Free Family Activities are Back for Summer

May 27, 2025

Learn how you can get a free art tour in Cortez. What happens to pets when their owners no longer can care for them? Find out how to plan ahead. Cortez Public Library’s summer reading program launches with a party. Native American Dances are back for another season at the Cortez Cultural Center. Find out when! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Hospice of Montezuma.

Learn More...

Cortez Retail Enhancement Association - https://shopcortez.com/

Cortez Tours - https://www.corteztours.com/

Cortez Cultural Center - https://cortezculturalcenter.org/

Cortez Public Library - https://www.cortezco.gov/761/Library

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

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The Lor Foundation - https://lorfoundation.org/

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

Read the Full Transcript

Cortez Tours will host a free art tour in June. What happens to pets when their owners pass away? Find out how you can prepare Cortez public Library's summer reading program launches with a party. Native American dances are back for another season at the Cortez Cultural Center. You're watching the local News Roundup, brought to you by Lore Foundation and Hospice of Montezuma. I'm Connor Shrieve. Cortez Tours will host a free first Friday art tour on Friday, June 6th. Normally $15. The tour hour tour will highlight local art galleries and public murals downtown. The Bureau tour is free on the first Friday of each month. Thanks to the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association. Claim your free tickets by visiting the Cortez Tours website. Use the Code Cortez Art during checkout. The Hospice of Montezuma will host a community animal and pet resource clinic about advanced directives for pets from nine to one on Friday, June 6th, that the Hospice of Montezuma. The seminar covers how to plan for your pet's care. Once you can no longer do it yourself, pet safety, foster information, and other pet health programs and resources, call or email the Hospice of Montezuma for more information. Cortez Public Library's summer reading program begins Tuesday, June 10th with a summer reading kickoff party from five to 7:00 PM in Centennial Park. The party includes free books, live music, face painting crafts, and more. The summer reading program is open to all ages. To participate, track your reading on a library reading log. Then turn in the log between June 16th and July 31st to be entered to win for prizes. Adults can win $100 Visa gift card while prizes for kids and teenagers includes gift cards, toys, and tech. The library also hosts events and programs for all ages throughout the summer. For more info, visit the Cortez Public Library website, the annual summertime Native American Dance Performances at the Cortez Cultural Center. We'll start on Thursday, June 12th, and run from six to 7:00 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays until August 16th. They bring Native American traditions to life through storytelling and multi-generational dancing, drumming, and singing. Audience members are encouraged to participate. The free performances will be held at the Cortez Cultural Centers Outdoor Dance Plaza. Learn more about these and other stories online at Montezuma Local News. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Connor Shrieve.

Cortez Residents Are Invited to Shape Their Community’s Future

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.

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.