The 35th annual Durango Cowboy Gathering features three days of music and poetry performances around town. Welcome fall at the Dolores Harvest Festival. Mount Lookout Grange hosts its annual pig roast. Leaves will change color slightly later than usual this year in Colorado. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and the Lor Foundation

If you have gently used outdoor gear, donate it to local kids in need. Four Corners Writers is launching a new writing workshop for writers of all experience levels. The San Juan Mountains Association is hosting a trail day at Canyons of the Ancients on National Public Lands Day. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto

Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado has created a broadband roadmap to help expand broadband connectivity in rural Southwest Colorado. Shak Powers, project manager for Region 9, explains why broadband is important for the economy, as well as remote education and telehealthcare. By Ilana Newman. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Keesee Motors

The Cortez Police Department Citizens Academy teaches scenarios, skills and problem solving through the lens of law enforcement. The Dolores Family Project is accepting food donations for its fall food drive. The Four Corners Fly-in returns for its third year at the Cortez Airport. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and Big-O Tires

The Supreme Court’s June 29th ruling that race-based affirmative action in admissions is unconstitutional was disappointing for many educators, but not necessarily a surprise. But the rulings don’t impact how local institutions such as Fort Lewis College operate. Additionally, the rulings don’t impact how schools conduct outreach or recruit. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and Sky Ute Casino

Professional certification courses for cybersecurity and drone operations are tuition-free and available with a grant from La Plata County and Colorado OEDIT. The work of Cortez artist Karen Kristin is on display through September at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church. The work focuses on the animals and landscape of the southwest. September is the final month of Third Thursdays celebrations - the finale will feature musical act The Hillbenders. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and The Lor Foundation

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, in conjunction with the Colorado Grain Chain, is offering an educational online series about grain this winter and spring. Scholarships are available for local grain producers as well as business owners of grain-oriented businesses. The Good Food Collective is taking charge of gleaning in our community this harvest season. Gleaning is the art of harvesting fruit that would otherwise go unused. Tickets for the 2023 Sunflower Shorts Play Festival are on sale now. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and Southwest Health Systems

Documentarian Christi Bode is used to filming the aftermath of a wildfire - but when the Plumtaw Fire broke out within eyesight of her home, there was a new story to tell. In the American Southwest, so often stories of wildfires end in tales of destruction and loss, though that was not the case with the Plumtaw Fire. Bode, with her film company Moxicran Media, collaborated with several other local organizations to highlight the success of fire mitigation and education efforts, resulting in the short documentary film: “Plumtaw” A Future with Fire”. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

You can nominate an exceptional woman for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame 40th Anniversary class through January 31st. As summer fades, chances are running out to join the monthly garden class at Good Sam’s Food Pantry in Cortez. There will be plenty of chances to catch a vibe in Cortez at an upcoming global music event. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondies Trophy Room and TruWest Auto

The Mancos Common Press will have local artists on hand for a printing pop-up and fundraiser. Learn how to identify wild mushroom varieties and what their health benefits may be at an upcoming educational session. Colorado Parks & Wildlife wants hunters to help with its big game license draw process. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply