inspector, so I do have a lot of tools and no fear of trying things out,” he said.30002000Edgemont subdivision resident Cody Petersen said most Halloween-themed animatronics are only good for about a year before they break down. But being a handyman by trade, he’s taken to building his own animatronics that should last longer and provide a more novel experience to trick-or-treaters. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)He said typical Halloween animatronics cost $400 a piece, but they only last one year or so without breaking. That’s frustrating, he said, and he believes he can do better by building his own.He said this year’s display and experience is more organic than past years thanks to his handiwork. Among his myriad decorations, trick-or-treaters can spot easter eggs referencing “Beetlejuice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Pet Sematary.”Among the horror props are real animal bones Petersen said he’s found on hikes across the countryside.“I've got ghosts and spiders and witches and that kind of thing,” he said. “Here in Edgemont, we have giant spiders for real. ... We get these huge wolf spiders that are bigger than my hand. I mean, huge, bigger than tarantulas.”30002212A scary face looks out the window of Cody Petersen’s home that has hundreds of Halloween items in his front yard at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Petersen said he was motivated to make his first decorations within the first month he and his wife moved into the home on the corner at 15 Edgemont Way.A lone pine tree, a typical Christmas tree that would be strung up with lights and ornaments in December, stood out to Petersen in the yard, he said. He just felt compelled to decorate it and light it up.He said he thoroughly decorated the tree and left it lit year-round. Within a month of moving into the house, his neighbor died. The man was old and suffering from Alzheimer's.30002191Cody Petersen at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango stands in his front yard that is filled with hundreds of Halloween decorations. His Halloween scene grows larger each year, and he’s spent thousands of dollars on hundreds of decorations to give neighbors and his children proper holiday haunts and jaunts. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Months later, the man’s wife approached Petersen and told him she and her husband’s last salient moments together were spent looking out at Petersen’s lighted Christmas tree, pretending it was Christmas. In the following hours, the man succumbed to delirium. He died several days later.“I don't know why I had that tree, why I lit it, but that's why that tree, even when Halloween is over, all year round, that Christmas tree always stays lit now,” he said.Petersen is a horror movie fan, and in particular he’s always enjoyed the sinister character Michael Myers of the “Halloween” franchise.15001664Baby doll heads in jars are just a few of the hundreds of halloween items that Cody Petersen has in his front yard at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)He said every year, after thrilling trick-or-treaters at his home, he takes to downtown and East Third Avenue in his Michael Myers costume, bearing a giant bowl of candy, to continue the fun.The highlight of his yard, the creepy doll neighborhood kids like to pose and take pictures with, is Petersen’s “elf on the shelf,” he said. He likes to move the doll around the house, sometimes propping her up to hold animal bones.“I have a real busy and pretty stressful job,” he said. “I just love the fall so much. And to come home, it's just a good way to wind down and, you know, de-stress, just go out and work in the yard.”cburney@durangoherald.com15001782This spider and cobweb are one of hundreds of Halloween decorations at Cody Petersen’s house at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001972A flying witch at Cody Petersen’s house at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002217A werewolf at Cody Petersen’s house at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)60004000Cody Petersen’s yard at 15 Edgemont Way in the Edgemont subdivision northeast of Durango is filled with hundreds of Halloween decorations. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Cody Petersen’s Halloween hobby is his escape from the daily grind
Reader-submitted photos of Halloween decorationsLast week, we asked readers to submit photos of their Halloween decorations or a neighbor’s decorations. We received dozens of photo submissions. We have selected some of the most spooky, elaborate and fun photos to share in this gallery. Enjoy!4541008Sam Pillus, 13, the son of Kara Hellige, takes Halloween to a whole new level. For the past four years he has constructed a haunted house for all the neighborhood children to enjoy. The Mountain Middle School student has been preparing this year's haunted house for an entire year, his mother said in an email to The Durango Herald. Instead of buying decorations, he builds them himself, including two moving animatronics. One of them is a skeleton in a coffin that leaps 8 feet into the air. He also constructed a scary clown. A haunted house will be set up in the front yard of the house on Halloween night at 17 Rio Vista Circle. (Courtesy of Kara Hellige)4541008Sam Pillus, 13, the son of Kara Hellige, takes Halloween to a whole new level. For the past four years he has constructed a haunted house for all the neighborhood children to enjoy. The Mountain Middle School student has been preparing this year's haunted house for an entire year, his mother said in an email to The Durango Herald. Instead of buying decorations, he builds them himself, including two moving animatronics. One of them is a skeleton in a coffin that leaps 8 feet into the air. He also constructed a scary clown. A haunted house will be set up in the front yard of the house on Halloween night at 17 Rio Vista Circle. (Courtesy of Kara Hellige)34385151Clear Creek Loop in Edgemont Highlands. (Courtesy of Charles Whyte)34385151Clear Creek Loop in Edgemont Highlands (Courtesy of Charles Whyte)34385151Clear Creek Loop in Edgemont Highlands. (Courtesy of Charles Whyte)737995Halloween decorations near Hermosa. (Courtesy of Stacy Palermo)642481Halloween decorations near Hermosa. (Courtesy of Stacy Palermo)30244032Salt Brush Street in Three Springs subdivision. (Courtesy of Angela Minerich)30244032Salt Brush Street in Three Springs subdivision. (Courtesy of Angela Minerich)
Photos: FLC volleyball returns homeFort Lewis College volleyball took on Adams State University on Tuesday20101416Alina Nunez of Fort Lewis College makes a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Tuesday nights Fort Lewis College volleyball game was a Nike N7 Match against Adams State University at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14882010Tuesday nights Fort Lewis College volleyball game was a Nike N7 Match against Adams State University at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13262010Alina Nunez of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18341500Lauren Shea of Fort Lewis College watches the ball after touching it over the net against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14732010Ella Butler of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14982010Alina Nunez of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14162010Ella Butler of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15362010Natalia Lambos, left, and Ella Butler of Fort Lewis College block an Adams State University shot on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13751500Alexis Hobie of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1309975Fort Lewis College volleyball head coach Giedre Tarnauskaite talks with her team during a timeout while playing Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13142010Emery Pomroy of Fort Lewis College recieves a serve while playing Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16631500Alexis Hobie of Fort Lewis College attempts a kill shot against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19451500Fort Lewis College celebrates a point against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20001500Maddy Shumway of Fort Lewis College dives for the ball while playing Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13232010Emery Pomroy of Fort Lewis College dives for the ball while playing Adams State University shot on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14942010Fort Lewis College celebrates a point against Adams State University on Tuesday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15552010
Fort Lewis College volleyball took on Adams State University on Tuesday
Photos: Expert leathercrafter and collector estate sale near IgnacioItems belonging to the late Alex Pappas were auctioned for sale on SaturdayPeople gather around Auctioneer Cody Story with Treasure Auction Service during the estate sale of the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20683000The late Alex Pappas had a little fun painting his orange colored Kuboto tractor blue and putting a Ford sticker on the front that was sold on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate sale north of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13352010One of the old buildings at the estate sale of the late Alex Pappas’s ranch on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, north of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20001500jm@durangoherald.comThe late Alex Pappas’ fine leatherwork is well known in Bayfield and Ignacio. A representative of the Smithsonian Institution once approached him about featuring his work in the famous museum. But when Pappas was told he wouldn’t be paid because the attention the exhibit would garner would be enough on its own, he refused the offer, his family said. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comKayaks and ladders and countless other items were sold during the estate sale of the late Alex Pappas ranch on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, north of Ignacio. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21083000Alex Pappas, seen here, was known as a business owner, a barterer and a collector. (Courtesy photo)488427Numerous saddles were sold at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21553000People gather around Auctioneer, Cody Story, with Treasure Auction Service, during the estate sale of the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14882010The leather working shop at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22773000The leather working shop at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18851500The leather working shop at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14561500The leather working shop at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21743000The leather working shop at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22803000At least 100 people attended the Alex Pappas estate sale at the late Alex Pappas’ homestead near Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The sale included an auction where hundreds if not thousands of goods collected by Pappas over the years were up for grabs. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comAt least 100 people attended the Alex Pappas estate sale at the late Alex Pappas’ homestead near Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024,. The sale included an auction where hundreds if not thousands of goods collected by Pappas over the years were up for grabs. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comAt least 100 people attended the Alex Pappas estate sale at the late Alex Pappas’ homestead near Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The sale included an auction where hundreds of goods collected by Pappas over the years were up for grabs. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comGlenn Miles, center, a friend of the late Alex Pappas, said Pappas was an expert craftsman particularly skilled at leatherwork. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comSarah Bellamy, the late Alex Pappas’ niece, shows off leather knife holsters Pappas had crafted. He was a skilled leathercrafter, according to friends at family at an estate sale for Pappas held Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at his homestead outside Ignacio. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comThe late Alex Pappas, 74, was a barterer and collector, evident at the estate sale held at his homestead in La Plata County near Ignacio on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.comPeter Pappas, brother to the late Alex Pappas, reminisces about the time Alex posed behind a photo stand-in or face-in-hole. He said Alex loved La Plata County. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)30004000cburney@durangoherald.com30002155Numerous saddles were sold at the late Alex Pappas ranch north of Ignacio on Saturday during the estate auction. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Items belonging to the late Alex Pappas were auctioned for sale on Saturday
Photos: Pro boxing in DurangoLegends on the Animas boxing showdown took place on Saturday20101472Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez, left, fights Jeremy Ramos during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez lands a punch on Jeremy Ramos during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15402010Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez lands a punch on Jeremy Ramos during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15892010Aaron Pryor Jr. has Brandon Baue in the corner in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20703000Heavyweight boxing icon, Butterbean and his son Caleb Esch after Esch fought and won earlier during the Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)24883000Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez, left, fights Jeremy Ramos during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14722010Andrew Flamm wins his bout against Milton Roque in their fight in the Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17172010Andrew Flamm wins his bout against Milton Roque in the their fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13912010Aaron Pryor Jr. has Brandon Baue in the corner in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19903000Katy Kopec, owner of The Good Fight Boxing Gym watches the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21913000Andrew Flamm, right, trades punches with Milton Roque in the third fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14242010Andrew Flamm, right, stumbles after taking a series of punches from Milton Roque in the third fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16872010Andrew Flamm, left, trades punches with Milton Roque in the third fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15112010Caleb Esch lands a punch on Christian Rodriguez in the second fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)11782010Andrew Flamm, left, trades punches with Milton Roque in the third fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13172010Caleb Esch lands a punch on Christian Rodriguez in the second fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13082010Andrew Flamm, right, trades punches with Milton Roque in the third fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12492010The Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17933000The Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16801500Dr. Khalila Camacho Ali signs an autograph while promoting her new book Undefeated: the Untold Story of My Forgiveness and Healing on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17002010Ascencio Thedford wins over Yusmel Ruiz in the first fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16322010Christian Rodriguez lands a punch on Caleb Esch in the second fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13452010Caleb Esch and Christian Rodriguez trade punches in the second fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13821976Ascencio Thedford and Yusmel Ruiz battle in the first fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17281500Ascencio Thedford right, and Yusmel Ruiz battle in the first fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10911500The Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18053000Pastor Jeff Huber gives the blessing during the Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)23863000Ascencio Thedford has Yusmel Ruiz up against the ropes on Saturday in the first fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000Caleb Esch wins his bout against Christian Rodriguez in the second fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17051500Brandon Baue throws a punch at Aaron Pryor Jr. in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15661500Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez takes a moment before his Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight with Jeremy Ramos on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13402010Jeremy Ramos lands a punch on Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17031500Jeremy Ramos lands a punch on Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12422010Andrew (Hurricane) Hernandez fights Jeremy Ramos during the Legends Boxing Federation Super Middleweight World Title Fight on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13402010Aaron Pryor Jr. throws a punch at Brandon Baue in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13602010A fan celebrates with Andrew Flamm after his win against Milton Roque on Saturday during Legends on the Animas boxing showdown at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17741500Aaron Pryor Jr. lands a punch on Brandon Baue in the corner in the fourth fight of Legends on the Animas boxing showdown on Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19501500
Legends on the Animas boxing showdown took place on Saturday