Third Thursdays return to Montezuma Park this summer. Find out how you can participate! Montezuma-Cortez High School will host a district-wide musical event. Watch for details! The Sunflower Theatre invites you to a two-night celebration. Learn more! Mesa Verde Country invites visitors to a celestial celebration. Find out more! By Rachel Hughes This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company
An award-winning and best-selling author will present her book at the Cortez Public Library. Find out when! The Cortez Cultural Center invites artists to submit pieces for the annual Birding Festival exhibit. Learn more! The National Park Service will waive entrance fees for one day only, and updates to the park entry system are coming soon. Watch for details. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and The Lor Foundation.
Recent storms have done little to raise snowpack and water levels while 2024 monsoons built fuels to set up a potentially dangerous 2025 fire season. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a police officer? Learn how you can get a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement. The San Juan Boards of Cooperative Educational Services will hold a Special Education Advisory Committee meeting to address students' learning supports. Then, find out about an opportunity for young drivers to improve their skills and learn life-saving techniques. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Blondie's Trophy Room.
Grace’s Kitchen at St. Barnabas Church of the Valley Episcopal Church serves free community meals three days a week, no questions asked. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.
The Four States Agriculture Exposition returns to Montezuma County. Find out where to get tickets. Explore student programs and other possibilities at Ute Mountain Recreation Center’s Spring Fair. Join author Lisa C. Taylor at local libraries to hear about her newest release. Find out where! Then, learn about the fight for women’s voting rights presented by the League of Women Voters. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Blondie's Trophy Room.
A draft of the City of Cortez Safety Action Plan is available for review and public comment. Find out how you can add your input! Join author Scott Graham , at the Dolores Public Library for an author’s talk about his first National Park Mystery novel. A bipartisan bill to provide Ute tribal members free entry to Colorado state park passed the committee vote. The Colorado Department of Revenue introduces an online tax benefits hub to help taxpayers save money. Watch for more information. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply.
United Way of Southwest Colorado using new ALICE study to better understand the region. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.
Mancos has a new breakfast spot in town! Roosters serves affordable, homemade dishes and locals are crowing about it! By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.
Calling all Cortez creatives! The LOR Foundation and City of Cortez Public Arts Advisory Committee will offer innovators and artists a unique funding opportunity. Learn how you can participate in water management conversations and solutions during the Southwestern Water Conservation District’s 41st Annual Seminar. The Mancos Opera House will host a screening of a new documentary on libraries. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company.
You’ll now have to pay a parking fee at the Cortez Municipal Airport. The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association has partnered with the Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center to offer a free digital marketing webinar series. Find out how to register. Applications are now open for Southwest Conservation Corps’ 2025 Summer Youth Crews. Learn more about crew descriptions and program dates. The City of Cortez has money available for local businesses to improve their exteriors or to clean up graffiti through the Cortez Business Beautification Grant and new Graffiti Cleanup Grant. Learn how to apply. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
Sanctuary Founder Floss Blackburn hopes the move will help it better serve both Montezuma and La Plata Counties. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings.
Pueblo Community College Southwest will offer two forestry classes at its Mancos campus starting Monday, Feb. 17 in response to growing workforce demand. Tickets for Mixed in Mancos 2025, the band lineup and tickets for the event are available on the Mancos Creative District website . Local nonprofit workers are invited to attend a presentation on the Colorado Grants Guide on Thursday, Mar. 6 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie's Trophy Room.
The fast fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution. Find out how you can shop sustainably for used clothing and sports gear at Durango Outdoor Exchange. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and FASTSIGNS Durango.
A lot to unpack in this edition of the Montezuma Roundup. ICE raids spark anxiety among tribal nations. Watch out Mad Hatter! “Burros in Wonderland” coming to Mancos. And, “What Happened to You” conversations shifted to Feb. 22 in Mancos. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Choice Building Supplies.
Anderson’s American speed skiing record will turn 19 in April. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.
The public draft of the Cortez Land Use Code is AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT before the Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The opening reception for Leigh Waggoner’s Terra Forma Mosaics is 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb.7, at St. Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church. Mancos Friends of the Library’s Annual Valentine’s Day Bake Salewill from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb.14 at the Mancos Public Library. Cortez firefighting officials say the area is in a better position to avoid wildfires than Southern California because of the town’s location and emergency management plans. Nevertheless, learn how you can prevent fires and prepare for emergencies. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
Discounted registration for Onward! A Legacy Foundation’s 8th Annual Putt-Putt Tournament is available through Thursday, Jan., on the Onward! website. The tournament will be Saturday, Feb. 1. In a unanimous vote, the Mancos Creative District Board of Directors approved a fund-raising project to acquire the Mancos Opera House. The Sunflower Theatre and Four Corners Writers present Live Reading from Four Corners Voices at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. at the Sunflower Theater. Tickets are available on the Sunflower website. Print your own Valentine’s Day Cards during one of two Mancos Common Press workshops in February. Learn more at Mancos Common Press website today. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.
Join the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County and Denis Boon at the Cortez Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 18 for the presentation of their informative travelogue. Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Montezuma Leadership Network is partnering with the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce to hold a lunch and learn about creating accountability within organizations. The Sunflower Theatre is screening the documentary Every Little Thing on Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:00 p.m. The Mancos Creative District is hosting a release party for the Mixed in Mancos 2024 album party on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Mancos Brewing Company. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.
From stricter phone regulations while behind the wheel to new child passenger safety rules, here are five laws that could impact you. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
The Cortez Chamber of Commerce is offering a free, six-week course on the fundamentals of leadership and management to begin Jan. 15. The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to share their thoughts and help build a stronger community at the town hall meeting on Monday, Jan. 13. The Mancos Creative District received a Traditional Arts Project Grant from Colorado Creative Industries and seeks four artists to teach an art or craft class. Montezuma County experienced record-breaking involvement in this year’s Community Connections 5th Annual Festival of Wreaths. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Keesee Motors.
The Cortez Police Department has 29 new rifle-rated vests, thanks to the work of community collaboratives. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.
San Juan Mountains Association is holding its Christmas Trees for Conservation fundraiser. Come pick up your Christmas tree and support stewardship and conservation education on Southwest Colorado’s public land. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
The City of Cortez is encouraging community members to get involved by applying to be a City of Cortez board member. Southwest Colorado experienced record-breaking donations for 2024’s Colorado Gives Day. The Great Outdoors Colorado board awarded over $700,000 to the Town of Dolores to improve Joe Rowell Park as well as additional funds to Southwest Conservation Corps and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Montezuma-Cortez High School is seeking community feedback on potential science, social studies, and English language arts programming. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.
Four Corners Writers hosted their inaugural kick-off event on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Cortez Public Library to celebrate the upcoming anthology, Four Corners Voices, featuring writers from across the region. Look forward to a collection of regional stories, essays, and poetry, arriving soon at local bookstores. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
The last day to submit a gift request for the Rotary Club of Dolores’ annual Angel Tree Gift Program is Friday, Dec. 13. All gifts must be delivered to the Dolores Public Library by Wednesday, Dec. 18. Christmas at the Galloping Goose is back on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Dolores Family Project is holding a Christmas food drive at the Dolores Public Library through Saturday, Dec. 2t as well as starting its Backpack Program again this month. With the completion of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s US 550 corridor projects, you can now expect a construction-free drive between Montrose and Ouray. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie’s Trophy Room.
Looking for a good cozy winter activity? Get your copy of the Historic Cortez Coloring Book, featuring artwork from over 20 local artists. The book, released earlier this year, has multiple designs inspired by Southwest Colorado and Montezuma County and is perfect for coloring enthusiasts and beginners alike. The Town of Dolores has put out a call to artists of all ages for a new logo design. With three age categories available, there’s a chance for everyone to show off their design skills. Submit your design by the end of December, and the winning logo will be announced Jan. 31, 2025. The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual community holiday gathering Thursday, Dec. 12 at Moondog Cafe and Bakery. Celebrate the holidays with the awards ceremony for the Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Cowboy/Cowgirl of the Year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
Get into the holiday spirit with the 21st Annual Festival of Trees & Wreaths Dec. 6th through 8th! Put on by Community Connections and Our Own Lives, it’s a family-friendly fundraiser you can bring the whole family to. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank.
Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Olde Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The City of Cortez is establishing new office hours to give staff an early start to their weekend starting Monday, Dec. 2. The Shield 616 Angel Armor Vest presentation is coming up on Monday, Dec. 2nd. The Four Corners Board of Realtors 34th Annual Parade of Lights is accepting entries for parade participants through Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. The parade will be held on Main Street in Cortez on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room.
The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.
Tour more than 50 wreaths downtown Cortez during Community Connections’ 5th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The festival will be held Monday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 8. Dolores’ annual Turkey Trot is happening at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Vitalant is conducting a blood drive for the Dolores community on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Nominations for Mancos Valley Annual Awards are due on Thursday, Dec. 5 with winners announced at the Mancos Chamber Community Holiday Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 12. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.
The Sunflower Theatre is celebrating two decades of music with local band Carute Roma on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m. Mancos Public Library is holding an evening of land education titled, “Our Common Ground: Why You Cannot Fence the Forest” on November 20th featuring author and professor Dr. Andrew Gulliford. The Mancos Art Market will be held on Sunday, December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at several locations around Mancos. Zu Gallery’s monthly Four Corners Writers Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.
Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.
The Four Corners Writers Anthology is having its inaugural event on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. Mancos FoodShare’s annual winter coat drive has begun and will run through Dec. 16. Clean, gently-used coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cortez Public Library will be closed through Monday, Nov. 11, in order to replace the HVAC system. A recent survey from LotteryTexts shows that Coloradans would support the preservation of Mesa Verde National Park if they were to suddenly become wealthy. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company.
There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and FLC Center for Innovation.
New ballots are being sent to Montezuma County voters who live in RE-1 School District Precinct D due to a layout error. Residents are asked to fill out a corrected ballot and return it by Election Day (Tuesday, November 5). The Cortez Police Department invites you to the Shield616 Angel Armor Vest Presentation on Thursday, November 7. The City of Cortez announced Elizabeth Edson as the new director of the Cortez Public Library. Montezuma County’s Office of Emergency Management would like to remind residents to sign up for emergency alerts, especially as winter weather approaches. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.
Performances of the Sunflower Theatre’s Maniac Lake: a Halloween Play are running on weekends from Friday, October 25th through Sunday, Nov, 3 with tickets available online. The Cortez Fire Protection District is hosting a Halloween trick-or-treat party on Thursday, Oct 31 at the Firehouse from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Zu Gallery is hosting its 15th annual Monster Mash Costume Party on Thursday, Oct 31 starting at 7:00 p.m. Families that would like to receive gift assistance for the holidays can fill out a print or digital application for the Mancos Giving Tree through Friday, Nov 1. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.
The City of Cortez’s second and final Clean-Up Week of this year is happening Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 25th with an added e-waste recycling event for electronic items on Saturday, Oct. 26. Mancos Public Library and Mancos School of the West are collaborating to host two art workshops: a fall painting workshop on Saturday, Oct. 26 and a gel plate workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9. The Cortez Public Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 21st through Saturday, Oct. 26th in order to replace the HVAC system. If you’ve ever wondered how to verify sources and avoid information scams online, head to Mancos Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for an educational seminar focussed on safely navigating the digital age. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Big O Tires.
The Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon, 5K, and Fun Run is Saturday, Oct. 19 with proceeds benefiting the Mancos Public Library. The Cancer Resource Alliance is hosting its 13th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. The Dolores Public Library is holding a yarn swap on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Art of James M. Williams at the Cortez Public Library is on display through Tuesday, Oct. 15. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room.
Fenceline Cider’s Community Pick Program returns after a successful 2023 harvest season, in which it gathered more than forty thousand pounds of apples from the local community. The initiative invites area residents with apple trees to donate their harvests to be used as part of the company's ciders. Fenceline says it helps reduce the amount of local fruit that might go unused after ripening. In exchange for three or more bushels of acceptable apples, Fenceline will offer cider, a bar tab, or cash payment. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.
The theater community is celebrating Nicholaus Sandner as Colorado’s top drama teacher. Sandner is a Durango local, a Fort Lewis College graduate and a drama teacher at Montezuma Cortez High School. Sandner was recently in Denver to accept his Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year award from the Colorado Thespians organization. Sandner says his students might be as happy as he is for the recognition. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Blondie’s Troph room.
The Cortez Cultural Center’s month-long fundraiser and harvest festival, Everybody Eats, begins on Friday, Oct. 4 with exhibits, expos, and events throughout the month. Dolores Public Library’s Friday Fun Day series is getting started with a new topic: “For the Birds.” The Mancos Public Library is screening the film She Rises Up on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s event will take place on Friday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. Author, ABC News commentator, and child safety activist Elizabeth Smart is coming to speak in Pagosa Springs and Durango on Tuesday, Oct. 8 as part of the Community Foundation’s Making a Difference Speaker Series. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Hospice of Montezuma.
The Dolores Harvest Festival and Car Show is happening Sat., September 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Joe Rowell Park. Grand Autumn Eve will be taking place in Mancos on Sat., September 28. The event celebrates local businesses in Mancos with music, food, and extended shopping hours. The Mt. Lookout Grange 8th Annual Pig Roast is back on Sat, September 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Two City of Cortez community grants are still open for application. The deadline to apply for the City of Cortez Community Support Grant is October 18, and the Beautification Grant deadline has been extended to December 9. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Choice Building Supply.
The second annual Rhythm and Roots Harvest Festival is happening at the Mancos Opera House on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21. Cortez Middle School Garden is hosting an open house on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to share about the Montezuma School to Farm Project. Mancos Public Library is participating in National Library Card Sign-Up Month this September with a raffle for new card holders. A newly-published report from the National Park Service shows that Mesa Verde National Park contributed more than 75 million dollars to the local economy. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room
Pueblo Seed & Food Company has started roasting its 2024 chile crop. Owner Dan Hobbs has found an excited chile clientele since moving his company from Pueblo to Cortez in 2021. He’s also found Pueblo chile varieties thrive in Southwest Colorado. Hobbs will roast fresh bushells for customers on Friday and Saturday afternoons through the end of September. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big-o tires.
The Dolores Public Library is conducting a writing workshop on Saturday, September 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County is holding a panel discussion on health insurance at the County Annex on Saturday, September 14th. The City of Cortez has begun implementing a safety action plan as part of the nationwide Safe Streets for All program. Mesa Verde County’s first annual Fall into Gold Treasure Hunt is taking place on Saturday, October 5th. The hunt is in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde and will culminate in a drawing for a one-ounce double-eagle gold coin. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Keesee Motor Company.
Fort Lewis College has partnered with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to establish a new nursing training facility on its campus. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper toured the facility on Aug. 29, highlighting the importance of local educational opportunities in retaining healthcare professionals in rural areas. $1.3 million in federal funding will support the CU Nursing Fort Lewis College Collaborative, which aims to train students in community-based, rural, and Indigenous healthcare perspectives. By keeping nursing education local, the program seeks to address the challenges smaller communities face in recruiting healthcare workers and enhance the quality of care available in southwest Colorado. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and M&R Plumbing.
Colorado State Thespians has named Nicholaus Sander of Montezuma-Cortez High School as 2024’s Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year. Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance is hosting a night of amateur astronomy at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum on Friday, September 6th, starting at 7:00 p.m. RISE Southwest is hosting its third annual Memorial Walk for those who have been affected by suicide. The walk will take place at Montezuma Park on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Dolores Mountain Quilters announced the winners and results of its 2024 quilt show in August. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Big O Tires.
Recycling services have resumed at the Montezuma County Landfill after being halted over the summer due to equipment failures. Between out-of-stock parts and technological incompatibility, the process of repairing key parts of the recycling process took longer than planned. The recycling backlog will be addressed, and efforts will be made to ensure smooth operations going forward. The county is also focused on reducing contamination in recyclables, which slows down processing and can lead to delays in the recycling process. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Hospice of Montezuma.
Play Music on the Porch Day, sponsored by the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association and Zu Gallery, is Saturday, August 31st in Cortez. Montezuma County has replaced the landfill baler and is now accepting recycling again as of August 22nd. The Cortez Police Department’s 2024 Fall Citizens Academy is launching on September 4th and will run on Wednesday nights through October 9th. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles encourages Colorado residents to participate in the KOSI 101.1 Teddy Bear Patrol by donating a new stuffed animals at participating DMV offices through Wednesday, September 4th. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Keesee Motor Company.
