Upstream battle
If you’ve been around Durango long enough, you know what a powerful force the river can be. Three years ago, longtime local Shane Nelson started a nonprofit, Rafting for Recovery, to harness that power to help people overcome addiction. “We serve people in all stages of recovery, from the ‘old timers’ to those who are brand new and looking for a foothold in sobriety,” says Nelson.
The gist of the program is a seven-day trip down Cataract Canyon, in conjunction with various behavioral and solution-based therapies. “We provide skills, tools and resources that are truly transferable once they return to their lives,” he says.
The previous trips have been financed by the Mercury Gives program and Wounded Warrior Project. This year, however, those programs were cut, and Nelson is scrambling to raise $8,000 in time for the Aug. 7 trip. “I am honestly afraid this trip will not happen this year without help,” he says.
To reach his goal, Nelson has set up a crowdfunding site at www.indiegogo.com/projects/ rafting-4-recovery-iii-2016#/. For more on the program, go to: www.rafting4recovery.com.
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- 05/28/2026
- Quick 'n' Dirty
- By Missy Votel
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Help for the Demon Bridge, Highway 550 N closure, and fire mitigation falls off
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- 05/28/2026
- Getting crafty
- By Haylee May / Colorado Public Radio
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Colorado brewers buck national trend by adapting to changing times
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- 05/21/2026
- Taming the ART
- By Missy Votel
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City chooses education, striping over speed limit on River Trail
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- 05/21/2026
- Planned Parenthood reopens
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PPRM president credits local community in getting clinic running again
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- Short legs, big party
- 05/28/2026
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On most days, Tracy Harwood spends her time as a court clerk for the City of Durango. But next Thurs., June 4 – International Corgi Day – she hopes to bring something entirely different to town: short legs, wiggly butts and oversized personalities.
- River cowboy
- 05/21/2026
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It’s a mash-up made in Westernwear heaven. Sort of. Seems Chaco, the purveyor of the iconic strappy dirtbag river rat footwear, has joined forces with Wrangler, as in tight jeans, big belt buckles, bull riding and snap shirt fame.
- Making plans
- 05/14/2026
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Wondering what’s up with the old 9-R Admin building at the end of E. 2nd Avenue that was going to be a fire department, then wasn’t going to be a fire department and is now going to be City Hall and the Police Department?The City of Durango will demystify plans for the historic building during a public session Wed., May 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center.
- Going for the gold
- 04/30/2026
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Turns out, blondes do have more fun, or at least they get more awards. Last week, Ska Brewing won the gold medal for its True Blonde Ale in the English-Style Pale Ale category at the 2026 World Beer Cup. This is the third win for the Blonde at the World Beer Cup, held in Philadelphia on April 22 and pegged as one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions.