He was told that a Celtic Fair in Cortez would never get off the ground, but organizer Randy McKnight has proven them wrong. This story is sponsored by The LOR Foundation and Big-O Tires

San Juan County, the City of Farmington, and the Navajo Nation hope to bring a freight rail system to the Four Corners, and a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for a feasibility study, now in its early stages. Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by CMIT Solutions and Three Rivers Brewery

Learn who has been named as the state volunteer of the year by the Bureau of Land Management, City of Cortez asks for voluntary water restrictions, and how would you change the accessory-dwelling-unit regulations? This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino Hotel and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware

The Southwest Civic Winds, founded in 2012, boasts a robust band of 40 members, give or take, playing a variety of instruments, music, and songs from across the world. While they can and do perform in concert halls and other similar venues, you can catch a glimpse of them at the Fourth of July Rotary Park Pancake Breakfast this year. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the Payroll Department

Mesa Verde Country hopes to manage and market the Trails of the Ancients Byway so that visitors to Southwest Colorado will find a reason to extend their stays by one or two more days. This story is sponsored by StoneAge Tools and Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado

Horse Empower has a unique way of approaching a ladies’ night out - in the midst of the staples of good food, drinks, and conversation, a horse might just make its appearance. Kim Hardesty, owner of Horse Empower, and her herd of horses offer a range of services, from equine therapy to equine-assisted learning. One of the programs though, might just offer new options for a night out. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and The Norm Phillips Team, at Draper & Kramer Mortgage

Persistent drought has caused severe fire weather conditions, so area agencies have moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions. That means no fires whatsoever. This story is sponsored by the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley Serving Southwest Colorado and TruWest Auto

Rural Northern New Mexico and Southwest Colorado are suffering from teacher shortages, particularly in secondary math and science classrooms and special education classrooms. The Three Rivers Education Foundation hopes to put a dent in the problem with a unique teacher-training program for professionals considering a change in their careers. This story is sponsored by Boons Family Thai Barbecue and Pop's Truck and RV Center

KSUT Public Radio wants to reduce polarization between people in the Four Corners with a new conversation series and it invites residents from throughout the region to participate. This story is sponsored by TBK Bank and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley

Get your calendars ready! This week's Local News Roundup offers a slew of special events to keep you entertained while you support good causes. This story is sponsored by Ute Mountain Casino and the LOR Foundation of Montezuma County