Ear to the ground

“It looks like something big might hit in February.”

-Local weather guru responding to the question, “Is there any snow in the forecast?”

As the holidays pass and the needles and tinsel begin to fall, Christmas tree recycling again proves to be the best way to get closure on the season. Like in past years, the City of Durango and La Plata County will offer drop-offs for spent trees this year. Collected trees are not landfilled but instead chipped into mulch that is then made available to local residents. Christmas trees must be cleaned of all decoration, including tinsel, garland, bows and nails. And keep the phonies at home. Only natural Christmas trees, wreaths and boughs are accepted.

For the public’s convenience, designated tree drop-off sites are now open. A few of the locations are: the parking area at the north end of Folsom Park, which will be open until Jan. 15; the Bayfield convenience center; the lot at the intersection of Highway 160 and Wildcat Canyon Road until Jan. 8.

In addition, the City of Durango will offer curbside tree pickup for its residential refuse customers. Trees should be laid on their sides near the property’s front curb prior to Jan. 9. They will be picked up on the same day as trash and other recycling that week. For information, call 375-4800.

Can you piece together phrases like “Fun is the key in 2003” or “Time for fun in 2001?” If you answered “yes” to this question, fame and fortune could be in your future.

The La Plata County Fair Board is currently accepting theme ideas for the 2006 La Plata County Fair. Like the past winners mentioned above, themes should reflect the family and community nature of the fair and be limited to 10 words or less. Artwork is also encouraged. The winner receives a $100 cash prize and a place in the La Plata County Fair Hall of Fame.

Theme concept submissions can be dropped off at the La Plata County Extension Office at 2700 Main Ave. or mailed to: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango 81301. Submissions must be labeled with name and telephone number and received prior to Feb. 17.