Cortez’s WildEdge Brewing Collective, open since 2017 is finally completing an expansion that’s been in the works since before the Covid pandemic. Owner and Brewer Tucker Robinson says the smaller, more intimate space located behind the main taproom can fill a variety of roles. He believes the room can be anything from a meeting space to a lecture site. By Connor Shreve

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cortez-brewery-celebrates-expansion 

This story is sponsored by FastSigns and The Lor Foundation

The La Plata County Humane Society completed a full shelter renovation that modernized and upgraded the 52-year-old building. Now on-par with the most modern facilities in the Four Corners area, the non-profit can more easily carry out its objective of enhancing and protecting the lives of companion animals. By Connor Shreve

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/la-plata-county-humane-society-hopes-for-banner-year 

This story is sponsored by The Man Cave Barbers and Serious Texas BBQ 

The Galloping Goose Summer schedule has been released and it includes multiple destinations on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Lisa Snyder has been named the new Executive Dean of PCC Southwest. Snyder has faculty and administrative experience, most recently serving as Dean for the School of Humanities at San Juan College. By Connor Shreve.

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cortez-community-kitchen-to-serve-mardi-gras-lunch 

This story is sponsored by The Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley and TruWest Auto

Initially a local geologist’s dream office located seventy feet below sandstone ground, Kokopelli Cave became a five-star bread and breakfast in Farmington. It’s located on a three-hundred-foot desert cliff overlooking the lovely La Plata River Valley. Seventeen hundred square feet of carpeted cave offers a full kitchen, and jet tub water flow. Open March first through December first, it accommodates up to eight people for a one-of-a-kind experience. By Donna K. Hewett

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cuddly-kokopelli-cave-is-a-farmington-b-b-staple 

This story is sponsored by The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College and CMIT Solutions

The Cortez Retail Enhancement Association is offering cash cards to people who write love letters about their favorite local businesses. Wants to hear how much you love your local businesses by encouraging residents to write love letters. Participants will be entered to win Cupid Cash Cards to spend at their beloved businesses. Artist scholarship applications are being accepted for one- and two-week residencies at the Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve Education Center. The Sunflower Troupe is holding auditions for the upcoming play season. By Connor Shreve

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/february-marks-love-your-local-retailers-month 

This story is sponsored by The Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply Hardware Ace Hardware

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how to keep the stars so bright? The Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with the International Dark Skies Association to help communities get their Dark Sky Certificate, a way to celebrate and maintain the beauty of the night skies. Durango, Colorado, is participating in the Colorado Dark Sky Mentorship Program through OEDIT and the Colorado Tourism Office. The program will help Durango and other participating communities learn what they need to do to get their certification and help spread the word on the importance of darker night skies and brighter stars. By Hannah Robertson

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/making-night-skies-darker 

This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barret and Associates and Pop's Truck and RV

The Historic Colorado license plate contest is featuring final design submissions from Colorado residents. Once a winner is selected, the plates will be available at your DMV office from 2023 - 2027. A first ever writer’s conference, the Mesa Verde Writer’s Conference, will be in Mancos this summer. A reduction in food assistance benefits will hit SNAP eligible households next month. By Connor Shreve

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/vote-on-colorados-next-license-plate-design 

This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and the Law Firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley

For nearly two decades, the Colavita Foods brand was synonymous with amateur bike racing. Recently the core group of members that make up the team, decided to get back into the local community for race team support. Now, with the help of Easy Coffee Roaster and a handful of Four Corners businesses, the team will target a slate of races throughout the region in 2023. By Connor Shreve. 

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/cycling-team-shifts-sponsorship-strategy  

This story is sponsored byHappy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings and Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

The first inaugural meeting of the Montezuma Backcountry Group is scheduled to take place at 6:00 PM at WildEdge Brewing on Wednesday, January 25. Park officials at Canyons of the Ancients are asking people to stay off trails until they dry out. The Mancos Conservation District is fostering public ideas for a healthy watershed during an upcoming three day watershed workshop. By Connor Shreve

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/backcountry-enthusiasts-recruit-members-for-new-social-group 

This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Southwest Health System

One retired teacher in Pagosa Springs wants to help local students in southwest Colorado expand their horizons through unique experiences. Flowstone Education is the brainchild of Cheetah & Brad McClellan and aims to provide low-income students in Colorado with workshops and summer camps designed to expand their horizons and expose them to opportunities beyond their hometowns. Workshops are led by local experts in fields ranging from beauticians to screenwriters, YouTubers to cooks, and more. By Hannah Robertson

Watch this story at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/taking-a-new-approach-to-educational-activities 

This story is sponsored by Service Master Restore and The Payroll Department