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

There is a subtle excitement hearing the tuning note as a symphony is about to start, and San Juan Symphony wants to bring that excitement to everyone, performer or concert-goer. Through community-based programs, working within local schools, and supporting other local music groups, San Juan Symphony is bringing professional-grade music to the small towns and communities, breaking down barriers to access. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Alpine Bank

The Cortez Adult Education Center is offering free registration for GED and ESL classes in august. The annual Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally is scheduled for Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 pm with tethered balloon rides on a first come, first served basis for a five dollar donation. The Montelores Early Childhood Council is sponsoring a school supply giveaway. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and the Lor Foundation

Prizes, meditation and social hour highlight a wellness mixer planned at Zu Gallery in August. Learn how to identify, harvest and prepare mushrooms at an upcoming seminar hosted by Fish & Fungi. Help supply local kids with the tools they need to return to the classroom this fall at a fundraiser hosted by local businesses. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room

After a recent Housing Needs Assessment, the City of Cortez is updating the land use code and taking other steps to ensure the town has more housing available for the workforce in the near future. Cortez Mayor, Rachel Medina, talks about ways that the city is working on housing issues with local partners. By Illana Newman. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and TruWest Auto

The Deaf & The Musician features deaf artist Cindy McAllister and singer/songwriter Ben Brinton, who combines American Sign Language with music for a new visual twist on some popular songs you’ve likely heard before. The Cortez Fire Department is accepting employment applications through August 11th. Land, fire and range loss in a series of presentations this summer. The second of four summer sessions are scheduled this week. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and LOR Foundation

Where do we find the next generation of leaders? Well, at least for members of the affiliated tribes of the Grand Canyon, aspiring leaders find a home in the Rising Leaders program, part of the Grand Canyon Trust. Through programs like the regional, intertribal, intergenerational, stewardship expedition (RIISE) program, Rising Leaders aims to build and support the next generation of leaders to create a more just and sustainable future for the Colorado Plateau. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Pop’s Truck & RV Center and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

The story of Ian O’Brien inspired dozens of volunteers to search for the missing hiker daily. Together, they covered 12,000 acres of wilderness. But, after weeks of searching, O’Brien’s family has called the effort off. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS and Southwest Health System

Fundamental Needs, a Cortez-based non-profit, began by helping out on the Navajo Reservation during the pandemic. Ultimately, the founder’s discovered water was one of the most desired resources on the reservation. It developed a program that installs water systems for individual dwellings that don't have access to clean water. In 2023, the non-profit will continue its expansion into the Farmington and Shiprock areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Three Rivers Brewing and The Big Idea Makerspace at San Juan College

Colorado Parks & Wildlife will host three days of archery, fly fishing and shooting education for novice sportswomen later this month in Norwood. The Montezuma Land Conservancy is hoping for community feedback on the results from its G-I-S climate change analysis in Dolores, San Miguel and Montezuma Counties. The most creative drummer in Ghana (@paakowmusic) is coming to Cortez Third Thursdays. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big-O Tires and Blondies Trophy Room