Modified Polar Express to Run for Holidays

Two spring-themed events are happening this Saturday, April 27th: a Spring Craft Bazaar at the Dolores Community Center and Flower Fest, a fundraiser for Mancos Valley Dragonfly School, at the Mancos Opera House. Winners of the Historic Cortez Coloring Book have been announced. To see all the coloring book submissions, visit the Cortez Cultural Center May 2nd through the 4th to view the artist showcase with a special reception for the artists on Friday, May 3rd. Books will be available to purchase or download in May. Colorado News Collaborative is doing a Voter Voices 2024 survey to ask voters what they want their candidates to talk about as they compete for their votes. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Anita Burleson, who runs LB Productions, is now teaching improv, dance, and musical theater classes for youth in Montezuma County. She also offers voice lessons for children and adults. Upcoming offerings include summer programming for youth and additional after-school classes. Learn more and join a program at ​​www.lbpstudioproductions.com. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Dolores will be awarding several scholarships to select Dolores High School seniors. The City of Cortez has released its unofficial municipal election results. Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce has opened grant applications for member organization events, projects, and programs that promote Mancos Valley tourism. Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced Cortez as a recipient of $179 thousand in grant funding through the Community Business Preservation Program. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and The Lor Foundation.

Every year the non-profit Shield 616 raises money to equip officers with safer protective vests. In 2024, the non-profit is working with the Cortez Police Department to purchase 31 “Angel Armor” rifle-rated vests. Two Cortez officers, Jason Giacchino and Tyler Smith, will ride the Tour de Shield to honor fallen officers and raise money for the vests. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Choice Building Supply.

The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association, in partnership with the Colorado Workforce Center and Cortez, is hosting a spring job fair on Friday, April 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex Building. On Thursday, April 18th, Duncan Rose will be giving a presentation at the Dolores Public Library titled about the changes, challenges, and tools emerging for the Upper Dolores River. The Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project is conducting a grafting workshop on Saturday, April 13th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Orchard Hub. Pueblo Community College has announced Dr. Chato Hazelbaker new president. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Big O Tires

Medicine Horse is an equine assisted therapy center in Mancos, Colorado that uses the connection between horses and humans to work on mental health. Medicine Horse offers programs that support school children, individual therapy, professional development, life coaching, veteran support, summer programs, and more. Learn more and join a program at medicinehorsecenter.org. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Choice Building Supply.

The Cortez Public Library is holding an author talk featuring fiction writer and poet Stacie Denetsosie on Wednesday, April 10th at 5 p.m. In 2023, she published her debut short story collection called “The Missing Morningstar and Other Stories,” which was named 2024 Southwest Book of the Year. El Pomar Foundation has opened applications for its 2024 senior leadership experience program, taking place September 24th through the 27th. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has launched a Colorado Passport Program to encourage people to visit Colorado’s state parks and 15 fish hatcheries. Free passports and stamps are available at Colorado state parks and hatcheries. The Business Support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Department of Revenue released a free, self-paced sales tax fundamental course for business owners covering tax responsibilities and how to stay compliant. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and The Lor Foundation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,526 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2023, which is a 21 percent decrease from previous years. That’s largely due to healthy natural forage production last season. It’s still too early to tell how 2024 will shape up. The vast majority of calls involve bears trying to access human food sources, with trash remaining the number one source of conflicts. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Mesa Verde Country has been awarded a grant from the Colorado Tourism Office. The Destination Lab Grant allows Mesa Verde Country to create and publish a free online training program to help ensure that workers are sharing the same information, providing visitors with the best possible experience. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Mancos Public Library in collaboration with the Cloud Goddess invites you to honor 13 women from the local community on Saturday, March 30th from 3 to 5 p.m. Beginning the first week of April, the Mancos Library is facilitating an online cultural exchange program for teenagers. Colorado’s annual fishing licenses are on sale for the 2024-2025 season with a new regulation in place for Hermosa Creek. Visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for updated fishing regulations regarding other properties and fees. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and The Lor Foundation.

The 8th annual benefit for the Uncompahgre River and 18th Annual F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour recently took place in Ridgway, Colorado, supporting the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Attendees enjoyed diverse fly-fishing films while contributing to restoration projects and education initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of the watershed. Policymakers, including State Senator Cleave Simpson, emphasized the importance of protecting water resources amidst legal and environmental challenges. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino Resort and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.