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Last coal-fired engine departs Durango train station, marking end of an eraSaturday was bittersweet for crews who sent No. 481 on its final ride before it’s converted for oil use29112001 Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Conductor Johnathan Rooney, left, and railroad engineer Isaac Randolph place new flags on steam Engine No. 481 on Saturday ahead of its last coal-fueled outing. The 99-year-old locomotive will be converted to use oil as a fuel source for producing steam. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Saturday marked the bittersweet end of an era for Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad with the last departure of the railroad’s sole remaining coal-burning locomotive, Engine No. 481.The last coal engine left the rail yard for Cascade Canyon Silverton at 9:15 a.m. It was carrying about 185 passengers, many of whom were none the wiser to the historic moment unfolding.A small group of railroad workers, volunteers and longtime fans of D&SNG gathered on the platform to wave at passengers as the train rolled out and to embrace the memorable scent of burning coal for the last time.15002166 Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Fireman Jonathan Neuer shovels coal into the firebox of steam Engine No. 481 on Saturday before the locomotive pulled out of the depot for its last coal-fueled trip to Cascade Canyon and back. The locomotive will be converted to burn oil, which is a cleaner and less labor-intensive fuel source than coal. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)D&SNG General Manager Jeff Johnson said the railroad has used coal-burning engines since 1891. Engine No. 481 was built in 1925 for the Denver & Rio Grande Western (the previous name of D&SNG between 1881 and 1981) as part of a 10-engine order.The old-school fuel resource is as significant to the railroad’s history as the railroad is to the history of Durango. Al Harper, owner of D&SNG, has long held that the railroad would never give up coal.On Saturday, Harper said he “hates” retiring the historic coal engines, but he is excited about getting the railroad on the right track for the future.“What’s most important is that the railroad is really healthy. And I think that we’ve adjusted and we’re set so that we’ll be here for generations to come regardless,” he said. “And that’s more important than coal or oil. It’s important that (D&SNG) is here forever.”30002100 Several tons of coal sit in a rail car behind the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad coal-burning steam Engine No. 481 on Saturday. The locomotive will be taken into the shop and converted to burn oil instead of coal. It is the last of the railroad’s coal engines to be converted to oil, a process that started in 2020 in the aftermath of the 416 Fire of 2018. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Johnson said the railroad began converting its coal trains to oil-burning engines in 2020 in the long aftermath of the 416 Fire of 2018.The fire started on June 1, 2018, and burned about 54,000 acres north of Durango for two months before it was contained on July 31, 2018. The railroad was found liable for the fire and agreed to a $20 million settlement in a federal lawsuit in 2022.0VideoYouTube480360Johnson said a number of factors were at play in the conversion to oil engines.Fire risks are one reason. The railroad has already stopped deploying coal engines during the busy summer tourist season and has reserved Engine No. 481 for the wintertime. Coal sources are also waning, not just in La Plata County but across the country, and “we saw the handwriting on the wall,” he said.Railroad crew members said on Saturday coal is a fickle fuel source. It’s high maintenance, dirty and corrosive. It creates thick, black pillars of smoke whenever it is burned in abundance.A round trip from Durango to Silverton requires burning between 5 and 6 tons of coal. The same trip requires about 900 gallons of oil, Johnson said.Southside Durango residents have complained for decades about the soot from the railroad’s coal-fired operation. But despite coal’s shortcomings, it remains a symbol of nostalgia for the men and women at D&SNG.55513892 Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad crew members pose in front of steam Engine No. 481 on Saturday minutes before the locomotive left the rail yard for its last coal-fueled trip to Cascade Canyon. The train’s departure marked the bittersweet end of an era for railroad workers, owner Al Harper and longtime fans of D&SNG. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)For many railroad workers, it represents fond childhood memories and a source of bragging rights.D&SNG Engineer Isaac Randolph said there are few places left in the world where one can honestly claim he or she shovels coal for steam engines for a living.He has worked for the railroad for 19 years and like others he is sad the last coal engine is getting converted to burn oil.“My parents would sometimes surprise me with a trip to Silverton. That’s really the biggest thing I remember, is just the smell of the coal smoke,” he said.He said the scent of coal smoke is nostalgic to him and many other workers at D&SNG.30002166 Al Harper, right, owner of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and his son John Harper, general manager, stand in front steam engine No. 481 on Saturday. The locomotive’s trip that morning marked its last before it is converted into an oil-burning engine. It is the last of the railroad’s engines to burn coal instead of oil. The conversion makes for a pivotal point in the railroad’s history. (Jerry McBride/ Durango Herald)“That’s probably the thing that a lot of us are going to miss the most. Getting into the yard in the morning and just … getting the smell of the coal smoke,” he said.He said coal burning itself is an art form because every coal engine is different. It’s not as easy as just shoveling coal into the firebox.The way coal is patterned or loaded into the firebox and the way it steams takes skill to pull off. Sometimes, an engine won’t steam as effectively as it should and excessive smoke is produced as a result, which makes for a frustrating day on the tracks, he said.D&SNG Fireman Jonathan Neuer, whose job on Engine No. 481 is to fuel the engine’s firebox with coal, said shoveling coal is like performing a dance, moving coal into the firebox by shoveling it through a window or doorway into the right places as the train barrels forward.“The engine, you also have to fire it in a certain way to keep (coal) heavier in some areas and lighter in others. Heavier along the sides and in the back than in the front and in the middle,” he said. “You need to know the railroad.”The train engine needs a heavier fire to create enough steam to climb up Hermosa Hill, for example, he said. And coal requires energy to properly ignite, which means it needs to be loaded into the engine in time to ignite before the train reaches a hill.“We’re losing history, for sure. But it’s a practical consideration,” he said. “The coal burners are a lot more work. They’re more challenging. Compared to the oil burners, they have a certain romance about them. That will be sad to see go.”Neuer was among the last coal firemen trained by the railroad, he said. He finds coal engines more interesting to work with than oil engines because of the extra skill and labor they require.30002000 Smoke billows from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad coal-burning steam Engine 481 on Saturday. The locomotive is the last of the railroad’s steam engines to be converted from coal-fueled to oil-fueled. Despite being dirty, corrosive and a risk for wildfires, train crews said it was a sad moment for the railroad. They said they will miss the nostalgic scent of burning coal. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)“Nowhere in the country runs as many steam engines as hard and as far as we do. This is a special place,” he said. “I’m just glad that I got to experience it while it was still here.”One railroad volunteer said he wishes D&SNG hung onto the last coal train for one more year when it and many of the other engines would have turned 100 years old.Johnson said D&SNG has played a big role in his life. He started working for the railroad 43 years ago just after graduating high school. He still remembers the first time he was there for lighting a coal fire in Engine 481 after he accepted a job.But to the casual observer, there isn’t much of a noticeable difference between a coal engine and an oil engine. Regardless of the fuel source, the railroad is still operating steam engines, he said.cburney@durangoherald.com30001840 Isaac Randolph, an engineer with Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, backs up the coal-fired Engine No. 481 on Saturday in preparation for its last ride using coal. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)jm@durangoherald.com30002000 Smoke billows from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad coal burning steam engine 481 on Saturday. The locomotive is the last of the railroad’s steam engines to be converted from coal-fueled to oil-fueled. Despite being dirty, corrosive and a risk for wildfires, train crews said it was a sad moment for the railroad. They said they will miss the nostalgic scent of burning coal. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Saturday was bittersweet for crews who sent No. 481 on its final ride before it’s converted for oil use
Photos: Fort Lewis Skyhawks’ season ends in South Central Region basketball tournament semifinalsFort Lewis falls 85-80 against Colorado Mesa on Sunday in Canyon, TexasMalik Whitaker of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Sekou Dembele of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Trevor Baskin Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)30002000Isaiah Thompson of Fort Lewis College looks to move the ball inside against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Isaiah Thompson of Fort Lewis College dribbles against Trevor Baskin of Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Isaiah Thompson of Fort Lewis College looks to attack the basket against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&; M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Obi Agbim of Fort Lewis College throws down a dunk against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)30002000Obi Agbim of Fort Lewis College fires a 3-pointer against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Junior Garbrah of Fort Lewis College fires a deep shot against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Obi Agbim of Fort Lewis College shoots the ball against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Obi Agbim Fort Lewis College attacks the rim against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College Skyhawks coach Bob Pietrack talks to his team on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)2000300030002000Isaiah Thompson of Fort Lewis College dribbles against Trevor Baskin of Colorado Mesa University on Sunday, March 17, 2024 during the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)
Fort Lewis falls 85-80 against Colorado Mesa on Sunday in Canyon, Texas
Photos: Fort Lewis defeats Lubbock Christian 86-72 in South Central Region basketball tournament openerSkyhawks pull ahead late in first half Saturday in Canyon, Texas, will face Colorado Mesa in Sunday’s regional semifinalsFort Lewis College Skyhawks and Ethan Duncan of Lubbock Christian fight for possession of the ball on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Malik Whitaker of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Amondo Miller Jr. of Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Junior Garbrah of Fort Lewis College attacks against Kendall Dow of Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Brayden Carter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Jhei-R Jones of Fort Lewis College shoots the ball against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Obi Agbim of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)30002000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Obi Agbim of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Isaiah Thompson of Fort Lewis College Skyhawks puts up a compete against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, TX. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Malik Whitaker of Fort Lewis College fires a 3-pointer against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)30002000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Junior Garbrah of Fort Lewis College drives to the rim against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Jhei-R Jones of Fort Lewis College splits two Lubbock Christian defenders on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Malik Whitaker of Fort Lewis College looks to put up a shot against Ethan Duncan of Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College competes against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)20003000Fort Lewis College coach Bob Pietrack is seen here on the sideline against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)2000300030002000Junior Garbrah of Fort Lewis College attacks against Kendall Dow of Lubbock Christian on Saturday, March 16, 2024 during the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at West Texas A&M University's First United Bank Center in Canyon, Texas. (Joe Garcia III/Special to the Herald)
Skyhawks pull ahead late in first half Saturday in Canyon, Texas, will face Colorado Mesa in Sunday’s regional semifinals
Photo tour: Axis Health System moves into new buildingSarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. Photo by Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald21733525Axis Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)17113042Axis Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Axis Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)25033460Axis Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)27083611Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)22373200Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)20952793Kristal Southcotte with Axis Health System, comes down the stairs of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The new facility will use all three floors of the former Mercury Building. Photo by Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald30244032shane@durangoherald.comHealth System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)40323024Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)23753703Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)26813059Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)30244032Health System spent the better part of a year renovating the former Mercury building in south Durango for its own purposes. The integrated health care provider opened its doors to clients for the first time in its new building on Monday. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)27343646Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)32644912Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)26274032Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building Monday in Durango. The integrated heath care provider bought the former Mercury building in February and spent the last year renovating it for its own purposes. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)2105302430242105Sarada Leavenworth, vice president of administration at Axis Health System, gives a tour of the nonprofit's new building. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)
Demolition derby back on for 2024 La Plata County Fair Event will take place in Ignacio to work around liability concerns at fairgrounds 3000 2000 Some of those involved with the demolition derby ran a float in the Snowdown Light Parade on Feb. 2 asking for support to “bring back the demolition derby.” (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file) Demolitionists, start your engines. And then prepare to have them smashed. The annual demolition derby at the La Plata County Fair, which had been in jeopardy, is back on. The event will be held this year at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio. The fair board turned to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as it become increasingly clear that La Plata County commissioners would not allow the event to take place at the fairgrounds owned by the county. In September, county officials informed the fair board that the annual blockbusting smash-em-up event would not be permitted to take place citing liability concerns. The county does not run the fair, but it does rent the fairgrounds property to the independent organization that holds the event. Organizers and derby participants were outraged by the decision. The event is one of the largest sources of income for the fair. Fair Board President Amy Peterson estimated the event raked in about $30,000 last year and said that without it, the fair’s future could be in jeopardy. And so it was with great joy that fair board members are celebrating the revival of the derby. Although the board is still hammering out the final details of a contract, organizer Tiffany Griffith said she is looking forward to holding the event again. “It's just a staple to our fair, and so the thought of that not happening – it just didn't sit well with many of us,” she said. No, the derby will not be held at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. But the event is happening during the fair, in La Plata County. The new location comes with its own upsides and downsides. Although the event will not occur at the site of the other fair activities, the Ignacio location does add capacity for about 400 additional seats to the typically sold-out event. “We get lemons, we make lemonade out of it,” said Ralph Brawley, a longtime organizer and supporter of the derby. County commissioners had raised concerns about holding the event in a mixed-use arena and what risk that could pose to livestock and spectators. Ultimately, officials decided the potential liability that taxpayers would assume was too great a risk to take. Although Brawley still feels the decision has not been adequately explained, he too expressed optimism about the future of the event. “The derby will continue because we have a great following, a bigger venue, (and) hopefully we make more money,” he said. 0 Video YouTube 480 360 The event will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, with beer and food for sale per usual. To fill the hole left in the schedule at the county fairgrounds on Saturday, when the derby is typically held, Griffith said she is hoping to secure a lumberjack show involving chain saw carving. Despite the move, Griffith remains hopeful the event will be a success. “I'm optimistic that we're going to have a full house because every year, we tend to sell out anyway,” she said. “… I'm confident that it'll still be another sold out event at a bigger place (with) better parking.” rschafir@durangoherald.com
Event will take place in Ignacio to work around liability concerns at fairgrounds
Durango police investigate suspicious white powder spread around buildingsCourthouse and police station were closed Tuesday morning40323024A white powder substance was found sprinkled around the entrances of the Durango Police station, La Plata County Courthouse and other buildings early Tuesday in downtown Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)A suspicious white powder – later determined to be baking soda – was found spread around the Durango Police Department, La Plata County Courthouse and other buildings early Tuesday in downtown Durango.The police station and courthouse were closed while authorities investigated. It appeared early on as if the white powder may have been baking soda, but authorities were operating cautiously until a hazmat team could analyze the substance for the presence of hazardous materials, said DPD Chief Bob Brammer.It appears the powdery substances was sprinkled about town on at least two different occasions. A nearly empty 10-pound bag of Arm & Hammer baking soda was found discarded Monday morning near the Herald building. Video surveillance showed the powder being spread in front of the main entrance about 6:20 p.m. Sunday.40323024A nearly empty 10-pound bag of Arm & Hammer baking soda was found discarded near The Durango Herald offices Tuesday morning the same day a white powdery substances was found sprinkled around the entrances of the Durango Police station, La Plata County Courthouse and other buildings in town. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)24361827A white powder substance was found sprinkled around the entrances of the Durango Police station, La Plata County Courthouse and other buildings in downtown Durango. In this photo, the white powder can be seen sprinkled around a Durango Police Department vehicle parked on east 10th Street. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)Law enforcement encircled the police station and courthouse with crime tape Tuesday morning.Police had video surveillance of a suspect spreading the powder early Tuesday, said Cmdr. Jacob Dunlop, with the Durango Police Department. No arrests had been made as of 9:30 a.m., he said.“If we find the person we’re looking for that we think it might be, it shouldn't be too hard to match him up,” Dunlop said. “But we can’t positively ID the person from the footage alone.”40323024A white powder substance was found sprinkled around the entrances of the Durango Police station, La Plata County Courthouse and other buildings early Tuesday in downtown Durango. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)Possible charges for sprinkling a non-harmful substance could include interruption of government services, among others, Dunlop said. The charges for sprinkling a harmful substance would be much more severe, he said.“It’s a fine white powder that’s obviously intentionally spread on the door handles and access points and on the ground at all of the entrances to the police department and county courthouse,” Dunlop said.Police also found the white powder spread near the entryway to the First United Methodist Thrift Store at 986 East Second Ave., which is next door to the police station.The Durango Fire Protection District used a portable mass spectrometer to analyze whether the white substance contained any hazardous chemicals.The FBI and Colorado Bureau of Investigation were assisting with the investigation.shane@durangoherald.com0VideoYouTube480360
Courthouse and police station were closed Tuesday morning
55013644The Waltz of the Snowflakes during act 1 of Mann Dance Academy's 15th annual production of the Nutcracker at Henderson Fine Arts Theater on Saturday. (Crystal Shelton/Special to the Tri-City Record)Photos: Mann Dance Academy performs ‘Nutcracker’ in Farmington “The Nutcracker,” a classic ballet composed by Peter Tchaikovsky in 1891, was performed Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16, at the San Juan College Henderson Fine Arts Theater in Farmington.Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows young Clara, who receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather. The enchanted toy comes to life, leading Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets. The ballet is renowned for its music, choreography, and imaginative storytelling, making it a beloved holiday tradition worldwide. Mann Dance Academy has been entertaining Farmington audiences with its rendition of The Nutcracker for 15 years. This year's production boasted a diverse ensemble of dancers, spanning ages from 8 to 22. Notably, some performers have been a part of Mann Dance Academy's Nutcracker production since its inception. 55893685Dancers perform, Ribbon Candy during act 2 of Mann Dance Academy's 15th annual production of the Nutcracker at Henderson Fine Arts Theater on Saturday, December 16, 2023. (Crystal Shelton/Special to the Tri-City Record)55063671Cassandra Hallum as Clara with the Nutcracker played by, Dreylon Matthews during Act 1 of Mann Dance Academy's 15th annual production of the Nutcracker at Henderson Fine Arts Theater on Saturday (Crystal Shelton/Special to the Tri-City Record)49313217The Toy Soldiers perform during act 1 of Mann Dance Academy's 15th annual production of the Nutcracker at Henderson Fine Arts Theater on Saturday. (Crystal Shelton/Special to the Tri-City Record)51833455Dancers perform, Arabian Coffee during act 2 of Mann Dance Academy's 15th annual production of the Nutcracker at Henderson Fine Arts Theater on Saturday. (Crystal Shelton/Special to the Tri-City Record)
“The Nutcracker,” a classic ballet composed by Peter Tchaikovsky in 1891, was performed Friday, Dec...
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)
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.
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
On Saturday, the annual Parade of Lights brought a community together following the tragic death of Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran