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‘Swat’ call sends Durango High School into ‘secure’ mode

Doors were locked while law enforcement investigated

Angel Tree at The Journal makes wishes come true

Piñon Project program an opportunity to buy gifts for children in need

DATE: Dec 7, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Tri-State announces early closures of coal plants

La Plata Electric pushes back, saying it should decide its own future

DATE: Dec 7, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Durango recruits its first Poet Laureate

Distinguished poet Esther Belin published two poetry books through University of Arizona Press and won American Book Award

DATE: Dec 7, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Hundreds pay tribute to fallen Cortez police officer

Procession includes more than 400 law enforcement personnel

DATE: Dec 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Photos: Funeral procession for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran

Hundreds of law enforcement vehicles escort the body of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran

DATE: Dec 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Gallery

City of Cortez releases map, announces road closures for memorial

Sgt. Michael Moran will be laid to rest Wednesday

DATE: Dec 5, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Watch live: Memorial services for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran

Officer was killed in the line of duty last week

DATE: Dec 5, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Durango’s StoneAge Inc. named to Outside Magazine’s list of top 50 workplaces in U.S.

Company reportedly pays an average salary of $86,000 per year

DATE: Dec 5, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Memorial service for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran is Wednesday; closures planned

Roads and recreation center will be closed

DATE: Dec 4, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation raising funds for speech department

WildEdge brewing hosts fundraiser Thursday

DATE: Dec 4, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Cortez comes together to celebrate holiday amid grief for fallen officer

Memorial march for police Sgt. Michael Moran’s wraps up Cortez’s annual Parade of Lights

DATE: Dec 2, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

Videos & Photos

Photos: Funeral procession for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael MoranHundreds of law enforcement vehicles escort the body of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael MoranThe body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)11722000People line Main Street for the funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Thursday, Dec., 30, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1148950The body of Cortez Police Department Sgt. Michael Moran is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession down Main Street in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9912000People line Main Street for the funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Thursday, Dec., 30, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14082000The funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, arrives at the Cortez Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10922000A Colorado State Patrol trooper salutes as the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, arrives at the Cortez Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12761963Law enforcement makes their way to the Cortez Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, for Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Morans funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1477950The funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, passes under a giant sized flag that the Cortez Fire Protection District placed on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13332000People line Main Street for the funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Thursday, Dec., 30, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14832000The funeral procession of Cortez Police Department Sgt. Michael Moran passes under a giant sized flag that the Cortez Fire Protection District placed on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13332000A Farmington Police Department officer salutes as the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, arrives at the Cortez Recreation Center on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14602000The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12711962The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9342000The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13752000Cortez Police Departments officers wrote on the sides of their windows as they escort the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1085950Cortez Police Departments officers wrote on the sides of their windows as they escort the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)853950A blue ribbon under the windshield wiper of a car parked on Roger Smith Avenue as the funeral procession of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, passes by on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in Cortez. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13232000The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14212000The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)11722000A Classic Air Medical helicopter leads the procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles as they escort the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12691250A Classic Air Medical helicopter leads the procession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles as they escort the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)52652068Cortez Police Departments officers wrote on the sides of their windows as they escort the body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)830125019621271The body of Cortez Police Department, Sgt. Michael Moran, is escorted on Wednesday, Dec., 6, 2023, in a precession of hundreds of law enforcement vehicles down Main Street to the Cortez Recreation Center for his funeral. Moran was fatally shot and killed in the line of duty this past Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Funeral procession for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran
Hundreds of law enforcement vehicles escort the body of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran
Watch live: Memorial services for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael MoranOfficer was killed in the line of duty last week0VideoYouTube48036030002322MoranSgt. Michael Moran's life is being celebrated at a private memorial service 10 a.m. today at the Cortez Recreation Center.Watch the services live at 10 a.m.About 430 law enforcement staff and 72 different agencies participated in a procession Wednesday morning on Cortez’s Main Street, en route to the services at the Cortez Recreation Center.
Watch live: Memorial services for Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran
Officer was killed in the line of duty last week
60484024A dancer following the Montezuma Search and Rescue float.Photo gallery: The 2023 Parade of LightsOn Saturday, the annual Parade of Lights brought a community together following the tragic death of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael MoranA dancer following the Montezuma Search and Rescue float.40246048The Lewis-Arriola PTO float during the Cortez Parade of Lights. The float went on to win in it's respective category.40246048Police vehicles spanned for over five blocks along Main Street, Cortez, in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Michael Moran.40246048The judges watching the parade intently. Parade of Lights, 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.39625955The Lewis-Arriola PTO float during the Cortez Parade of Lights. The float went on to win in it's respective category.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.39425924Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.39325909Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.26593997Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048Cortez Parade of Lights 2023.40246048The Lewis-Arriola PTO float during the Cortez Parade of Lights. The float went on to win in it's respective category.40246048Cortez BMX during the Parade of Lights.34615202The parade judges watch as the Montezuma-Cortez middle school band marches by.40246048The Montezuma-Cortez middle school band marches during the Parade of Lights.32874940The Montezuma-Cortez middle school band gets ready to march.40246048The Montezuma-Cortez middle school band gets ready to march.40246048Ute Mountain Casino's float during the Cortez Parade of Lights.40246048Police vehicles spanned for over five blocks along Main Street, Cortez, in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Michael Moran.39125879Police vehicles spanned for over five blocks along Main Street, Cortez, in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Michael Moran.40246048A child lifting weights with Santa on the Body by Design Fitness float.40246048Police vehicles spanned for over five blocks along Main Street, Cortez, in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Michael Moran.40246048Police vehicles spanned for over five blocks along Main Street, Cortez, in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Michael Moran.40246048Santa waves to the crowd as he gets ready to kick off the parade.33054968Spectators watch the Parade of Lights at the corner of Market and Main.40246048Santa steps off his helicopter shortly after landing.40246048
Photo gallery: The 2023 Parade of Lights
On Saturday, the annual Parade of Lights brought a community together following the tragic death of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran
0VideoYouTube480360Video: Candlelight vigil held for fallen Cortez police Sgt. Michael MoranHundreds attend Candlelight vigil for Cortez police Sgt. Michael Moran After a moment of silence, several co-workers spoke about Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran and his impact on them and their careers – how he could be tough on them as they learned their jobs and in the next breath how kind and caring he was.20001348Corin Wolf, right, hands a candle to Elisa Lukas, as Amanda Puett hands one to Cortez Police Officer, Karla Ross, during a candlelight vigil for Cortez Police Department Sgt. Michael Moran on Thursday, Nov, 30, 2023, in front of the CPD building. Moran was fatally shot in the line of duty on Wednesday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Video: Candlelight vigil held for fallen Cortez police Sgt. Michael Moran
Hundreds attend Candlelight vigil for Cortez police Sgt. Michael Moran
20001229About 300 people took part in a candlelight vigil for Cortez Police Department officer Sgt. Michael Moran Thursday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Residents, leaders express grief over loss of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael MoranSgt. Michael Moran is remembered as a friend, father and police officer Two days after Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran was killed Wednesday in the line of duty, residents and leaders from Montezuma County, Colorado and the nation have expressed their grief about Moran and their support for his family. The Cortez Police Department issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that he will be remembered “by his fellow officers for his dedication and sense of humor.” Thursday night, nearly 300 people gathered to pay their respects to Moran during a candlelight vigil at the police department. 865913Sgt. Moran was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday. (Cortez Police Department)20001408About 300 people took part in a candlelight vigil for Cortez Police Department officer Sgt. Michael Moran Thursday in front of the CPD. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20001752About 300 people took part in a candlelight vigil for Cortez Police Department officer Sgt. Michael Moran Thursday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Moran was fatally shot Wednesday as he made a traffic stop on South Broadway. The gunman was killed minutes later in a shootout south of town. Police officer Kurtiss Baumgartner tearfully spoke during the vigil about how Moran would flash a goofy smile and a joke in stressful situations, “immediately making everything OK.” “He was always there for you,” Baumgartner said. “He was so passionate about the things he believed in. The world lost a true hero.” City Councilor Matt Keefauver, a former principal at Southwest Open School, talked about how Moran visited to SWOS with his dog Otto to build a relationship with students. Keefauver said it was all the students could talk about for the next few weeks, and that they had been thrilled to meet Moran and K-9 officer Otto.“Michael was a father to two girls, he was a friend … and we’re here to remember him,” Keefauver said. “Michael was truly a special individual who gave everything for his community.” Another attendee at the candlelight vigil said that Moran embodied what it meant to be a true police officer. “I’m going to miss him, I’m always going to miss him,” he said. “He loved coming to work, and he was amazing. He was a good cop. He was the true definition of a police officer.” KaLlisha Henneberger expressed her sadness over the loss of Moran, saying that he had been a friend to her when she had no one.“He was very good to me, me being who I am with a record,” Henneberger commented on Facebook. “He sat next to me in the hospital numerous times, never judging me, never reporting me, just setting his job aside and being a friend when I had nobody else in the world by my side. I’m very upset and mourning the loss of a good friend and somebody who would be by my side if I needed him. My condolences and prayers go our to his family and fellow officers. You will be truly missed Sgt. Moran. Rest in peace, my friend.” The Cortez City Council released a statement speaking of the community’s loss.“The Cortez City Council is deeply saddened about the death of Police Sgt. Michael Moran,” the statement said. “While in service to our city, Sgt. Moran made the ultimate sacrifice when his life was taken from him. This is a tragic loss to our entire community.” “On behalf of the residents of the City of Cortez, we wish to thank him and his family for his service to our country and our city. During this extremely difficult time our deepest condolences are with the Moran family, the members of the Cortez police department and all those who loved and respected Sgt. Moran,” they continued. “The City of Cortez City Council supports our police officers and we are grateful they, even in grief of this loss, continue to serve as the guardians of our community.” 0VideoYouTube480360County Commissioner Jim Candelaria told The Journal that he has been receiving texts and phone calls from other commissioners in Colorado who expressed their condolences.“As the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, along with other phone calls, text emails that I've received from commissioners around the state, we would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of Sergeant Michael Moran, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Candelaria said. “We're definitely behind the City of Cortez PD and will offer any assistance that we can possibly provide for them if needed. This is a crime, as all crimes are, that is senseless. Words can't express really what happened. So our deepest condolences for to the family and for the loss of Michael.”District Attorney Christian Hatfield also expressed his sense of loss.“It is extremely tragic, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. He was a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. Anything my office can do to help victim advocates out and people around the state, Colorado District Attorney's Council and others, all expressed their willingness to help with anything we can do for the community. We're here,” Hatfield said. Police departments in Rifle, Boston, Mountain Village, Colorado Springs, Mesa County, Jefferson County, Lafayette Colorado, El Paso, Durango and more posted statements about Moran and in support of the Cortez Police Department. “Our office joins law enforcement agencies across the United States in mourning with the Cortez Police Department,” the El Paso Police Department said on Facebook. “Their loss is felt here in El Paso County and from corner to corner in Colorado. ‘Greater love hath no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”“Sending our deepest condolences to the Cortez Police Department as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Michael Moran in the line of duty on November 29,” the Mountain Village Police Department said via Facebook. “Our hearts are with the entire Cortez community, the officer’s family, friends and colleagues during this time.”The Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation is accepting monetary donations that will be given to Moran’s family. Donations can be made at their website. A memorial benefit is being held for Sgt. Moran’s family on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the County Annex building, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez. There will be a silent auction, and organizers are taking donations for the auction.There will be chili, drinks and dessert for $10 a plate. Questions can be directed to Jaime Cox (970) 739-5421, Emily Baumgartner (970) 799-7501, Wendy Knuckles (970) 759-3365 or Elizabeth Edwards (970) 903-6703. Moran will also be honored at the Parade of Lights on Saturday night. Funeral services are still pending. From the Community and Facebook“Sending my deepest condolences to Sgt. Moran’s family and fellow law enforcement. This is an absolute tragedy to befall a man of such great honor. Thank you for your service, sir, and may you rest in peace.” – United County Blue Sky Homes’ and Land’s Trena Yazzie “Our hearts are grieved at the news of the loss of one of our courageous police officers. Words cannot express our gratitude for his service, nor our grief for his loss. We turn our hearts in times such as these to ‘the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in our tribulation.’” – Pastor Bruce Burkett of Lighthouse Baptist Church “I do not know Sgt. Moran, but I know many like him who choose a life of service over a life of being served. Then there are those who choose a life of service in defense of our nation and our communities willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms. Sgt. Moran did both and ultimately, gave his life so others may live.” – Charles Evanson “My family in Colorado Springs is devastated … hoping his family knows that others outside of their community feels the loss. Thank you to another hero who gave his life to keep others safe.” – Jennifer Catterson
Residents, leaders express grief over loss of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran
Sgt. Michael Moran is remembered as a friend, father and police officer
60484024Zach Smith, right, serves up food to Carter Snyder during Grace's Kitchen Thanksgiving meal drive.Grace’s Kitchen serves an estimated 500 meals on ThanksgivingCrew cooked 34 turkeys and more than 200 pounds of meat in preparationGrace’s Kitchen, located in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, spent the past month roasting 34 turkeys and over 200 pounds of meat in preparation for the 500 meals they were expecting to give out on Thanksgiving Day.“Food is kind of my love language,” said Chris Snyder, who helps coordinate the kitchen during this event along with his family. “And so to be able to share that with individuals and be able to to just enjoy a meal together, I think it’s everything that's perfect.”Since the pandemic hit, the Thanksgiving meal drive has shifted from a dine-in event to a take-out and delivery system, which allows them to serve more of the community.“What we've seen this year is this new pattern of somebody signing up and saying, OK, I'm going to take four, so I can give some to my neighbor. There's this extra tier now,” said Victoria Atkins, who helped coordinate the event. “So that just gives me hope for the world.”“You know, Thanksgiving is basically about gratitude,” said Atkins. “We shouldn’t just be grateful. We should act, and show our gratitude.”Cedar Taylor, left, and Ray Taylor, center, serve up food to Beth Mitchell, right, during Grace's Kitchen Thanksgiving meal drive.40246048Two of the complete Thanksgiving meals given out by Grace's Kitchen. Over 500 meals were expected to be given out on Thursday, with around 70 volunteers helping the cause.40246048Volunteers distribute meals to folks in need on Thanksgiving Day.40246048Volunteers distribute meals to folks in need on Thanksgiving Day.40246048Beth Mitchell makes two Thanksgiving meals complete with a little bit of cranberry sauce.40246048The pie table during Grace's Kitchen Thanksgiving meal drive.40246048Folks line up outside St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cortez for Grace's Kitchen Thanksgiving meal drive. Over 500 meals were expected to be given out, with around 70 volunteers helping the cause.40246048
Grace’s Kitchen serves an estimated 500 meals on Thanksgiving
Crew cooked 34 turkeys and more than 200 pounds of meat in preparation
54863650Cortez locals Gavin Henderson, left, and Amelia DeWitt, right, race towards the finish line at For Pet's Sake 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida. The two were the first to cross.Cortez Turkey Trot draws about 50 participants1-mile course runs around Parque de VidaThis was the 20th year of the Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida in Cortez, organized as a fundraising event for For Pet’s Sake Humane Society. Roughly 50 walkers and runners came out – some in costume, some with their pets–- to enjoy the 1-mile course around the park.“People enjoy it,” said Ric Plese, who began running this course on Thanksgiving 28 years ago before he handed it off to For Pet’s Sake 20 years ago to become a fundraiser. “You know, there's been some really cold, cold Thanksgiving mornings, but for the most part, it gets a pretty good crowd. And the costumes are what's fun. There's been turkeys and donkeys in costume over the years. It's been fun.”For Pet’s Sake is run by all volunteers, and events like this one help keep the organization afloat.“Our food and costs have increased tremendously this year,” said board president Lynn Dyer. “There are a lot of needs as a community, both for medical care and for spay and neuter fees.”Anyone interested in supporting For Pet’s Sake can find them on Facebook or the web, and details for their big year-end fundraiser will be announced soonWalkers on the 1-mile Turkey Trot course at Parque de Vida on Thanksgiving, 2023.40246048Walkers, including Trish Rensink and her newfoundland Enzo, right, begin the 1-mile course of the For Pet's Sake Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida.40246048Cortez locals Gavin Henderson, left, and Amelia DeWitt, right, race towards the finish line at For Pet's Sake 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida. The two were the first to cross.35955403Cortez locals Gavin Henderson, left, and Amelia DeWitt, right, race towards the finish line at For Pet's Sake 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida. The two were the first to cross.40246048Cortez locals Gavin Henderson, left, and Amelia DeWitt, right, race towards the finish line at For Pet's Sake 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida. The two were the first to cross.40246048Cortez locals Gavin Henderson, left, and Amelia DeWitt, right, race towards the finish line at For Pet's Sake 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida. The two were the first to cross.36505486Walkers on the 1-mile Turkey Trot course at Parque de Vida on Thanksgiving, 2023.31904794Walkers on the 1-mile Turkey Trot course at Parque de Vida on Thanksgiving, 2023.38335761Jynx the bassett hound sports their Thanksgiving costume during the 2023 Turkey Trot. Jynx belongs to the Leis family of Cortez.60484024For Pet's Sake volunteer Bill Williams (right) kicks off the 2023 Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida.40246048Walkers, including Trish Rensink and her newfoundland Enzo, right, begin the 1-mile course of the For Pet's Sake Turkey Trot at Parque de Vida.40246048
Cortez Turkey Trot draws about 50 participants
1-mile course runs around Parque de Vida
30002000Mancos High School wins the CHSAA State A8 Championship against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)Photos: Mancos Bluejays win 2023 Colorado 8-man football titleBluejays win first title, beating beat Haxtun 40-0The Mancos High School Bluejays scored on the opening possession to set the tone, then added three more scores before halftime to put the game out of reach for the Haxtun Bulldogs.At the end, Mancos walked off the field with its first state title in eight-man football.Colten Vannest (80) of Mancos High School makes a block while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School collects the snap while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School rushes for a touchdown while playng Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School looks for running room while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School calls for the snap while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Jonah Ritter (22) of Mancos High School rushes the ball while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School rushes the ball while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School rushes the ball while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School stiff arms the defender while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School runs the ball while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Adam Martinez (67) of Mancos High School prays prior to playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School throws a pass while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)22283000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School is tripped up while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Head coach Josh Gardner of Mancos High School addresses his team after defeating Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School celebrates his touchdown while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School rushes for a touchdown while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Head coach Josh Gardner of Mancos High School congratulates his players after defeating Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Chris Medina (5) of Mancos High School is tackled while running the ball while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School runs through the gap in the line while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School gets around the edge and stiff arms the defender while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1), Kaiden Wyatt (42), Chris Medina (5) and Elliot Sam (70) celebrate a touchdown while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kaiden Wyatt (42) of Mancos High School is pumped up after a touchdown while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Cole Dainty-Guilfoyle (34) of Mancos High School make a tackle while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School rushes while Chris Medina (5) also of Mancos High School provides a block while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Head coach Josh Gardner of Mancos High School gets water poured on him after defeating Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Jonah Ritter (22) of Mancos High School is the lead blocker for Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Mancos High School celebrates their win against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Coach Josh Gardner from Mancos High School gets soaked in water after his win against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Mancos High School wins the CHSAA State A8 Championship against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wyman (1) on Mancos High School runs the ball against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Jonah Ritter (22) of Mancos High School runs the ball against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Chris Medina of Mancos High School dives for the ball against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Cole Dainty-Guilfoyle (34) of Mancos High School falls short of a touchdown against Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000Kail Wayman (1) of Mancos High School Celebrates a touchdown with teammate Jonah Ritter (22) while playing Haxtun High School on Friday in the Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association Class A State Finals at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Stadium. (Laura Domingue/Special to The Journal)20003000
Photos: Mancos Bluejays win 2023 Colorado 8-man football title
Bluejays win first title, beating beat Haxtun 40-0
Snowstorm moves through the areaThe season’s first big snowstorm causes problems for drivers and makes for a winter wonderland30002107Jacob Stanton sits back near Purgatory Resort on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, and enjoys the foot of snow that was left from the recent storm. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)A pedestrian makes their way on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, along Roosa Avenue as a winter storm hits Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18672948A plow driver drives down a snow covered Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207) on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as a winter storm moves through La Plata County. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18983000A winter storm moves through La Plata County on Friday late afternoon, Nov. 24, 2023. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10432761A winter storm moves through Durango on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17543000Snow continues to fall on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, near Purgatory Resort. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)11973000Plows begin clearing snow late afternoon Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as a winter storm rolls through Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19193000A driver makes their way toward Purgatory Resort on U.S. Highway 550 on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17103000A pickup gets ready to pull a vehicle out of the ditch on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18763000A barn near Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207) is covered with snow on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as a winter storm moves through La Plata County. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18763000A Colorado Department of Transportation plow driver clears remaining snow on U.S. Highway 550 on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19443000Jacob Stanton sits back near Purgatory Resort on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, and enjoys the foot of snow that was left from the recent storm. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21073000Drivers make their way on a snow-covered Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207) on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as a winter storm moves through La Plata County. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000A vehicle is carried away on a tow truck after a crash on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, on a snow-covered U.S. Highway 160 west of Durango as a winter storm moves through La Plata County. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17723000
Snowstorm moves through the area
The season’s first big snowstorm causes problems for drivers and makes for a winter wonderland
Snow descends on DurangoForecasters say storm could dump 6 inches in Durango areaDowntown Durango sees its first bit of snowfall on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Downtown Durango sees its first bit of snowfall on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Leaves cling to tree branches as snow begins to fall Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in downtown Durango. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Three flags flutter through a gentle wind as snow begins to fall Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in downtown Durango. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Snow begins to fall Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in downtown Durango. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960The railroad track near West 12th Street in downtown Durango is blanketed in snow on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960The railroad track near West 12th Street in downtown Durango is blanketed in snow on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Snow continues to fall along Main Avenue in downtown Durango on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960Snow continues to fall along Main Avenue in downtown Durango on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960A fall storm that moved into Southwest Colorado Friday morning was expected to dump 6 inches of snow in the Durango area – more than weather forecasters had initially predicted.Snow started falling about 9:15 a.m. Friday and intensified shortly before 11:30 a.m., blanketing parks, vehicles and the hilltops overlooking the city. Roads became slick about 2:30 p.m. As of 4 p.m., the Durango Police Department had responded to six crashes, in addition to a few stranded motorists.U.S. Highway 160 at County Road 44 near Mancos Hill was closed from around 4 p.m. to just after 6 p.m. because a vehicle carrying an “oversized load” had spun out and blocked both the eastbound and westbound lanes, according to Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes.“Right now our officers are able to keep up with the crashes that are coming in,” said Cmdr. Nick Stasi, with the Durango Police Department. “As always with winter weather, we remind drivers to slow down and give extra space for the cars in front.”Snow started accumulating very fast as the day went on, making it “challenging for plow operators to keep up,” according to CDOT.69604640The railroad track near West 12th Street in downtown Durango is blanketed in snow on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)Southwest Colorado’s five major mountain passes were icy and snowpacked Friday afternoon. But all five remained open as of 4:15 p.m.The Pacific storm favored the southern and central Colorado mountains, said Dave Byers, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.“Durango looks like a 70% chance of getting 6 inches or more of snow by the end of tonight (Friday),” Byers said.He expected a half inch to three-quarters of an inch of moisture from the storm, which is up from the one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch that was predicted earlier this week. Meanwhile, the mountains could receive 1 to 2 feet of snow from the storm, he said.“In the last few days, it has really picked up,” Byers said. “The southern mountains are catching the brunt of it.”The snowy weather didn’t stop Liz Ferrill and her family from stopping by Cream Bean Berry for a Unicorn Sundae. “We thought it might be a festive way to celebrate,” said Ferrill, who was visiting from Snowmass, where the first snow occurred in September.For others, the snow provided the impetus they needed to swap out tires or purchase new snow tires. Andre Payne, a sales person at J/P Tire in Durango, said the phone began ringing shortly after 9 a.m. with people wanting to switch to snow tires.“We’ve been pretty busy,” he said.69604640Snow continues to fall along Main Avenue in downtown Durango on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)It is not unusual for drivers to wait until they see the first snow and then want to swap out tires. The tire shop began advising customers to switch to snow tires about three weeks ago. Some people take the advice, other choose to wait.“We can always tell people what to do, but if you're not ready for it then you have to suffer the consequences of waiting two hours or maybe getting in an accident,” Payne said.Byers said Friday’s storm was the result of a southwest flow pulling moisture from Southern California, Arizona and the Gulf of California.As the moisture-laden atmosphere hits the San Juan Mountains, it wrings out the moisture, he said.Temperatures are expected to cool off as the storm makes its way out of the region this weekend. The highs this weekend will be in the upper 30s, and the lows could dip into the single digits, he said.“There’s still a northerly flow that is pulling cold air down out of Canada,” he said.Byers characterized Friday’s storm as a “shoulder storm” between summer and winter, but he said it is a sure sign that a regular track is settling in for Southwest Colorado.“We’re expecting regular storms … from now on, more into that winter pattern,” Byers said.Residents can expect mostly clear conditions through Wednesday, with clouds moving in the following day ahead of another storm that looks “very similar” to Friday’s storm, Byers said.shane@durangoherald.com; mhollinshead@durangoherald.com69604640Downtown Durango sees its first bit of snowfall on Friday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)
Snow descends on Durango
Forecasters say storm could dump 6 inches in Durango area
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Adele praises influential women after being honored at THR's Women in Entertainment gala
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Adele praises influential women after being honored at THR's Women in Entertainment gala
The UN secretary-general invoked 'Article 99' to push for a Gaza cease-fire. What exactly is it?
M-CHS boys basketball looks to outrun opposition

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Adele praises influential women after being honored at THR's Women in Entertainment gala
The UN secretary-general invoked 'Article 99' to push for a Gaza cease-fire. What exactly is it?
M-CHS boys basketball looks to outrun opposition
Adele praises influential women after being honored at THR's Women in Entertainment gala
The UN secretary-general invoked 'Article 99' to push for a Gaza cease-fire. What exactly is it?
M-CHS boys basketball looks to outrun opposition
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