News
KSUT, Aspen Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, and NPR sue Trump over funding cuts order
The plaintiffs argue that the executive order is unconstitutional, a First Amendment violation, and retaliatory.
GOP Congressional candidates Boebert and Coram face off at a debate in southwest Colorado
A look at COVID data trends from January to June
Here’s a look at positive case counts, statewide and by selected county. Also included is Colorado’s rate of full vaccination.
By the numbers: COVID vaccination and case counts as of May 3
In Photos: La Plata County vaccine clinic, March 20, 2021
A selection of photos from a vaccine clinic in Durango, Colorado.
Data dashboard: COVID vaccination and case counts as of April 1
Small town, internet company partner to bring wi-fi to City Park
Getting fast and reliable high-speed internet was a challenge for many people in the Four Corners even before the pandemic. But now as more adults and schoolchildren work remotely, communities and private businesses are stepping up to fill in some of the gaps.
Four Corners organization supporting needy families with school supplies
With unemployment rates skyrocketing, more families are facing economic hardship. That means some can’t afford to give their children basic school supplies. One group in Montezuma County is trying to help.
Some libraries begin cautious reopening
Visitors will see some changes when they stop by their local library. In many cases, only ten patrons are allowed inside at a time. And the books and DVDs you return will be quarantined before they go back on the shelf.
Farmer’s market adapts to keep vendors and patrons safe
Local markets are enacting rules to keep people safe. And some small farmers and ranchers are using the internet to sell their products. I spoke with Melanie McKinney Gonzalez, market manager for the Durango Farmer’s Market, to learn more.
Fundraiser update for Kayenta Arizona’s Navajo elders
A GoFundMe campaign was recently launched to get food and other supplies to Navajo elders who may be quarantined or sheltering at home. The successful campaign has already paid for groceries and other supplies.
Indian Health Service Director visits Navajo Nation to measure COVID response
On the Navajo Nation, efforts to trace the spread of the disease are working. And testing is on the increase. But challenges remain, and federal native health officials are responding with more funding.
A brave new world: Colorado restaurants reopen dine-in service
Colorado restaurants can reopen their dining rooms and patios for the first time in two months. But diners should prepare for some changes to the way their favorite eateries operate.
Mesa Verde reopens after two-month closure; What visitors can expect
Mesa Verde National Park is open again after two months because of the coronavirus. There are some caveats to what visitors will see and do.
Keeping people fed during a crisis
Hunger is hard enough. It’s even more challenging to face during a global pandemic. As unemployment has skyrocketed, so has people’s reliance on food programs. I talked to Doug Byele, the Priest-in-Charge at a Cortez, Colorado church, about how they’re alleviating hunger with a daily sack lunch program.
A friendship endures during a pandemic, even through a window
Rena Wilson drops by the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos, Colorado, every week. She spends some time with her longtime friend, Mac Neely, who is 99-years-old. They can’t meet in person right now because of the coronavirus. But that doesn’t stop their ability to connect.
Durango woman shares her COVID-19 experience: Mild but miserable and not the flu
We may know someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect they’ve had it. Jamie Pickering got a positive diagnosis and suffered a mild case. But she says it was still worse than the flu. I spoke to her about her experience.
Jicarilla Apache Nation instituting strict measures to keep coronavirus at bay
The Nation, located in north-central New Mexico, has turned to its website, Facebook page, and radio station KCIE, to get the word out.
Small businesses weather the pandemic Storm in the Four Corners
The pandemic has been particularly hard on small businesses. But some rely on their regular customers and government loans to weather the storm.
Animal adoptions up nationwide during coronavirus crisis
Animal adoptions are up nationwide. Especially now, people want the companionship and therapy that comes with having a pet. KSUT’s Mark Duggan spoke with Floss Backburn, Founder and President of the Denkai Animal Sanctuary in Cortez, to learn more.
Online learning a success for Montezuma-Cortez School District
Even in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, the job of educating children continues. Developing online learning has been challenging for school officials. But as Mark Duggan reports, it’s also been a success.
Osprey Packs, Alpacka Raft, and MakerLab producing masks and other supplies to meet local COVID-19 needs
Many businesses in the Four Corners have stepped up to make face masks and other supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ute Mountain Ute Tribe stays ahead of coronavirus pandemic
As of Thursday, April 9, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe had no reported cases of COVID-19. I spoke with the tribe’s chairman about the steps they’ve taken to stay ahead of the pandemic.
School lunches a key need for local districts during COVID-19 pandemic
Education administrators have had their hands full transitioning to distance learning. They’re also ensuring that students continue to get nutritious meals.
A conversation with the Navajo Nation’s chief medical officer about COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic is hitting the Navajo Nation particularly hard. Health officials are bracing for more cases, even as supplies are starting to arrive.
COVID-19’s toll on mental health and making isolation easier
One of the most profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the toll on our mental health.
Montezuma County prepares for increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases
Health officials in Montezuma County are preparing for an increase in confirmed cases of the COVID-19 infection.