The Dolores Thanksgiving Turkey Trot invites you to burn your thighs before the pies with their annual 5k run at 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 23. On Friday, November 24th, bring your leftovers to the Mancos Public Library for a post-Thanksgiving potluck and board game night. Summer 2023 brought increased tourism and travel for Mesa Verde Country, according to local businesses. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto Outlet and Blondie's Trophy Room

November 8 is National S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. Day, designed to further inspire children to pursue science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Learn what the Dolores Public Library offers regularly to make these subjects fun and available to students. Veterans Day, (Saturday, November 11,) will be celebrated with a parade in Cortez as well as other events for veterans throughout the day. National Apprenticeship Week is November 13th through the 19th. Virtual and in-person events will be held for career seekers, employers, and educators across the country with specific days themed around women, youth, veterans, and more. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Southwest Health System

Daniel Seddiqui, titled the “Most Traveled Person in America” by Rick Steves, finally crossed Southwest Colorado off his list of places to visit. As of this fall, Seddiqui had visited every pinpoint on the U.S. map except for four. As part of his motto to “live the map,” Seddiqui makes it a priority to emerge himself in the culture and community of the places he visits: connecting with locals, working jobs, and participating in various activities. A career counselor by profession, Seddiqui also does public speaking and encourages teens and young adults to be curious and step outside their comfort zones. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings

A new business in Dolores caters to outdoor enthusiasts traveling through Montezuma County. The Dolores Bike Hostel has 23 beds ranging from bunk rooms to private rooms and one private suite. Owner Jacob Carloni hopes his lodge helps travelers access the world class outdoor recreation the Four Corners has to offer. The Dolores Bike Hostel is pledging to work within local artists, organizations and businesses on future collaborations ranging from gallery nights to group events and anything in between. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Big-O Tires

Drop off your ballot this week as the voting period for the coordinated elections ends on Tuesday, November 7th. Visit Montezuma County's website for ballot drop box locations and details. The Mancos Public Library will be participating in International Games Month with game nights and activities lined up throughout November. Fenceline Cider invites you to celebrate the season at their Harvest Party on November 5th. Coloradans can now add their driver’s license or state ID to their Google Wallet. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big O Tires

After spawning kokanee salmon from McPhee Reservoir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife gives away salmon that otherwise would die in the Dolores River. Parks and Wildlife have been doing these giveaways since the 1990s. Two more giveaways are planned for November 2nd and November 9th. Hopeful recipients should line up an hour before the start time, as the salmon runs out quickly. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by the LOR Foundation and Blondies Trophy Room

Cyclist Sepp Kuss played an integral role in Jumbo Visma’s historic dominance of the sport’s three grand tours. He topped it off by winning the Tour of Spain. Durango honored its native son with a party, including live music, a downtown bike parade, and a live Q&A session. American cycling fans flocked to Durango for the event. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino

The Piñon Project is hosting Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 28th at Montezuma Park starting at 9 a.m. with a 5k Zombie Walk. On Tuesday, October 31st, the Mancos Public Library invites you to enjoy a chili dinner at their pre-trick-or-treating event. Fenceline Cider will be hosting a costume contest at 5 p.m. that evening. In Cortez, the Chamber of Commerce has coordinated a Safe Stops trick-or-treating route with stops at over 20 businesses from 4 to 6 p.m. on October 31. The Cortez Walmart will also be hosting a kid’s safety event from 5 to 7 p.m. The Dolores Public Library invites Harry Potter fans to join them October 31 at 4 p.m. for A Night at Hogwarts. Pueblo Community College president, Dr. Patricia Erjavec has announced her retirement after a 22-year career with the Colorado Community College System. By Rachel Hughes.

This past September, Pueblo Community College Southwest moved back into the Commons Building in Durango from its Durango High School location. The move will provide more opportunities for community involvement between the school and Durango, as well as provide opportunities to expand existing programs and add new programs. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the move, PCC staff and administrators expressed excitement about the move and the opportunities now available to the school and its students. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Tafoya Barrett & Associates

Dancing with the Durango Stars is an annual fundraiser for the Durango Derailers’ Patient Assistance Fund. This couple’s dance competition is choreographed by Leslie Carlson and is one of Durango Derailers biggest fundraising events and a whole lot of fun! In the fund's 17-year history, they have fund-raised over $1 MILLION in aggregate support. This fund is available to children and families living in SW Colorado to help with travel expenses when they need to go to a pediatric hospital or pediatric specialist for a higher level of pediatric specialty care (outpatient or inpatient). The fund provides gas cards and hotel assistance. By Kristi Dean and Andy Wingerd. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware