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In a rural region with little public transit and few ride-share options, Grant Allred, general manager and dealer principal of Webb Toyota, says his industry sells freedom. The family business behind Webb Automotive Group dates to 1927 and will mark 100 years in 2027, with a fifth generation prepping to take over. By Tanner Waite Watch this story at LNN.news This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Farmington, Legacy Financial Advisors and Rocky Mountain Safety. And presented by Four Corners Economic Development, the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and the Aztec Chamber of Commerce.

The Colorado Democratic Party’s “Our Future. Our Colorado.” bus tour stopped at Fort Lewis College in Durango on Saturday, Oct. 17. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and Attorney General and Democratic nominee for governor Phil Weiser spoke to supporters, along with other state and local candidates. By Sadie Smith Watch this story at LNN.news This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and FASTSIGNS Durango.

Naomi Riess, a Republican, is running for Colorado House District 59 against Katie Stewart, the Democratic incumbent.  By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more election content at LNN.news/elections

Katie Stewart, the Democratic incumbent for Colorado House District 59, is running for reelection against Naomi Riess, a Republican. By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more elections content at LNN.news/elections

After 20 years of building Shaw Solar in Durango, founder John Shaw chose to transition the company to an employee-owned worker cooperative, giving 14 employees the opportunity to become owners.  With financing support from First Southwest Bank, the company created a path to preserve local jobs, share ownership and build a stronger future for the people who helped make the business successful.  [LNN Branded Content]

Montezuma County voters will decide two lodging tax increases this November, and which one appears on your ballot depends on where you live.  The tax is paid by visitors booking hotels, motels, campgrounds and short-term rentals. If approved, the increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. By Sadie Smith Watch this story at LNN.news This story is sponsored by Builders First Source and Breaking Wax Trading.

Daryl Crites, the Republican incumbent for La Plata County surveyor, is running unopposed this November.  By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more election content at LNN.news/elections

John Hickenlooper, the Democratic incumbent for U.S. Senate, is running for reelection against Mark Baisley, a Republican. By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more election content at LNN.news/elections

Phil Weiser, a Democrat, is running for governor against Greg Lopez, an unaffiliated candidate, and Victor Marx, a Republican, who was unavailable to interview.  By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more election content at LNN.news/elections

Mark Baisley, a Republican, is running for U.S. Senate against John Hickenlooper, the Democratic incumbent. By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more elections content at LNN.news/elections

Our Shared Currents is a 3-part series exploring human relationships along Southwest Colorado’s waterways. These stories of unexpected commonalities go beyond traditional boundaries and competing demands. In this first episode, we learn how water systems and local wildlife connect the Rio Grande and Colorado River basins. The San Juan-Chama Project, a major transmountain diversion originating in the South San Juans and funneling water underneath the Continental Divide, is a critical lifeline for communities in New Mexico. People and nature are uniquely bound together across the Divide by these shared waters. By Christi Bode Watch this story at LNN.news This story is supported by the Greater Good Science Center and Colorado News Collaborative.

James Wiley, a Republican, is running for secretary of state against Amanda Gonzalez, a Democrat.  By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more elections content at LNN.news/elections

Kevin Grantham, a Republican, is running for state treasurer against Jeff Bridges, a Democrat.  By Rachel Hughes Watch this interview and explore more elections content at LNN.news/elections

Montezuma County’s general election is approaching. Here are key dates, drop-off locations and things to know before your ballot arrives. By Sadie Smith Watch this story at LNN.news  This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Big O Tires of Cortez.

The fourth annual Rhythm and Roots Harvest Festival runs Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Mancos Brewing Co. On Saturday, Sept. 26, the San Juan Mountains Association will host a La Plata Canyon campsite cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., open to all ages. To register, visit SJMA's Volunteer Opportunities page. The Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance, the Bureau of Land Management and Osprey are seeking volunteers for a National Public Lands Day cleanup at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. By Kia Whiteskunk Watch this story at LNN.news This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and the Lor Foundation.