Montezuma-Cortez High School Senior Zander Cruzan is piling up wins at track meets across the region. But his results are not a function of racing in Class 3A or running on the western slope. In fact, Cruzan is putting together one of the most impressive track seasons in recent memory in Colorado. And his times stack up with Colorado’s best in any classification. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Blondies Trophy Room
Every year organizers for the Cortez Historic Preservation Day find a new way to honor the historic buildings and art in Cortez. In 2023, organizers will pay homage to the buildings that housed department stores in the 1950’s. Events include a walking tour, a vintage car display and more. 12 Hours of Mesa Verde is looking for volunteers. Wellness Expo hosted by Mountain Range Fitness is coming May 20th. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big-O Tires
The Strater Hotel has recognized the Blue Moon Ramblers for working as the hotel's Sunday house band for over thirty years. Room 223 is now dedicated to the band. The suite includes a plaque on the door with the band's name, and portraits of the band and its founding members inside the room. The Blue Moon Ramblers are the first musical act to join more than 40 individuals or entities who have rooms dedicated at the Strater. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department
Officials want you to be ready for flooding. An event for livestock producers interested in learning about finishing livestock, meat quality and the business of meat production. Cortez needs employees to keep Playground Days running this summer. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and FASTSIGNS
SunRay Park & Casino has unveiled its 24th annual racing season with a national assembly of young, majestic horses. Ten races are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until May 21st. SunRay Park also offers year-round simulcast horse racing, and over modern 400 slots. Margaritas and Tex-Mex are popular, as are the large-hearted staff. By Donna K. Hewett.
Dolores Bike Hostel Owner Jacob Carloni hopes the hostel can help the local economy and add an unserved hospitality niche. Carloni believes the project also serves the county's economic development goal of increasing the length of stay in our county to promote local businesses. The Hostel will have a capacity of 25 people, with prices starting between $35 - $40 per bed, per night. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Keesee Motors
An early childhood festival and fair is scheduled for the last Saturday of April at the Cortez Recreation Center. McPhee Reservoir has announced new summer hours for boating. The seventh annual Hoedown fundraiser at the Mancos Opera House is back. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Southwest Health System
Wolves, in their haunting beauty and untamed wildness, are both a source of adoration and fear among people. At WolfWood Refuge, Paula Woerner and her team of volunteers provide experiences and opportunities for people to get up close with the animals that call the sanctuary home - ranging from full wolves and coyotes to animals that had to be surrendered due to inhumane conditions. One such educational event takes place annually at Purgatory Mountain Resort. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings
Staffers at the Durango-based Adaptive Sports Association are reflecting on a memorable winter as the organization readies for its summer season. The association, which provides outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, hosted about 600 lessons this winter, as it trends back to pre-pandemic demand. Upcoming summer programming includes river trips, cycling tours, camping trips and more. The Adaptive Sports Association also offers programming that caters to disabled military veterans such as Team River Runner. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware
The City of Cortez seeks applicants for Colorado Grand college scholarship. Durango-La Plata airport is adding air service to Houston begins in June. A fundraiser for Grace’s Community Kitchen is set for April 28. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Choice Building Supply
