The Call for School Board Candidates

August 9, 2023

The Mancos School District Board elections is scheduled to take place Tuesday, November 14, but candidates must start the process in August. The League of Women Voters in Montezuma County is hosting a presentation on the Economic Development of Region 9. Mark your Calendars, Escalante Days returns August 11-13. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health Systems and FASTSIGNS

Learn More...

Mancos School District - https://www.mancosre6.edu/

League of Women Voters Montezuma County - https://www.lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-montezuma-county

Escalante Days - https://www.visitdolores.com/escalante-days

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Southwest Health Systems - https://www.swhealth.org/

FASTSIGNS - https://www.fastsigns.com/560-durango-co

Read the Full Transcript

There are open seats on the Mancos School Board and you can put your name on the ballot for the upcoming election. Hear from a local economic leader during an upcoming regional economic presentation, and as summer races to its end, Escalante Days approaches. You're watching the "Local News Roundup," brought to you by Southwest Health Systems and FastSigns. I'm Connor Shreve. The call is out for school board candidates in Mancos. There will be three open seats in the next election for school board members and the first deadline for interested candidates is approaching August 9th. Serving on the school board provides an opportunity to give a lasting impact on the future of Mancos and the surrounding area. To run for one of the three open seats, you need to file a nomination petition signed by 25 eligible electors. Those become available August 9th and must be submitted by the 31st. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Montezuma County. The school board election takes place November 14th. You can contact the District if you are indeed interested in filling a nomination petition and learn more on the District's website at mancosre6.edu. Shak Powers headlines a program about economic development in Region 9 later this month. Powers is a former Montezuma County Administrator, currently working as the Project Manager for Broadband, Housing and Transit. The League of Women Voters in Montezuma County will present the program on Saturday, August 12th at 10:15 a.m. at the Cortez Library. One of the last celebrations of summer is now right around the corner. Escalante Days is chockfull of events on August 11th and 12th, with a two-day softball tournament wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, August 13th. The festival features family-friendly activities from kids bike rodeos and bike giveaways, to a pancake breakfast and 5K run, to a beer and wine garden and block party. You can still register for the parade online at visitdolores.com. Judges will be awarding first, second, and third place prizes for entries that best exemplify how we beat the heat. Learn more about this and other stories at montezumalocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the "Local News Roundup." I'm Connor Shreve.

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, Farm Direct 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.

Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

The Festival of Wreaths and online silent auction begins Sunday, Nov. 28. The Cortez Parks and Recreation Department seeks community input in a new semi-annual survey. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

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.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.