Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced the Mancos Conservation District as a recipient of its ‘Partners in the Outdoors’ grant. The Mancos Creative District event, Mancos BurroFest, returns with an animal art market, burro obstacle course, art demonstrations, food trucks and live music. The Dolores County Junior Rodeo series provides kids the chance to learn skills like roping and flag racing through the summer. The Cortez Public Library’s summer reading program kicks off Tuesday, June 20th. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/mancos-conservation-district-earns-cpw-grant

This story is sponsored by Southwest Health Systems and FASTSIGNS

The Durango Airtanker base houses firefighting and support crews that serve as a shared national resource when wildfire breaks out. Firefighting efforts generally require collaborating with multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management along with state, city, and county offices. This season provided the opportunity for the base to host its first “fly-in” since the pandemic. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/durango-air-tanker-base-ready-for-wildfire-season 

This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Sky Ute Casino

Sclerocactus Glaucus, a rare barrel cactus native to mountain plateau regions of Western Colorado is scheduled to be taken off the Federal threatened and endangered species list in June. Through data collected and analyzed by Denver Botanic Gardens’ scientists led by Michelle DePrenger-Levin, M.S., it is projected that populations are stable and resilient. The findings could indicate something about how we’re interacting with the Cacti’s natural habitat. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/native-cactus-no-longer-endangered 

This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroegers Ace Hardware

Pueblo Community College Nursing gets a boost, earning yet another education benchmark. It’s farmers market season, and the Dolores Farmers market is welcoming back customers and vendors. The Ute Mountain PRCA Rodeo returns with carnival in tow. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/pcc-nursing-program-gets-top-accreditation 

This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Keesee Motors

A bill aiming to protect 76 miles of the Dolores River appears poised for passage. The measure was reintroduced this spring by Senator Michael Bennet after it ran out of time in the 2022 session. The legislation has bi-partisan support, including an identical companion bill in the House introduced by Representative Lauren Boebert. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/proposed-federal-protection-for-dolores-river 

This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room

The 18th annual Dolores Riverfest promises an all-day party at Joe Rowell Park, featuring live music, local food & drink, river rides and more. The festival runs from 10 am until dark on Saturday, June 3rd. Development of the Dolores Bike and Skate Park continues with the project's next phase: a park design party, which will take place Monday, June 5th from 5 pm - 7 pm at Dolores River Brewery. Organizers will take design ideas and feedback from members of the community. Candidates for the Empire Electric Board of Directors will take questions from community members during an upcoming candidate forum at the Dolores Community Center. By Connor Shreve. 

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/the-18th-annual-dolores-riverfest-returns 

This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and Big O Tires

This year’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic was full of high spirits and sportsmanship. Racers shared their experience pedaling over Molas Pass, hard fought victories, and wipe-outs. Ian Burnett shared his inside knowledge as a former racer and current Race Director and applauded this year’s contestants. By Zach Marqua.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/muscle-and-sweat-defeats-coal-and-steam 

This story is sponsored by Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings and Sky Ute Casino

Team UP, a collective impact initiative of United Way Southwest Colorado, brings together other organizations to create positive change for youth in Montezuma, Dolores, and La Plata counties. Their newest projects include a scholarship program for summer camps, mental health vouchers for youth, and an app that acts as a hub for early childhood resources. By Ilana Newman.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/kids-go-to-summer-camp-free 

This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Keesee Motors

The American Legion Ute Mountain Ute Post 75 will host a Memorial Day sunrise service at the Cortez Cemetery.  The Cortez Recreation Center is looking for employees to help solve its staffing shortage and you’re invited to join the Montezuma Land Conservancy’s bike tour of Cortez-area conserved lands and after party at WildEdge Brewing Collective. North Adams Street is now closed to through traffic. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/memorial-day-services-scheduled 

This story is sponsored by Southwest Health Systems and FASTSIGNS 

The Colorado Grain Chain is awarding four grants statewide to brewers or distillers who craft a beverage using exclusively Colorado grown grain. One grant will be awarded to businesses in each of Colorado’s major watersheds. The non-profit hopes the microgrant improves awareness for Colorado’s grain community. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/non-profit-launches-grant-for-brewers-distillers 

This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ