Professional certification courses for cybersecurity and drone operations are tuition-free and available with a grant from La Plata County and Colorado OEDIT. The work of Cortez artist Karen Kristin is on display through September at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. The work focuses on the animals and landscape of the southwest. September is the final month of Third Thursdays celebrations - the finale will feature musical act The Hillbenders. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and The Lor Foundation

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, in conjunction with the Colorado Grain Chain, is offering an educational online series about grain this winter and spring. Scholarships are available for local grain producers as well as business owners of grain-oriented businesses. The Good Food Collective is taking charge of gleaning in our community this harvest season. Gleaning is the art of harvesting fruit that would otherwise go unused. Tickets for the 2023 Sunflower Shorts Play Festival are on sale now. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Southwest Health Systems

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire - but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

You can nominate an exceptional woman for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame 40th Anniversary class through January 31st. As summer fades, chances are running out to join the monthly garden class at Good Sam’s Food Pantry in Cortez. There will be plenty of chances to catch a vibe in Cortez at an upcoming global music event. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and TruWest Auto

The Mancos Common Press will have local artists on hand for a printing pop-up and fundraiser. Learn how to identify wild mushroom varieties and what their health benefits may be at an upcoming educational session. Colorado Parks & Wildlife wants hunters to help with its big game license draw process. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply

The Mancos School District Board elections is scheduled to take place Tuesday, November 14, but candidates must start the process in August. The League of Women Voters in Montezuma County is hosting a presentation on the Economic Development of Region 9. Mark your Calendars, Escalante Days returns August 11-13. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health Systems and FASTSIGNS

There is a subtle excitement hearing the tuning note as a symphony is about to start, and San Juan Symphony wants to bring that excitement to everyone, performer or concert-goer. Through community-based programs, working within local schools, and supporting other local music groups, San Juan Symphony is bringing professional-grade music to the small towns and communities, breaking down barriers to access. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

The Cortez Adult Education Center is offering free registration for GED and ESL classes in august. The annual Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally is scheduled for Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm with tethered balloon rides on a first come, first served basis for a five dollar donation. The Montelores Early Childhood Council is sponsoring a school supply giveaway. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and the Lor Foundation

Prizes, meditation and social hour highlight a wellness mixer planned at Zu Gallery in August. Learn how to identify, harvest and prepare mushrooms at an upcoming seminar hosted by Fish & Fungi. Help supply local kids with the tools they need to return to the classroom this fall at a fundraiser hosted by local businesses. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room

After a recent Housing Needs Assessment, the City of Cortez is updating the land use code and taking other steps to ensure the town has more housing available for the workforce in the near future. Cortez Mayor, Rachel Medina, talks about ways that the city is working on housing issues with local partners. By Illana Newman. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and TruWest Auto