Spring means it’s time for landowners to start protecting property from fire risk. Jobs, resources, and training are part of a job fair at the Montezuma County Annex. Burrofest is looking for artists. By Connor Shreve. Watch this story and more at www.montezumalocal.news/newsstories/learn-best-fire-mitigation-practices This story is sponsored by @Kroegers_Ace_Hardware and @HappyPappysPizza

Gardening in Southwest Colorado takes more patience and preparation than in many other warmer and wetter states. The area is susceptible to unpredictable frosts, drought, smoke, and a shorter growing window, yet it is still possible to have a highly productive garden. Mountain Roots Food Project has a spring gardening guide to help better understand the challenges and planning needed to succeed in our gardens this summer. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Sacred Song Farm, a first generation, family farm in Mancos, is expanding, adding an outdoor construction company to its portfolio. Sacred Song Designs specializes in projects based on permaculture design philosophies and Key Line Design techniques. Owners say the business will operate on the same principles as its now seven-year-old farm - to live in harmony with nature. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and FASTSIGNS

The Montezuma Community Collective wants input from local residents on how to improve the community. The Montezuma Leadership Network spring fling leadership event mixes business with pleasure, and Purgatory Mountain Resort ski days are dwindling so make plans to take advantage of the last few weekends of skiing! By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and Blondie’s Trophy Room

Doctor Lisa Snyder started as the Executive Dean at Pueblo Community College Southwest on February 1st. Snyder and her family have lived in Durango since 2013. Prior to joining Pueblo Community College Southwest, she was the dean of the School of Humanities at San Juan College. She also worked as the associate vice president for academic affairs at Fort Lewis College. Snyder is based at the PCC Southwest campus in Mancos and also oversees sites in Durango and Bayfield. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by the Lor Foundation and Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware

A film festival for female empowerment and proceeds benefit Renew. Get prepared to head into the wilderness this summer with a class at the Dolores Public Library. Learn to prune your plants at a spring workshop with the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Southwest Health System

The 2021 infrastructure bill earmarked more money for broadband internet access than ever before. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is one beneficiary, getting nearly $44 million to connect nearly 1,800 Native American households to high speed internet. Funds will be deployed locally to help close the digital divide faced by Tribal communities. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and Big O Tires

The Southwest Colorado Equitable Land Project is hosting five public listening sessions on finding solutions to land access barriers. Dolores has released its 2023 events calendar. A day to support caregivers is scheduled at Hospice of Montezuma. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply Ace Hardware and FASTSIGNS

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will visit Durango for the first time Saturday, April 1. Two screenings will be hosted by the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are available online through Five Rivers Trout Unlimited or in-person at Duranglers for $20. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Pops Truck & RV Center and The Payroll Department

Volunteers from Turquoise Paw Rescue in Shiprock travel the expanse of the Navajo Nation to trap loose dogs and shelter them until they’re released to shelters across the country. Volunteers for Turquoise Paw Rescue normally travel hundreds of miles with traps, blankets, and “smelly foods,” to save mostly female “rez dogs” and their plentiful offspring. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Distill Beer Wine Spirits and Northern Edge Casino