Cortez Residents Are Invited to Shape Their Community’s Future

December 18, 2025

The City of Cortez seeks nominees for city council. Ring in the new year at the Great Four Corners Glitter-Shuffle Groove-a-Thon and End-of-Year Sparkle-Blast DJ Party. And the City of Cortez sales and use tax rate will decrease starting Jan. 1, 2026. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

Learn More...

City of Cortez - https://www.cortezco.gov/

Sunflower Theatre - https://sunflowertheatre.org/

KSJD - https://www.ksjd.org/

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Keesee Motor Company - https://www.keeseemotorcompany.com/

Hospice of Montezuma - https://hospiceofmontezuma.org/

Read the Full Transcript

The City of Cortez seeks to fill four city council positions. Local DJs kick off the new year with base drops in dancing at the Sunflower Theater, and the City of Cortez reminds business owners about the 2026 sales and use tax rate change your watching the local News Roundup, brought to you by Kei Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma. I am Sadie Smith. The city of Cortez seeks nominees for city council. The city has four council member positions open for 2026. Three of the elected members will serve four year terms and one member will serve a two year term. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and be a City of Cortez resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the municipal election in April. Nomination packets will be available starting Tuesday, January 6th at the City Clerk's office. Each candidate will need at least 25 valid signatures to qualify. Petitions must be filled with the city clerk by 5:00 PM on Monday, January 26th. For more information, visit the City of Cortez website. Ring in the new year with local DJs at the Great Four Corners Glitter Shuffle Groove, Aon, and end of year Sparkle Blast. DJ Party seven volunteer DJs from KSJD. We'll be mixing dance music from 7:00 PM to midnight on Wednesday, December 31st at the Sunflower Theater. The event is open to everyone from seven to 10:00 PM and to ages 21 and older. From 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM Tickets are $10. Visit the Sunflower Theater website to learn more. The City of Cortez sales and use tax rate will decrease from 4.05% to 3.85% effective Thursday, January 1st, 2026. The City of Cortez reminds business owners to update their point of sale and accounting systems. The sales tax goes directly to the City of Cortez. To register a new sales tax license or file a sales tax return, visit the City of Cortez website. Learn more about these and other stories online at Montezuma Local News. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Sadie Smith.

Cortez Residents Are Invited to Shape Their Community’s Future

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Pueblo Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.